Don't lubricate oil filter O-ring seal??? What???

[TJSparky]

So I went to change the oil on my 5.0L 2021 F150 and I wanted to see what the torque spec was on the drain bolt and came across this....

Never heard of this before and was wondering if others were aware why??
(From the 2021 F150 Service Manual -Engine Oil Draining and Filling)

Sponsored

 

[Gros Ventre]

I cannot comment on lubricating the filter seal, but I do so. What I have found is the filter must be tightened down far harder than any other car/truck I've owned. That 44 in-lbs isn't particularly tight... But that 180º rotation from that initial tightening would seem to match my observation. Putting a light film of oil on the seal was normally done to prevent tearing of the seal. On the other hand that 44 in-lbs is based on an unlubricated seal... Go figure.

 

[UGADawg96]

I've always done 3/4 to 1 rotation after first resistance/mating along with oil on the seal.

 

[TJSparky]

Yeah I have always used oil on the seal. The statement in the manual completely caught me by surprise?

 

[Gros Ventre]

Yep, Many years ago I used Fram Filters... seems like they said 3/4 turn past first contact. I'd bet that 44 in-lbs plus 1/2 turn amounts to the same thing...

 

[sbi]

Not sure why the big surprise about the "don't lub the seal". What's the big deal?! That's what Ford engineers decided that is required.
The thing that caught my eyes was the roque in general. I always knew that you tighten oil filter by hand. But then again - what do I know.

 

[imnuts]

I feel like if you read the instructions for most vehicles it will say the same thing. I'm not completely certain why, but my top assumption would be due to affecting tightening torque. Adding oil to the seal would likely make it easier to over tighten the filter. Second thought is that it the oil will attract dirt. That could end up in the oil/filter during the next change.

 

[UNIKRN150]

So I went to change the oil on my 5.0L 2021 F150 and I wanted to see what the torque spec was on the drain bolt and came across this....

Never heard of this before and was wondering if others were aware why??
(From the 2021 F150 Service Manual -Engine Oil Draining and Filling)

I saw that too and thought it was a little strange.

BUT... I have to think there is a "reason" so...

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I feel like it you read the instructions for most vehicles it will say the same thing. I'm not completely certain why, but my top assumption would be due to affecting tightening torque. Adding oil to the seal would likely make it easier to over tighten the filter. Second thought is that it the oil will attract dirt. That could end up in the oil/filter during the next change.

This. Lubricant can cause over torquing the filter. However, if you've ever let a dealer or shop change it or felt the torque from factory, it gets over torqued anyway...

 

[Snakebitten]

Been taught by grandpa and dad back in the dinosaur era to rub a little oil on that seal. Been doing it on family fleet of 3.5 Ecoboost for about a decade.

Now I find out I probably voided my warranty on 5 or 6 trucks already.

 

[TJSparky]

Been taught by grandpa and dad back in the dinosaur era to rub a little oil on that seal. Been doing it on family fleet of 3.5 Ecoboost for about a decade.

Now I find out I probably voided my warranty on 5 or 6 trucks already.

Yup same here! Been doing it that way for over 35 years… taught by my dad as well.

 

[SALEEN961]

If I remember correctly, Ford added the note about not lubricating the oil filter seal a few years ago because the oil filters were coming loose on 5.0 Mustangs. The un-lubricated seal is supposed to stick more and prevent the filter from backing off during the service interval.

 

[Snakebitten]

That makes sense. I knew there had to be a reason.

 

[HammaMan]

Does it say to full wipe up all oil from the area? I was thinking maybe they thought that little run was enough. I know the voodoo motors flat plane crank caused too many oil filters to come undone resulting in fires / seized motors. Perhaps it was a decision of loosening filter is a greater risk than tearing of the seal itself. Surprised they haven't gone to an encased paper element style eliminating the screw on filter entirely. Guess some habits are hard to break.

 

[Kodiak]

One thing the oil prevented was the o ring sticking to the engine when you remove the filter. When filters are positioned where it is simple to change them, this is not an issue but when they are in difficult areas that could be critical.

Sponsored