1.6 Oil filter question

[clbanman]

I picked up an oil filter at the VW dealer the other day.  Went to change the oil and filter tonight and the filter is different than previous ones I've had.  Same VW p/n on both the filter, box and paperwork, but the O.D. of the rubber gasket is 70 mm versus the 72 mm I'm used to seeing.  Visually I noticed the difference right away.   Any idea if I'm risking seal failure if I use it?   I'll try checking with the dealer tomorrow when they open (I hope their parts department is open Saturdays).   There is also a area on the base for a tool to remove/install it that I've never seen before.  Any ideas?  VW P/N is 068-115-561-B.

[BAM]

I never check the # but your pics look like they gave you the oil filter for first gen. TDi(1Z, AHU).  I have used them when on idi engines when out of stock on proper filter.  We use them never checked the seal OD but spun it and did not leak.  All good   cheers.

[Rabbit on Roids]

looks just like the filters we ran on all our super-turbo volvo diesels and thats a special tool for installing it is all, theres no way for a tool to grab when spinning it off.

[clbanman]

Just to update, everything at the local dealer looks like this now.  They are made in Bosnia and Herzegovina versus the previous ones.    The section at the bottom is to remove it.   The concern I had with the gasket is moot.  I measured the I.D. of the sealing surface on the flange on the engine, and it is 59 mm, while the I.D. of the smaller gasket is 61 mm, so there is full contact even though it is slightly smaller.   Of course the dealer knew nothing of a change or anything.

[Rabbit on Roids]

ok, i knew it was either for going on or coming off, couldnt remember for sure, as ive never used it for that purpose. and every time i was looking at it, the filter was upside down, making my thinking be up side down also. so, yea, your right, its to take it off.

[wolf_walker]

Looks like an IDI Mahle brand, I doubt they changed the flange much on the later motors, on the early one's the sealing flat is pretty wide and will accept quite a few oil filters that ought not to be used on there, but work in a pinch.  FL1A comes to mind.

[theman53]

If it is the TDI filter it has a better drainback filter than the original. I usually only get that filter:D

[wolf_walker]

If it is the TDI filter it has a better drainback filter than the original. I usually only get that filter:D

Elaborate?  I'm always game for a better drainback valve.