Do you pre-oil your filter?
- Thread starter DrRoughneck
- Start date
- Status
Good poll. I pre-oil every time. On my horizontal filters, I fill them a bit and rotate it till it all soaks in - that minimizes what, if any, spills out during installation. I also pre-oil the cartridge filter on my new Corolla. I figure this is a case of definitely no harm to be done, and only potentially good.
Always
yes
I never pre-fill my filter. Can't really now with my trucks horizontal filter mount (half blind too), but never did on vertical systems either. I sure wish I could keep my rigs long enough to say "I've got 300k miles with no probs...", but alas, I cannot...
I always run my engine before draining to warm the oil up. So it's got a fresh coat that's no more than 45 minutes old before I'm starting the engine with the fresh oil. That can't be any worse than a cold morning start after a night of sub freezing temps. At least, that's my thinking...
I always run my engine before draining to warm the oil up. So it's got a fresh coat that's no more than 45 minutes old before I'm starting the engine with the fresh oil. That can't be any worse than a cold morning start after a night of sub freezing temps. At least, that's my thinking...
Sure do. Even with the horizontal filter on the Buick.
I just put the drain pan under it so I don't make a mess. I figure something is better than nothing
I just put the drain pan under it so I don't make a mess. I figure something is better than nothing
Nope and I'll bet if you take your vehicle to the dealership or quick lube place, they don't either.
This ... If oil filters have a sideways or tilted installation - you will only create a mess . Besides , most engines will live for the 30 seconds it takes an oil filter to fill with oil .
Originally Posted By: Nissan101
No, only the rubber seal get oiled.
Originally Posted By: Nissan101
No, only the rubber seal get oiled.
I learned from an old-school Jaguar Daimler shop foreman who stressed the importance of always pre filling. It might not be as important as it was but it doesn't hurt, might help and only takes a few seconds.
Originally Posted By: Kestas
It's been reported that Caterpillar specifies filling an oil filter while changing for one of their applications.
I've heard that it's because the filters are so large. By the time the filter finally fills up with oil, and the oil finally starts pumping through the engine, engine damage will have likely occured.
It's been reported that Caterpillar specifies filling an oil filter while changing for one of their applications.
I've heard that it's because the filters are so large. By the time the filter finally fills up with oil, and the oil finally starts pumping through the engine, engine damage will have likely occured.
Mazda2, Mazda3, Sequoia..... yes, because the filters are vertical and I can. My times isnt so precious that the 90 seconds it takes me to fill them can be considered a waste of time, mostly just do it for my own entertainment. Doubt there is any measureable benefit.
240sx- yes, I fill it as much as I can, even though the filter sits nearly horizontal. Without any prefilling, the initial start results in timing chain rattle that can only be described as horrific, for a good 3-4 seconds. The tensioner is oil pressure activated, and as loose as this chain is after 25 years and 245,000+ miles, last thing I want is an already sloppy chain thrashing around, even for a few seconds. This engine was used in multiple vehicles over the better part of a decade and I'll bet 99.4% of them had filter changes without a drop of oil added before installation, and I'm sure they did just fine. But that noise.....yeeek.
Corolla - Filter is horizontal, actually facing down somewhat. Never once attempted to fill it. Pushing 360,000 miles and no signs of stopping. Since I dont prefill this filter I'm nervous this engine will never make it to 600,000.
I could see in an application, automotive or not, when using a very large filter that prefilling would have some benefit, or may even cause problems if it isn't done. For the vast majority of cars on the road, its a non-issue.
240sx- yes, I fill it as much as I can, even though the filter sits nearly horizontal. Without any prefilling, the initial start results in timing chain rattle that can only be described as horrific, for a good 3-4 seconds. The tensioner is oil pressure activated, and as loose as this chain is after 25 years and 245,000+ miles, last thing I want is an already sloppy chain thrashing around, even for a few seconds. This engine was used in multiple vehicles over the better part of a decade and I'll bet 99.4% of them had filter changes without a drop of oil added before installation, and I'm sure they did just fine. But that noise.....yeeek.
Corolla - Filter is horizontal, actually facing down somewhat. Never once attempted to fill it. Pushing 360,000 miles and no signs of stopping. Since I dont prefill this filter I'm nervous this engine will never make it to 600,000.
I could see in an application, automotive or not, when using a very large filter that prefilling would have some benefit, or may even cause problems if it isn't done. For the vast majority of cars on the road, its a non-issue.
I never pre fill my oil filter because i can't, the filter is at a downward angle.
When you start the engine you can hear the oil filter filling up in about a second and after that nothing.
When you start the engine you can hear the oil filter filling up in about a second and after that nothing.
Originally Posted By: Ducked
Sure, why not?....
Since you asked, here's one view. https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthr..._be#Post4079829
I prefill where practicable. Even some horizontal or slightly tipped dome up I soak the media and fill as much as orientation will allow. No science to it, just a feel good about reducing oil start up circulation time.
As an aside, a google search of this site will find the topic question in some form has been asked many times.
Sure, why not?....
Since you asked, here's one view. https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthr..._be#Post4079829
I prefill where practicable. Even some horizontal or slightly tipped dome up I soak the media and fill as much as orientation will allow. No science to it, just a feel good about reducing oil start up circulation time.
As an aside, a google search of this site will find the topic question in some form has been asked many times.
I pre-fill two of mine, 3/4's up let them sit, then top back up to 3/4's and install them. Something that carried over from shop class.
I'm trying to figure out if pre-filling my cartridge filter on the 3.6L Pentastar is practical, and possible. I clip the filter to the housing cap. I'm wondering if pushing the filter into the housing and pre-filling the center of it and installing the cap will help, hurt, or even matter?
I'm trying to figure out if pre-filling my cartridge filter on the 3.6L Pentastar is practical, and possible. I clip the filter to the housing cap. I'm wondering if pushing the filter into the housing and pre-filling the center of it and installing the cap will help, hurt, or even matter?
my oil filter doesn't allow me to prime the filter with oil
Always. The Camry is the only car I have with an "upside down" filter. I basically get the media soaked and then put it on quickly. Very little oil comes out. The 3800's I can fill to the brim with oil. It just makes it feel better to know there is less time the engine is running with little to no oil. I don't think I would feel comfortable with a cartridge filter for that reason.
Last edited:
- Status
