oil filters

[peterborthwick]

just wondering what the consensus is on fitting oil filters. some say just oil the rubber seal and screw them on dry / others say fill them with oil first or expect an air lock. Also if it is a side mount, won't most of the oil just run out again?

 

[ksutton]

You don't fill oil filters with oil before fitting, at least not on your average pleasure boat engine. Some people may fill the fuel filters before fitting, to speed the fuel bleeding process.

 

[Wino]

I though filters were meant to filter, so why by-pass them by filling them first? Fit them clean and empty, both fuel and oil. If you fill them first you are just as likely to introduce some dirt, grit, etc. as you are clean liquid. Yes I know it speeds things up and many mechanics do it for just this reason, but its not their lives out there 'on the briny' when an engine stops....

 

[Latestarter1]

This is NOT a subject for personal opinions.

There are many manufacturers who are quite specific regarding the requirement to pre fill lube filters. This is a case of RTFM (Read the Fu*%$£g manual)! Depending on design of lube system you could get inadquate bearing lubrication on start up. Tiny metal to metal contact not evident by loss of oil pressure, however will result in a 'single bearing failure' when engine comes under load at some time in the future.

Fuel systems, it is even more the case for RTFM. Common rail is super sensitive and filters have to left to fill by the system pump. However unless you pre-fill the fuel filter on some simpler systems you will have a nightmare getting the slug of air out of the system, for examble Nippon Denso in-line pump.

Remember RTFM

 

[ghostlymoron]

Pat Manleys book 'Simple boat maintenance' recommends filling the oil filter before fitting. I can't remember the reason.

 

[vyv_cox]

You don't get the option with a Yanmar - the filter is attached horizontally. Surely designed by a man who never had to change one. However, at least with my oil pump that is in pretty good condition, the oil pressure is up to normal in virtually the same time it takes on any starting occasion. If you were really concerned you could turn it over on the starter motor with the stop button pulled out until pressure registered. Don't do this to excess though, as you could backfill the engine with cooling water.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
You don't get the option with a Yanmar - the filter is attached horizontally. Surely designed by a man who never had to change one.

[/ QUOTE ]The same man worked for Volvo Penta too! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[philip_stevens]

Fully agree (VP2003), but there is just enough space to get SWMBO's oven tray under the filter!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[sailorman]

1/2 fill /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
smear the neoprene ring with oil to lube & assist sealing the joint

oil added when fitting ensures oil is circulated quicker on first start with no oil starvation