BX oil change.....

[B2400]

I've ALWAYS put oil in the filter before installation. Even horizontal filters will hold enough oil in them to dampen the filtering media without leaking.

 

[Tom_H]

O.K., some follow up ?'s if you'll indulge me. These aren't meant to be smart alec ?'s. I'm certianly NOT an expert on these things, so these are honest questions.

I understand your point about pistons not being completely dry. I've had other mechanics say that MOST of the oil does drain down while the engine isn't running and that there's more friction due to the RELATIVELY lower amount of lube at crank-up. If there is no more friction at that time than others, what is the purpose of pre-oilers on big rigs?

I've also had several mechanics insist on pre-filling new oil filters. These also happened to be the ones who come across as honest and sincere businessmen. I love Toyotas for many reasons, but I do have to say that they do not appear to be designed with pre-filling of oil filters in mind. Mine have all been horizontally mounted. There are so many cables, hoses, and rigid pipes in the way that by the time I can get a new filter into position and the threads seated, most of the fresh oil has leaked out.

 

[astor]

Guys, I have only 75 hours on my BX2300 and I used Shell Rotella 15-40 at 50 hours, changing the filter also. I was wondering if synthetic oil, in your opinion, is the way to go, or if you stick with the manufacturers recommendations any oil will do.

Thanks

 

[Jimbrown]

Ahh this simple question has been known to start fist fights, hate mail , and spam wars. It falls into the same area as which is better Ford or Chevy. Most answers and arguments for either side are based on personal opinion and no true facts. The only real answer is to use what makes you feel good. Personnaly I use Rotella 15-40. The only machine I ever ran synthetic in was a BMW because that is what BMW uses inorder to have 15000 mile oil changes and BMW changed it for free.

 

[ZackaryMac]

Pre-oilers aren't a bad thing by any means, but are they necesary? Good question. The engine in my Sonoma came from a truck with 500,000kms on the clock, and it runs great. Yes, I put it in anyway. I had a Jetta diesel with 611,000 kms on it and to the best of my knowledge neither of these engines have been rebuilt. Are they worn? No doubt. Worn out? Nope. I know of many diesel VW's with lots of mileage on them, with no problems. Same as Mercedes. Isuzu's also. Lots of trucks had no pre-oilers on them for years and they lasted many miles. Does pre-oiling help? Likely. Is it worth it? That would have to be your decision.
As far as pre-filling your filter, it isn't a bad idea, even if lots of it comes out before the filter manages to be tightened down. Increasing the lube time from start-up isn't a positive thing. I do it when I can, but not all the time. The filter on the Sonoma sits thread-down in a hard-to-reach location, so I don't always pre-lube it.
Remember, this is just my opinion. Feel free to agree, or not. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SCB]

RandyBX,
count me in on the filling the filter crowd. I hava always done this with my vehicles. Does it create less wear on the engine? Who knows. But it is a simple thing that I have always done.

 

[Bird]

I don't know whether or how much it would help, but filling the filter before installation sounds like a good idea; however, I'm among those who have never done it.

 

[Charley]

Nearly 25 years ago, one of my jobs on our farms was to maintain the irrigation engines, mostly Detroit Diesels. We performed oil analysis on every oil change for these engines and every other engine we had, gas or diesel. Regarding oil types/brands/weights/etc., I've yet to see any scientifically solid evidence to support any particular oil decision (other than weight). In my opinion, oil analysis, or more specifically, a series of oil analysis provides the best information to make decisions about equipment condition and oil change intervals.

I run synthetic in most of my vehicles these days (including my Kubota) only because of its cold weather viscosity. My basic theory is if the oil is not over contaminated and flows at cold temperatures, that engine won't fail due to lubrication.

 

[BIGUN]

I have never seen a service manual on any equipment I have owned that recommended or even mentioned filling the filter with oil before installing. I have never done so, I just start the engine without touching the throttle until after the pressure has come up, and never had any problem.

 

[bellweather]

I have seen pre filling the oil filter mentioned in manuals, mostly Bristish cars of the 50's & 60's. I don't think in can hurt to do it, but my belief is that modern lubricants are better than those of yore, and it is really not necessary. Like Bigun, I just let the engine idle until the oil pressure comes up. I figure there is enough residual oil on the moving parts to prevent damage during the few seconds it takes for the oil pressure to come up. Also, I agree with others that trying to negotiate a pre-filled oil filter into position can be an excersize in futility...and a BIG MESS.