Sparky wrote:
> "For somebody to change the oil and not check for a stuck gasket is just
> stupid," Mr. Barnett said. "I can't believe that Honda has had to send a
> letter out saying, 'Hey, guys, check for the oil filter gasket - you're
> setting cars on fire.' "

ive got a feeling the particular batch of OEM fram filters installed at
the factory had bad glue on the gaskets, so when changed, the gasket
would tear from the filter and stick to the block.

mechanics, not used to this happening, toss the old filter and put the
new one on. bingo!

all the mechanic has to do is check that the old gasket is still on the
filter before they toss it. but that *will* take some reminding.

i never check for an old gasket on the block, but i do check the filter
before i toss it. and i wipe down the area the gasket sits on when im
cleaning the inevitable drips.