oil filter washer important?

[danmc]

I couldn't find a post about my topic. Maybe there is one? I actually have no washers now on my oil filter ('94 sprint 900). I see in the manual that it should have both. It didn't have the one above the spring and it worked just fine. It now doesn't have the top one either. Just how bad is this? Should I not ride it and panic? Or is it actually ok and I shouldn't worry?

[ervdrvr1]

Dan,
The top washer missing shouldn't be a prob. The bottom one however might be. The spring could eventualy push it's way thru the rubber seal on the bottom of the filter. Are you sure the top one is missing? Sometimes they stick to the inside of the sump and don't fall out when you take the filter out.

Erv
Deep in the Heart of Texas!!

[danmc]

To be honest, I'm not sure which washer I have. I think it is the top one. I didn't find it when I pulled the filter off the post, only in the oil drain pan when I was cleaning up. I think it was the top one but now if the bottom is more important, I'll make sure it goes in there. I've had a number of other non-sprint bikes. This is the first I've seen requiring washers.

[ervdrvr1]

Dan,
The Haynes manual shows two, mine only came with one between the filter and the spring. I looked up into the sump, and the shoulder that the filter sets against is about the same size as the washer any ways. Talked to the tech at the dealer and they said some have both, some have one. No problem, just make sure it's between the spring and filter.

Erv
Deep in the Heart of Texas!!

[danmc]

Thanks a lot, Erv. I will make sure to put the washer on top of the spring and I'll ride with peace of mind.

Thanks to everyone who helped out.