2000StreetRod
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- May 26, 2009
- Messages
- 10,597
- Reaction score
- 334
- City, State
- Greenville, SC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 00 Sport FI, 03 Ltd V8
When replacing the engine oil filter it is important to fill the new filter with oil prior to installation. The output of the oil pump flows directly to the oil filter before being distributed throughout the engine. An oil filter has a capacity of more than one half quart of oil. If an empty oil filter is installed then the pump must fill the filter and pressurize the system before oil flows to the bearings. The majority of bearing wear occurs at engine start when the oil pressure is too low to protect rotating surfaces from contacting each other. Installing a "dry" filter significantly increases the duration of low oil pressure. For the SOHC V6 engine that relies on hydraulic timing chain tensioners, installing a "dry" filter increases the chance of timing chain slippage. A new filter is slow to absorb oil as it is poured in thru the opening. It takes multiple pours and several minutes to actually get it full. In my opinion it is time well spent.
