OK, what's the trick for torquing an oil filter?

[ArVeeNiner]

So last night I had time for only one "quick" job and I chose to install my oil filter. I have the standard Lycoming adapter which points the filter aft. I also have the shorter style oil filter and the engine is an O-320.

Well, it didn't turn out to be that quick. Try as I may, I couldn't get a socket or crow's foot to fit on the filter nut and also have room for my torque wrench.

What I ended up doing was using a combination wrench and a fish scale to apply the correct torque. That actually was very easy but I was just wondering, what is the "normal" thing to do here?

I also heard that the filters tend to be stubborn come removal time. Per the instructions on the filter, I used a film of oil on the rubber gasket just like I do on a car. There is also an option to use some DC grease. I would guess the grease is a better choice?

Thanks

[Brantel]

My friend has a special oil filter torque wrench that he loves. I have not had to change mine yet but hopefully will soon....Sure hope he lets me borrow it



There are also options like this:

[tomwebster]

You should use a torque wrench.
BUT

You can turn the filter with Dow-4 compound
on the gasket until it just makes contact,
mark the filter and then turn it between 1/2
and 3/4 of a turn more.
I have not had any leaks doing it this way
and can also easily remove the filter.

Tom

From Rosie: Concur - I've used this method for 62 oil changes

[pierre smith]

....no real need for a torque wrench here. Be sure to start the engine before putting the cowl back on to double-check for oil leaks.

Best,


Best,

[Rick_A]

Avery sells one like the pic that Brantel posted next to the Tempest filter. It may not be the cheapest option but it sure makes the job of torquing the oil filter simple.

[EFG]

I have tried many options on our small fleet (3) of Lycoming equipped club airplanes, but this one (one of the ones pictured above) is my favorite:

http://www.skygeek.com/ks5639.html

Not cheap, but they do have a service that you can mail it to for a torque check if you care about such things. Combine it with some ziplock bags for a clean oil change.

Ed

[terrykohler]

Guys like Pierre who've done hundreds of filter changes have a "calibrated" wrist. For the rest of us, a few dollars spent on something as important as proper filter installation is a good investment. I'd disagree with the wrench ad in that you should never use a measuring device as a removal tool, unless you're certain the break-away torque is well within the limits of the device.
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP

[Steve]

Contact plus a half turn. No more else it's hard to remove 50 hours from now. I use a 1" box wrench. Swipe the gasket with fresh oil before install.

[Bill Dicus]

A 1" socket and a torque wrench works fine.

[AlexPeterson]

I use a fish scale and a box wrench. That size wrench is about 1 foot long, so no conversion is necessary. Make sure the fish scale is about 90 degrees from the wrench.