Do not fill oil filter

[road_rascal]

I searched and didn't find an answer so I don't know if this has been discussed before (and I hope I posted this in the right section). Someone on one of the motorcycle boards I'm on said not to fill/ partially fill the oil filter before installation. This was based on a study by Caterpillar stating that oil right from the can/jug is dirty. I didn't find that study but I found this faq. On page two is then part about installing the filter dry. What do you guys have to say about this?

 

[sciphi]

It really doesn't matter. A lot of people don't fill it because it will spill anyhow.

 

[bdcardinal]

that and cartridge filters cannot be filled.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I used to prefill my filters but I stopped. Measuring the benefit would be elusive. I just follow the factory instructions...wet the gasket with fresh oil ,and apply the oil filter. Whent eh oil change is all done I start the vehicle and inspect for leaks. No leaks, close the hood done.

 

[chevrofreak]

I think if oil were dirty enough to do damage that it would be showing up in the VOA's posted on this site.

Plus, most of the cars I do changes on have horizontal filters that don't allow much pre-filling.

 

[ekpolk]

I could, since the one on my Camry (and Prius too) are mounted with the base facing straight up. I don't bother, however, since the light indicates that the OP rises virtually instantly even if I don't pre-fill.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
This was based on a study by Caterpillar stating that oil right from the can/jug is dirty.


I believe that the study found that bulk oil sources may have leftovers that are not yet in solution and/or contamination that can result in damage.

One of our valued members, now departed, Mark Matheys (user Stinky Peterson) showed the micro images of bulk oil. His outfit saved some mining outfit a few hundred thousand in damage by finding the cause of the accelerated wear. He worked for CAT:Butler

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
This was based on a study by Caterpillar stating that oil right from the can/jug is dirty.


I believe that the study found that bulk oil sources may have leftovers that are not yet in solution and/or contamination that can result in damage.

One of our valued members, now departed, Mark Matheys (user Stinky Peterson) showed the micro images of bulk oil. His outfit saved some mining outfit a few hundred thousand in damage by finding the cause of the accelerated wear. He worked for CAT:Butler


Thanks for the background on that Gary. I'll stick to pre-filling the filters as I have noticed on my Saturn that the oil pressure light goes out about 3/4 of a second sooner pre-filling than when I don't. Might not make any big difference, but I can sleep better.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I've got hundreds of thousands of miles on many engines in the family over the years and never filled the filter.

But I do now try to fill the filters before putting them on as I do notice that I do not get the delay of oil pressure that I used to get with any type of oil.

Figure it can not hurt...

I am not worried about the oil being "dirty".

Bill

 

[94MaxGXE]

Yep, 3/4 second the world is gona end. OMG!

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
I've got hundreds of thousands of miles on many engines in the family over the years and never filled the filter.

But I do now try to fill the filters before putting them on as I do notice that I do not get the delay of oil pressure that I used to get with any type of oil.

Figure it can not hurt...

I am not worried about the oil being "dirty".

Bill


Especially with our Corollas Bill. The filter on that doggone car is so easy to fill 100% without making any mess.

 

[KA426]

The "dirt" in new oil is microscopic. I would rather fill my filter with this oil instead of starving my bearings and cams of oil for 5 seconds until my empty filter fills up. I run the larger Mobil 1 301 size filter and I'm not waiting for that big (censored) to fill all the way up before oil gets to my engine.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: 94MaxGXE
Yep, 3/4 second the world is gona end. OMG!


To each his own MaxGXE, to each his own...

 

[94MaxGXE]

Yes Sir, to each his own, no malice intended.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: 94MaxGXE
Yes Sir, to each his own, no malice intended.


None noted

 

[alreadygone]

At shop we allways prefill larger filters on diesels (the ones that hold 2 or more quarts) Tiny filters on most gas engines not worh the trouble.

Personally feel that any new oil that dirty must have been contaminated after leaving mfgr.

bob

 

[wcbcruzer]

For a small gas engine, the oil filters are relatively small and will fill quickly without adding oil on a filter change. But try a bigger filter like on my truck and it would take forever for oil pressure to build without pre-filling the filter.

 

[crazyoildude]

I always fill my filters up to avoid or lessen the dry start up issue what can a filter do to clean new sm gf-4 motor oil? answer not much if anything at all in the old days maybe but today oils are pretty pure ..

 

[ziggy]

I was always told and taught to re fill, because a dry filter, puts some stress on the oil pump, and its not good for the oil pump at all. It help degrade, or break the pump.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Saturn_Fan


Especially with our Corollas Bill. The filter on that doggone car is so easy to fill 100% without making any mess.


They have to be the easiest engines to work on.