Hi,

I read a message warning about having a non-Volvo oil filter installed by a oil change specialty shop because they don't use some kind of spring in the filter, with the result that it "blew the rear seal" of someone's car. I'm new to Volvo's and I just took my 2-week old S70 to such a shop for an oil change. Am I at risk, and if so, how serious is this? Is this an issue to really pay attention to?

Thanks in advance!
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“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Pr 29:18 KJV

I think a clogged flame trap would cause a rear seal more
often then something like an oil filter. (Noramlly aspirated
engines have a flame trap, aka PCV Valve, and they are
often neglected and should be cleaned annually.)

The check-valve keeps oil in the engine for better starts with
less engine wear (a lot of engine wear occurs at startup). You
could just order the OEM filters and ask the local shops to use
them. I don't see any reason to do this until the next oil change.

Although Volvo or Mann filters are best, I have yet to see where any other brand of oil filter caused a problem. I think you've been BSd about the seal blowing due to an aftermarket filter because that's really not even possible. If the filter clogged, there's a bypass which will still allow oil to flow but it'll bypass the filter, not cause excessive oil pressure.

It's more likely that the person with the bad real seal (which happens after alot of miles) is just trying to blame someone or something. On non-turbo engines, a clogged flame trap or flame trap hoses can cause excessive blowby pressures and that can cause seals to blow. Turbo engines can also have too much blowby if there's a problem with the PCV system.

Don't sweat it.....just use a good filter next time. What kind of filter DID they use?