thanks for all the replies. i cleaned up the bolt threads, ordered new ring and washers. I'm also going to just install new filter since I did chase that a little and don't want to risk getting shavings in the IP.

another thing that happened while I was changing my filters - I needed some diesel fuel to fill the filter, so I siphoned a bit from my tank. After I did this, I noticed a whole bunch of brown particles swimming around my brand new pre-filter. I've figured now that when I put the hose in to siphon, I must have hit the bottom of tank and disturbed/rustled up some garbage. Does this seem likely?

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Andrew
Montclair, NJ
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1982 300D Turbo
120k
Petrol Blue Green