Installing oil filter? Coming loose?

[thereur]

Read some old posts that mentioned oil filters coming loose. I've alway just tightened filters as tight as I could by hand.... about a turn past first contact. Is it prudent to tighten more than this?

[4Banger]

I haven't encountered any loose oil filter problems nor have I encountered the threads you mentioned. However, I think you'll be fine tightening the filter one turn after initial contact as you mentioned. I'm looking at a Honda oil filter (part number 15400-PCX-004) as I type, and it says to tight to 7/8 of a turn "after gasket contact." Alternatively, you could be really anal like me and buy a torque wrench and an oloi filter cap (sometimes you need this to get the filter loose anyway) so that you can tighten the filter down to exact specification. :rolleye2: This is what I do, I doubt very many others do it, but it gives me reassurance that it's on there properly. The torque wrench is also invaluable for working with many other parts of the car.

[s2k_at_17]

i have to agree with 4banger, i dont remember where i read it, but it said turn 3/4turn after contact....i usally just do a full turn

[batguano]

i have to agree with 4banger, i dont remember where i read it, but it said turn 3/4turn after contact....i usally just do a full turn


I do as well.

That extra turn is my security blanket.

[Wanderer]

I also do the full turn. At the next oil change, I usually have to get the filter wrench out to loosen it, but that's just fine with me!

[rsinghal33]

same with me. Full turn and then use the filter wrench to loosen it for the next change. Good question

[thereur]

Thanks for the replies. I've got a torque wrench, so will go that route. Here's where I read it...
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=480205

[repiv]

7/8 turn after first gasket contact is what's recommended. The OEM filter even has the units marked around the circumference of the filter.
I have never had any problems with a filter coming loose if installed correctly. Make sure you oil the new gasket before installing the filter.
Also, I've always had a tough time even getting to 7/8th of a turn. You must have hands and arms of a gorilla. I can get to almost 7 units on a scale of 8. I use the filter wrench to do it to one full turn. As the gasket heats up and swells more with oil, it will require a wrench when it comes time to remove it later. If you can remove it by hand after several thousand miles, then it wasn't put on right to begin with.