I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I don't want this thread to be about synthetic oil, but fact is I'm long overdue for an oil change.

On August 8 I replaced my oil filter- a K&N HP1002 model. I change that every 6 months or every 4-5k miles.

My dad was gonna help me change the oil this weekend. The plan was to take off the oil filter that I just put on there, empty it out, then put it back on (or else the oil change would be pointless).

My dad is now thinking that if we take the oil filter off, then re-screw it back on, it might not go on as tightly if the threads weaken.

He also mentioned something which IMO I thought was irrelevant; the hot oil in a just-emptied 'cold' oil filter. I don't get that? anyway...

I'm thinking of just making the Ford dealer do this since they're the only people I "sort of" trust to do this on my car. I would only be paying for labor since I have my oil ready.

So is this true about unscrewing and re-screwing the oil filter? It's only been screwed on ONCE, and hasn't been unscrewed yet.

 

It's possible. Once the seal has been established, tinkering with it may compromise the seal. It'll go on just fine, but it may promote a leak. Won't know for sure 'till you try.

On a side note, the 2.0 liter and 2.3 liter four bangers are kinda like the 3V modular engines, in that they're very sensitive in regards to what oil and filter you use. K&N is probably just fine, but you may also want to consider going back to Motorcraft for a sure fire bet.

 

I can't believe I spelled "weak" wrong in the title.

Well, I'll just tell 'em to put the old filter back on. If for some reason it leaks, or whatever, I might switch back to a Motorcraft oil filter. Thing is, the dealer is the only place you can get the Motorcraft FL-910 oil filter, and they charge over 8 bucks for it!!

 

Maybe I should have re-read the thread a little better.

No, there shouldn't be any damage to the oil filter housing or it's threads from removing the filter and re-installing it. You still may have a problem with an oil leak though.

 

why dont you replace your oil filter when you change your oil?

 

I might spring a leak because the seal may not be as strong; is that what you were saying?

Thanks for the help,.

 

Yup.

And you're welcome.

 

It's because I use synthetic oil; I can go 7,500 miles (or 1 year) between oil changes, and 4,000-5,000 miles (or 6 months) between oil filter changes.

 

If you do re-use the same filter, taking it off and then putting it back on MAY cause a leak like Quintin said.

If you re-use the old filter, make sure the rubberized seal is still firmly in place when you take it off. I've had them rip completely off the filter before. If it looks ok, wipe the seal off with a rag and dab a little oil on your finger and rub it around the seal.

Make sure the seal and the filter bracket's mating surfaces are clean, and have no grit or dirt on them that can potentially cause a leak. You problably know all this already, but you never know...

Now if it were me, I'd just put a four-dollar Motorcraft filter on it from a local parts store, and have peace of mind. Motorcraft filters are a VERY well engineered oil-filter for the money. And they're cheaper than a K&N.

See, when it comes time to do your oil, you don't have to worry about a leak if you just use a new filter. You'd still come out better moneywise because Motorcraft filters are like four bucks at any parts store. K&N filters are like what? $10-$12?

What I'm trying to say is, if you have to take the filter off anyway, why not switch to a four-dollar Motorcraft filter, which is a top-notch, quality filter with a very well designed anti-drainback valve?

You save money, and you don't have to worry about a leak.

Good luck!

 

I am just picky when it comes to my car. I'm still questioning what to do because the last time I checked, none of the car parts stores carried the simple Motorcraft filter. The frickin' dealer charged twice as much as it's worth.

I don't mind paying the $11 for the K&N filter, but it's disappointing to think that replacing it just may be best. I would NOT trust the dealer to tell them "if the seal is broken then put on a Motorcraft filter, if not then put the old one back on." They're just out for my money and say it broke or something, and I'd request to see the old oil filter because I'd assume they were b.s.ing me.

ANYWAY!! I guess I can check around the auto parts stores tomorrow and see if they carry my specific oil filter. IF not I'll have to pay the $8; a crime for something such as Motorcraft!!

 

If you don't find a Motorcraft filter, a Purolator filter will do just as good. That's a small price to pay to protect your car's engine.

Good luck with it.

 

Another drinker of the Kool-Aid regarding synthetic oil.

Why not just go with the recommended Motorcraft oil and filter and forget the worry? Staggered oil and filter changes just do not make sense. Running old oil into a new filter just isn't sensible.

 

damn who's rippin you off... autozone sells filters for $3.25 ea.. @ $8.00 or $11.00 for a oil filter...

 

I would just buy a new filter(K&N, Motorcraft, etc), that is a lot cheaper than rebulding or replacing the motor. Minimal cost to contain the junk floating around in your oil and out of your motor.

 

By just dumping out the old oil in the filter, you will never get all of the dirt out of the filter's filter paper. So when you put the filter back on you just put all the dirt back in your engine. I would replace the filter again.