Oil Filter Fitting issue
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
Oil Filter Fitting issue
Hello FTE,
I took a few minutes this weekend to service the truck with some fresh engine oil and filter. I always use a Motorcraft FL-820S filter. I notice the 6.2 engine does not subscribe to the hand tight 1/4 turn technique since I have owned the truck. It tends to leak. I find myself using a strap style filter wrench to tighten the filter down to the point where it doesn't leak. This is a pain since the exhaust is there as well as some other components. The van in work is the same way 4.6 V8. It needs a strap wrench to tighten the filter down to stop it from leaking. The only engine that does not leak is the 4.0 V6 in my Explorer. Never a problem. It usually does a drool thing down the side of the engine but a quick spray of brake clean solves that mess. Is the oil filter socket the way to go in this case? What's your take on this?
I took a few minutes this weekend to service the truck with some fresh engine oil and filter. I always use a Motorcraft FL-820S filter. I notice the 6.2 engine does not subscribe to the hand tight 1/4 turn technique since I have owned the truck. It tends to leak. I find myself using a strap style filter wrench to tighten the filter down to the point where it doesn't leak. This is a pain since the exhaust is there as well as some other components. The van in work is the same way 4.6 V8. It needs a strap wrench to tighten the filter down to stop it from leaking. The only engine that does not leak is the 4.0 V6 in my Explorer. Never a problem. It usually does a drool thing down the side of the engine but a quick spray of brake clean solves that mess. Is the oil filter socket the way to go in this case? What's your take on this?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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maybe the filter base is uneven and you need the extra torque the wrench gives to crush the filter gasket enough to seal the gap? But the fact you have two vehicles of different styles that do it makes me think that maybe it's something in your technique? Do you put the filter on dry or do you oil the gasket first, that makes a difference on how tight you can turn it by hand. I've never had a problem just using my hands, but then I have a really strong grip and have had problems not being able to get filters off because I hand tightened them too much.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I typically lube the gasket with some of the old oil and spin it on. I turn them as tight as I can get and have never had an issue. Maybe you're tightening them too much?
The filter base is always coated in oil, so I don't think lubricating the O-ring does much of anything.
The filter base is always coated in oil, so I don't think lubricating the O-ring does much of anything.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: very South Texas
mine seals with just using my hand.
check the surface of the oil filter mount.. for flatness.. trueness.. some kind of damage.
should seal with a 1/4 turn. every time. this is OLD SCHOOL. started around 1966 or so. and has not changed much
check the surface of the oil filter mount.. for flatness.. trueness.. some kind of damage.
should seal with a 1/4 turn. every time. this is OLD SCHOOL. started around 1966 or so. and has not changed much
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
yeah I thought of the old seal getting "stuck" on the filter base. I can change the oil on any other vehicle and not need a tool (Not true the wife's old Pontiac would need a filter wrench to get the oil filter off but not back on.) The hand tight 1/4 turn has been the way I have done oil since when I can remember. I just find the work van in work and my truck need a tool to make the connection complete. Don't know why. Same filter similar mounting style. Different times of the years and periods bought. I wish I could say it was a batch, stock at the store or something of the like.
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Joined: Jan 2015
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 80
From: New Jersey
However, this might have been the case with last time I took the truck to the dealer for an oil change. Winter months last year. It was cold and snowy. Dealer Service coupon that made dollar The lube tech felt the need to crank the filter and tweak the threads a bit. I don't know.
Otherwise, I am not crazy in thinking I am doing something wrong with the filter. Hand tight 1/4 turn is still the rule of the land.
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Jun 8, 2006 07:22 PM