So, I'm doing a standard oil change in my 996 Cab C4, which 'should' be a no-brainier, right? However, I stumbled across a question that no one so far can answer with 100% confidence. The dilemma: During my oil change, I remove the oil filter, and noticed a small spring valve, which looks like a miniature coolant thermostat, is fitted into the end of the old oil filter. As is, I'm replacing this old filter with a new K&N brand. This mystery valve will also fit into the end of the car's oil feed tube (the male point the filter fits onto with OR without the mentioned valve). Just to be clear, this valve will also snugly accommodate the end of the new K&N oil filter. But, when the valve is attached to the oil feed tube AND the filter, it seems to elongate the filter just enough, so that, the filter housing can't completely be threaded into its proper position and torqued to spec. [Note: I am under the impression that some oil filter manufacturers include a 'check valve.'] With that said, is this pesky valve just a remnant from the previous brand of oil filter or an original, critical part of the car that needs to be reinstalled to help maintain oil pressure?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I'm pretty sure you don't want to throw that away!

Here is a note from the oil change instructions on renntech "Note: If the spindle/spring assembly sticks to the filter - remove it and push it back into the filter housing."

I don't recall it ever getting stuck to the filter when I do my changes.