When you change your oil, do you prefill the oil filter with oil before installation? Does it matter either way?

And, our trucks hold 12 quarts, right?.......including the oil filter in the 12....correct?


Thanks!

 

Always fill the filter with oil before installing it. You do not want the engine running with out oil as the filter fills.

The engine will hold 12 qts. with the filter change.

 

You have to be very carefull not to let anything get into the filter while you are prefilling. Make sure you get all the foil off the oil bottle before fill the filter. Otherwise it is going into the engine. That being said, I do prefill.

 

I and I bet lots do not prefill.I haven't prefilled anything in years.

 

The do and dont pre fill is a good question. I honestly dont know just how much damage can happen if you dont.

I pre fill. and yes 12 qts. Use the 1 gallon ziplock bag trick when taking the filter off works great!

 

Prefill.

 

You should prefill the filter before installation. The larger the filter the more important the prefill is.Think of it this way, when you start the eng with an empty filter, how long does it run before it gets oil pressure? That is how long the eng runs without oil, things get dry and cause premature wear and could score tight fitting parts. On big semi's they sometimes have 3 filters that hold 2 quarts of oil each, that eng will run for several minutes before it fill all that volume, with no oil going to the eng to lubricate it. Always prefill the filter. exceptions are usually cars where the filter goes on sideways.
The official capacity of these engs is 11 quaarts with the filter. The extra quart is usually ok to run safely.

 

That is true for a '95, but ALL 3rd Gen trucks take 12 quarts including filter.

 

I don't think the engine is harmed in anyway by not prefilling the oil filter. I've done it both ways and I can't really tell a different in the time it takes for the oil pressure to rise, maybe a second. That being said I do prefill 90% of the time cause it is too easy to do, and it makes me feel good.

 

Thanks for all the quick replys. Sounds like PREFILL is the General Consensus.

I remember watching the service guys at the dealer change the oil, twice, and they DID NOT prefill the oil filter. Truck seemed fine though. I will prefill it when I do it. Thanks.

 

Dealers make money when your truck fails. All mechanics make money when your truck fails. They also make money when they service more vehicles per day. Combine those two thoughts and voilla, no prefill.

 

Actually, I was at my dealership a few weeks ago, getting the radio replaced. You can see into the shop from the waiting room, and I saw a mechanic prefilling a filter for a neon he was doing an oil change on. Go figure.

 

Here is DC procedure:
INSTALLATION
(1) Fill the oil filter element with clean oil before
installation. Use the same type oil that will be used
in the engine.
(2) Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the sealing
surface before installing the filter.
CAUTION: Mechanical over-tightening may distort
the threads or damage the filter element seal.
(3) Install the filter until it contacts the sealing
surface of the oil filter adapter. Tighten filter an
additional 1⁄2 turn.

 

Funny all of you are running 12 quarts...Mine will only take 11...And even then she's a little over-full (appears to be about 1/2 quart high). Yes I pre-fill the filter.

I only let the pan drain for about 10 minutes (hot). What's the deal? Did a mechanic leave a glove in the pan during assembly? (true story with a brand new 94 Range Rover )

--D

 

PREFILLl!!!!! Like the man said the engine is running with no OIL. Maybe you will not notice any difference now but in the long run you will. Its like wear, it takes time to show up, and when it does its to late. Most wear is in the first few seconds when you start yoiur engine. With out prefilling the filter you have extended that time by another 30-40 seconds. Try holding your breath each time you stat your engine. How does it feel?? Nough said.

Phil