Does Pre-FILLING The Oil FILTER Cause Engine DAMAGE?

[DynoDave]

Dad taught us boys to pre-fill filters when we were learning basic car maintenance back in the '60/'70s. I never knew there was any controversy about it.

[71se3834v]

The controversy comes from Internet warriors w/o much experience or education in mechanical technology. I didn't need a test to show it would take a longer time to prime an engine with an empty oil filter. All it takes is an understanding of how the system works. And "The oil is dirty coming out of the bottle!" Pleeease! If you believe that you probably believe your favorite soft drink producer also uses dirty water to make their product.
Having said that, how does one fill the oil filter and install it on a big block w/o spilling the oil out? I usually just pour a small amount of oil in and roll the filter around to coat the filter media figuring at least that would help. I've installed many a small engine filter and they're all horizontal so filling is not an option.
The other thing is I have gone with the idea that there is a lot of "cling" properties to the oil which hopefully keeps thing lubed upon startup otherwise we should be pulling the distributor and priming the engine every spring after a long winters nap.
Anybody got any other ideas?

[hanks73340]

[ I usually just pour a small amount of oil in and roll the filter around to coat the filter media figuring at least that would help. I've installed many a small engine filter and they're all horizontal so filling is not an option.
The other thing is I have gone with the idea that there is a lot of "cling" properties to the oil which hopefully keeps thing lubed upon startup otherwise we should be pulling the distributor and priming the engine every spring after a long winters nap.
Anybody got any other ideas?[/quote]

Right on Jeff! I do the same process. Just a little in the filter, swirl it some, attach, add some more thru the top, start it up and check the level and go from there.

[DynoDave]

Yeah, sideways mounted filters are a pain.

I've been known to fill a filter on the bench before I start any other oil change tasks. The media will absorb a large amount of that oil. Perhaps enough to tip is sideways without making a mess? Certainly half full with some soak time should work. You guys are testing my memory!

[71se3834v]

Nov 9, 2023 18:19:50 GMT -5 DynoDave said:

Yeah, sideways mounted filters are a pain.

Especially if you don't want to make a mess.

Loosen oil filter.
Lay rags on the K frame.
Lay cardboard "spout" between frame and filter.
Remove filter.
Allow to drain a bit until oil stops running out.
Remove cardboard and wipe mounting area clean.
Install prepared new oil filter.
Remove rags and clean up any mess you made.

And there's not exactly a lot of room with a big block!

[DynoDave]

I have one of these that I used to use on my GM V6-60 powered cars and vans. Pretty handy.

Form-A-Funnel