On the Series 3 oil filter canister there is a rubber seal on the main bolt that holds the cannister to the engine. I'm trying to figure out where it goes. Under the bolt, on the outside of the canister is a large bearing piece to spread the force of the bolt across the head of the canister. When I removed the canister I found a stepped washer which fits perfectly into the bearing piece. I ordered a new bolt washer from SNG and it is not stepped. My question is this -- Does the rubber washer go on the outside of the bearing piece, under the bolt? Or does it get sandwiched betwee the bearing piece and the canister. I want to get this correct before I dump 12 quarts of oil into the sump.

Submitted by pharmon@jcna.com on Tue, 08/12/2008 - 16:22

There are a number of major suppliers of parts for your car and all are more than willing to take our money. I am not recommending one or the other but you should be able to find just about anything at either Welsh, SNG Barratt, or XKs Unlimited. Just do a search on the internet any you should find their URL.

Submitted by pharmon@jcna.com on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 08:03

Thanks George. My problem is this. What prevents oil from coming out of the canister, through the bolt hole and then under and out the sides of the spreader washer? There is only metal to metal contact between the spreader washer and the canister body. The rubber washer provided by SNG fits snug around the bolt but does not fit into the spreader washer. Am I missing something?