Oil Filter Torque?

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Feb 2, 2003 | 01:48 AM

DR1167

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 7

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From: Edmonds WA

Oil Filter Torque?

I noticed the GM manual for my 2000 coupe says to tighten the oil filter to 22 foot pounds of torque. That seems like it would be quite a bit for an oil filter. I was always used to the old 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact.

I'm using K&N filters and they dont' have any info. on the box or filter as to their tightening preferences.

Any thoughts as to the validity of GM's 22 ft/lb spec., or what oil filter tightening procedure do others use/recommend.

Thanks for any insights.

Feb 2, 2003 | 03:00 AM

Dave68

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: San Diego CA

Re: Oil Filter Torque? (DR1167)

It does seem fairly high. However, if you've ever had to take off a filter that had been installed at the dealer's, you'd know that they really torque those things down. It's pretty hard to believe that the average Joe can torque an oil filter by hand to 22 lbs-ft.

Then again, when I visualize a horizontal oil filter with a foot-long torque wrench on it, with a 22 lb weight hanging off its end, it doesn't seem so unreasonable.

Feb 2, 2003 | 10:57 AM

Touringpro

Racer

Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Baja Oregon

Re: Oil Filter Torque? (DR1167)

I use a torque wrench on practically everything . . . but I draw the line at an oil filter. :nono: The old 3/4 turn past gasket contact technique works just fine for me too, and I have no plans to change. :grouphug:

Feb 3, 2003 | 12:16 PM

ruking1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2000

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From: San Jose, CA

Re: Oil Filter Torque? (DR1167)

Quote:

I went to the AC Delco PF44 oil filter 22 ft#'s of torque after my Z06 showed a leak area on the floor under the oil filter area. I was going to bring it in to be checked for oil leaks, as it was under warranty. I decided to check to see if the filter was on tight enough and sure enough, it had worked itself loose. In over 40 years of oil changing (no Vettes) I have NEVER had that happen!

I shudder to think what would have happened if the oil filter decided to come completely loose in the Mohave Desert with ambient air temperatures of 104 degrees in the shade! (if you can find shade)

[Modified by ruking1, 9:20 AM 2/3/2003]

Feb 3, 2003 | 06:28 PM

Oldvetter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 6,937

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From: Waldorf MD

Re: Oil Filter Torque? (ruking1)

I too felt that 22 ft-lbs was way too much. It's almost 2 full turns after contact. But then I thought that the aluminum block probably expands and contracts more than an iron block, so 22 ft-lbs it is. I use a torque wrench.

Feb 4, 2003 | 01:54 AM

Avanti

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From: Bonneville Salt Flats

Re: Oil Filter Torque? (Oldvetter)

I've never seen an automotive filter go beyond one full turn after gasket contact. I've been doing 3/4-1, as recommended by the individual filter manufacturer, for over 40 years and nary a leak, either as a mechanic years ago or on my own machines since.

Hints: 1) be sure to oil the gasket well, 2) after snugging down the filter to the correct tightness, back off a slight amount (about .5 inch at the filter rim) and tighten back about half that far in order to releave any stress on the gasket, 3) put a line of contrasting paint on a high-quality filter cap-wrench to best judge how far one has tightened the filter.

All the best. :yesnod:

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