Just got three filters from Suncoast, Porsche OEM numbered just to be positive about my design question. I can't take pictures because I'm not out changing the oil now but I have a question that those of you familiar with the filter may know about without referencing photos.
The filter sits in a canister. The canister has raised tabs inside it on the end that is away from the engine's threaded side. Because of these tabs it looks like the filter never sits fully down in the canister. It looks like it sits on top of the tabs and then you screw it on to the engine. How in the world does the oil come out of the engine and pass through the filter when it can simply flow through the filters center open core and go around the ends. I don't get it.
I've gotten filters from two Porsche dealers and one indy and they all are like this.
I can't see why the oil would actually pass through the filter at all. I know, pics would be nice here but I don't have any until next oil change.

 

I believe it seals around a round flange (with a built-in o-ring) and pops into place making a seal. I dont think mine has tabs like you refer to.

 

I didn't look closely but the tab you're referring to I think is in the lower dead center of the canister and thus sealing the lower hole of the filter (when the filter is in the vertical position).

Either that or the bypass path is for safety so even when the filter is fully clogged, the oil could still squeeze through?

Ahsai.

 

Actually, on my canister the tabs, three I think, are seperate tabs that stick up from the bottom of the inside of the canister if you hold it up like a cup.

So when you drop the filter into the canister it does not go all the way to the bottom. Because it sits off the bottom on the three tabs it is not sealed so it's basically sitting in a canister of oil. Wish I had pics.

I cannot see why the oil would have any reason to pass through the filter if it can get around the bottom of the canister.

 

The filter top fits up flush against the underside of the block, not to the canister.

You place the filter on the tube that sticks out under the car, then the canister screws onto the car with a new o-ring to seal the canister to the car. (use a little old oil to lube the new o-ring)

So the O-ring is not meant to seal the filter to the canister, but the canister to the car.

Makes sense when you're under there!

 

I think his point was the oil will flow out from the bottom hole of the filter and not through the filter.

- Ahsai

 

I think the reason the the tabs are there is to provide a space for the incoming oil to rebound against the bottom of the canister which in turn forces the oil up and around and through the filter therein 'filtering' the oil. If the filter was flush against the bottom of the canister, it would not as effectively allow the oil to travel through the filter.I'm probably talking crap, but that's my theory.

 

You are correct sir!