Near Castastophy today

[nomochevys]

Today, I am changing the oil in my Dads riding mower. When I screwed on the briggs filter it felt a little funny like it had a burr on the threads or something. It was hard to start on the threads but I got it on and hand tightened it and went on. I filled the crankcase full of oil and started it up to make sure I had no leaks and wanted to circulate the oil so I could check the level.

I ran it about 15 seconds and from where I was standing the oil filter was on the other side. I catch a glimpse of oil on the deck and thought well thats from the oil leaking through the frame from the old filter I took off. I happen to walk around and bear in mind I am watching the oil light just to make sure everything is ok. Well, oil was pouring out from the filter where I didnt have it seated right. I immediately shut it off. The filter felt like it seated but it was black and the engine was black and I didnt have my glasses so I just went by feel.

The oil filter he bought was a different part number but looked the same. I came inside to do a quick and the filter was ok for this engine. Went back out and took my time and got it seated properly. I had just gotten in too big of a hurry. What could go wrong? I have changed oil in various cars ect t more than I have changed my underwear. This is the first time I have ever had any issue and it shows you can never be too careful. Thankfully, no damage was done other than a heck of a mess to clean up.

 

[Colt45ws]

Probably just the threads are a little off for some reason, like you thought.
Dont buy the overpriced briggs filters anymore. I run a Motorcraft FL400S on our Briggs.

 

[nomochevys]

Plus one on the motorcraft. Its the short briggs filter. Sorry, I posted this in the wrong section. Mods please move it if you wish.

 

[Donald]

Most needed tool = glasses.

Normally one can feel the filter getting tight against the gasket where you can still turn it vs say no gasket where when metal hits metal and you cannot turn it much more. Not saying there was no gasket, just saying there is a feeling of when the filter gets tight against the rubber gasket.

 

[JTK]

Are you sure the gasket just didn't come unseated, causing the feeling it was seated?

If the threads were buggered enough to cause the conditions you describe, I wouldn't reuse that filter.

FWIW, I wouldn't worry about engine damage. I'm sure it didn't run dry, and even if it did, 15sec probably wouldn't kill it.

 

[Errtt]

Always have cheaters (glasses) when needed, adequate lighting, & change underwear more often.
Check the filter threads before using it - I've had one that was surprisingly rusty right out of the box. Check gasket too. And habit to check the discarded filter gasket also came off.