Oil canister interface

Canonical paper (PDF)

Download:
Oil canister interface — PDF

• Canonical format: PDF
• Build system: LMX
• Current revision: v0.1

Abstract

This paper documents the later-style BMW Airhead oil filter canister mouth geometry and explains how unintended radial jacking during installation can plastically deform the sealing land, alter stack-up, and increase leak risk.

The goal is practical: help owners recognize the interface, understand the mechanics, and avoid repeat damage.

Scope and assumptions

• Linear elastic behavior assumed except where noted
  (local yielding at the canister mouth is the observed failure mode)
• Focus is the canister mouth / cover interface and common service workflows
• Engineering interpretation aimed at failure prevention, not post-hoc blame

Key takeaway

If the installation path creates an eccentric point contact that drives the canister laterally, the canister behaves like a short stiff shell: it will walk and locally thicken/stiffen the mouth, reducing clearance and causing torque to rise sooner and more abruptly than expected.

Revision history

• v0.1 — Initial public release (PDF authoritative)