Had the oil changed at Quikstop because I was pressed for time and they used a Prime Guard filter. Now it ticks really bad for the first 30 seconds or so after starting. The oil level is full.

Can I switch the filter back to my normal FL-820S without causing an oil spill in my garage? I would think so as it's above the pan.

 

You will drip some oil on the floor thats in the tube (use a pan or news paper under it) and obviously lose what oil is in the filter. You should have to add roughly 1/2 quart to get back to the proper fill level.

The modulars require the silicone anti-drainback valve to help prevent one of the issues you experienced. Obviously change the filter when the vehicle is completely cool and the vast amjority of the oil drains back into the pan. The only filters I will use on any modular is the MC FL-820s or the Purolator Pure One equivelent. Both have steel endcaps and the silicone anti-drainback valve.

I cut apart filters and compared a rubber valve to the silicone valve. A big difference.

That said I do wonder what viscosity oil they actually put in your engine.

If you ever become pressed for time again I would stop or call the local Ford dealer and see what they can do for you first.

 

That is a good question, what oil did they use?

 

This is one of many reasons why I change my own oil and oil filter. I can do it at my convenience, and I know what goes into my Ford engine.

With these oil change places, their "bulk oil" refills can be a real crapshoot. In fact, I read an article about three years ago in a well respected lubricant trade journal publication. They found that oil viscosity was rarely in spec, in that it could either be a much lighter lubricant or a heavier lubricant. For example, you think you are buying a 5w20 oil, which is specified, and you are actually adding a 10w40 oil, too heavy, lower MPG and lower pumping performance, when cold.

When confronted with their findings, the establishment denied it, simply giving a blanket statement along the lines of "Our oils meet vehicle manufacturers guidelines". Oh really? Not what I want put in my modern car, truck, SUV ect. Also, many "bulk oils" are actually in-house blended lubricants, a little bit here, a batch of this, with the idea that hopefully they meet happy medium somewhere along the way.

I feel, if I had to actually use these kinds of "Quickie-Lubes", I'd find a shop that would install my own purchased oil filter and oil. This way, I'd feel better about what is going in the engine. However, you still have to worry about having a too tight oil pan bolt, a bolt not snugged correctly. Stripped threads, oil drips, greasy handprints on a new oil filter, and old oil that is permitted to drip and run everywhere on a vehicles' engine block, wiring, brackets, ect. Some places are better than others, but these things still occur on a daily basis.