Filter only half full at oil change?

[MojaveJoe]

I've changed my own oil using an LF16035 Fleetguard filters from Genos more than 30 times. Every time I unscrewed the filter oil would overflow into the baggie I had around it. Today for some reason no oil spilled over. When I poured out the oil from the filter it was only half full. I changed oil 3000 miles ago.

What gives?
Did I do any damage to my engine?
I never got an oil light and never noticed low oil pressure at the gauge.
I do not normally fill the filter with oil, when changing it. But today I sure did

All advice and experiences welcome.

 

[chipster]

I've changed my own oil using an LF16035 Fleetguard filter from Genos more than 30 times. Every time I unscrewed the filter oil would overflow into the baggie I had around it. Today for some reason no oil spilled over. When I poured out the oil from the filter it was only half full. I changed oil 3000 miles ago.



What gives?

Did I do any damage to my engine?

I never got an oil light and never noticed low oil pressure at the gauge.

I do not normally fill the filter with oil, when changing it. But today I sure did



All advice and experiences welcome.

If you let the engine set overnight the oil will drain and siphon some oil out of the filter. it will only siphon down to where the threaded nipple is in to the filter. I like to do my oil changes this way so I don`t have to clean up a mess or use bags or any other tricks to keep the mess to a minimum. I`ve found that if you let the engine set for a couple of hours after it has been run, the same oil shortage will take place. no harm is done to the engine. it has been this way since cummins has been makin` engines. :-laf:-laf

 

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks Chipster... I hope you are right. I normally drive my truck in the AM until the oil gets warm then immediately pull the oil drain plug. Then go to the oil filter and pull it.

This time I waited about 20 min to pull the plug and another 5 minutes to pull the filter.

Perhaps there is a certain position of the oil pump that allows faster drain back out of the filter? Or maybe at 150K miles the pump is wearing out?

I haven't noticed any loss of power in the engine, and my new transmission really puts the torque to the ground, and I mean 'right now'. So, it seems like I have more power now. Thanks... Dave Goerend

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Chipster told you the truth. I always wait until the oil is done dripping out of the drain plug before I take the filter off and it has always been less than full.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Bill Stockard]

I've done the same procedure as chipster on my four CTDs since '92. Like chipster, I don't like the mess it creates when the oil filter is full. Wait 20-30 minutes, and the oil filter will siphon down to about 2/3s to 1/2 half full. Been the same on all four my CTDs whether brand new or with 100K miles on them.



Bill

 

[04blackcherry]

The oil level in the filter on my '04 was the same way on Saturday when changing the oil on a cold engine.

 

[Wayne M.]

Not just true on our Cummins, but almost all engines. Nothing wrong here.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Well, that cinches it then. If all you boys have the same experience, it must be my hot engine change procedure that's screwed up. Maybe I'll start changing cool oil from now on



Thanks for your help

 

[MBloch]

This might freak out all the maintenance purists on this site, but after letting the oil drain till it slows, I start the engine and let it idle for maybe 5 but not over 10 seconds to suck some oil from the filter.

If it is harmful I havn"t seen any evidence of it after owning 3 Dodge diesels with a combined 300K miles or so.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I had the same thing happen two days ago. Filter only half full when removed. I use the baggie trick. No spilled oil or dirty hands. Have never had the filter half full before, I don't think.

New Fleetgard and a big drink of Rotella-T and it is good to go another 7k miles.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

I would highly recommend changing the oil only after the engine has reached normal operating temp. When the oil is cool or cold some of the "junk" has settled out of the oil and may not drain out. When the oil is hot the "junk" will be in suspension in the oil and easily be carried right out the drain hole.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[chipster]

I would highly recommend changing the oil only after the engine has reached normal operating temp. When the oil is cool or cold some of the "junk" has settled out of the oil and may not drain out. When the oil is hot the "junk" will be in suspension in the oil and easily be carried right out the drain hole.



Godspeed,

Trent

You can get the engine up to running temp and pull the drain plug in the oil pan and let it drain until it quits dripping. then after a time take off the oil filter without a mess. I drain my hot oil, then come back later to change the filter. a little experimenting will let you know how long to wait before changing the filter. :-laf:-laf

 

[Bill Stockard]

Not just true on our Cummins, but almost all engines. Nothing wrong here.

Yep, my Kubota diesel tractor and Kubota RTV 900 have a horizontal oil filters mounted on the engine block. If I let them set overnight after draining the oil, the filter is completely empty and no mess. If I removed the filter immediately after draining the oil, there would be a real mess with oil draining down the side of the engine block.



Bill

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Totally agree chipster, the oil should be hot but for the filter it doesn't matter.

Godspeed,
Trent