2001 7.3; Motorcraft oil filter.

The Motorcraft box said "3/4 turn after gasket contact" - which left the filter stupidly loose. The sticker on the oil pan said "1.5 turns after gasket contact". The PowerStroke owners manual service booklet said "1.5-2 turns after gasket contact". I left it at 1.5, which felt good. The last oil change joint apparently turned it 700 times after gasket contact, since I had to use a 2' pipe on a now-bent/mangled CarQuest US-made oil filter wrench to get the old one off. I made a sheet metal 'liner' for the wrench to keep from crushing the filter, which was a good idea.

So - Ford has three conflicting suggestions - how many turns do y'all do, such that it neither vibrates loose, nor is so tight it cannot be removed in the future.

Thanks - Steve

 

I go tight as I can with just one hand. Usually it's almost a full turn just after it contacts the gasket. And, I lube the gasket well with oil. Never a problem with leaks or removal. I've always done all my vehicles like this and it works for me.

 

[quote=binuya;8957540]I go tight as I can with just one hand. Usually it's almost a full turn just after it contacts the gasket. And, I lube the gasket well with oil. Never a problem with leaks or removal. I've always done all my vehicles like this and it works for me.[/

2X that

 

[QUOTE=Bob Taulbee;8957589]x3 on what they said


just remember, too tight = broken

 

Too tight also means a pain to get off!

 

Thanks - I think I'm ok this time with my 1.5 turns, but will follow your instructions next time.

 

Plenty of advice in this forum on oil filters. Just wanted to add a suggestion i have read here. Poke hole in bottom of filter and drain before removing filter. Saves lots of spillage.
Thanks FTE!!!

 

I have a habit of 3/4 to one turn after gasket contacts the block or filter adapter.

I use a Sharpie pen to index the filter and to gauge how much I have turned the filter.

I place a mark 3/4 before the final resting orentaition on the filter. When the
filter is in the proper orentation the mark is facing forward on the truck.

I also mark the date the filter was installed - since I have a pen with me.