Baldwin Filters

Spin-on Engine Oil Filter Installation

August 2010

The purpose of the engine oil filter is to remove harmful contaminants from the oil stream that may cause internal engine component damage. For the filter to work properly, it is critical that it be installed properly. Quite often, proper filter installation is overlooked or misunderstood.

Below are the steps to properly install a typical spin-on engine oil filter:

Clean the mounting base sealing surface.

NOTE: Remove any old gaskets that may be stuck to the base.

Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the new filter gasket(s).

Spin on the new filter until the gasket contacts the mounting base.

NOTE: This does not mean “hand-tighten”. For example, “hand-tighten” to installer “A” might be 1 turn beyond gasket contact, while “hand-tighten” to installer “B” might be 1/2 turn beyond gasket contact. Too many variables!

Tighten the filter the required number of turns beyond gasket contact. For this example, spin on the new filter an additional 1 1/2 turn beyond gasket contact to the base.

Start the engine and check for leaks.

Never use a dented filter.

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