I purchased 2 Honda oil filters from H and A and they arrived with the plastic wrapping open wide. The metal "plate" that faces the engine (the one with the holes in it)has small "rust spots" in it.
Is this common, is it OK to use like this, or should I return these suckers?
Thanks
Daniel

 

I have seen the same thing, if they are stored in an area that has too much humidity they will get some light surface rust. I think it is more cosmetic, no flaking or anything. There should not be a problem once the filter is on the car on full of oil. I now keep my spare filters upstairs and out of the basement for this reason.

 

Very light surface rust is common on the filters that I buy in humid south Florida. Clean it off as best you can (tack-free rag with clean oil on it) and use the filter with confidence.

 

Thanks guys. I actually went to the local Honda dealer and looked at another OEM filter with the wrapping intact and gues what... It also had these spots, so it must be some properties of the metal, so I'll go ahead and use it.
Thanks for the help!
Daniel

 

Every Honda oil filter I have ever bought had rust spots/stains.