oil filter empty

[cbechard]

I have been getting a half full oil filter. the last time I changed my filter it was empty . What gives? Anyone else have this problem ?

thanks
cbechard

[boognish]

well l think it'd be safe to assume that oil just isn't getting to the filter. but then again, l have been called "mr. obvious" before. the good news is, next oil change you wouldn't have to buy a new filter.

[cbechard]

Anybody else think this is funny? My oil is not getting filtered . Thats a bad thing. Although I checked it today and the filter was half full. The oil looked darker also. So some of it is getting there anyway..

[97chevyman]

well, sounds like you are using a fram filter. Frams have poor anti-drainback valves and then the oil drains back into the pan via suction. So there is no oil getting to your bearings for a couple of seconds. Veyr bad, i blew a motor by using frams, now i use wix hastings or motorcraft. Big difference, and they good filters are usually cheaper. Do not use quakerstate or pennzoil filters either, they are the same thing.

[Dan_in_WA]

I've rebuilt somewhere around a dozen engines, and have noticed that Quaker State and Pennzoil will build an incredible amount of sludge in an engine, where as Valvoline and Havoline engines are pretty clean (for a 150,000 mile engine!) at teardown.

I agree with the people above; try a Wix or Motorcraft filter, see if that helps.

[cbechard]

I have been useing Amsoil filters. Suppose to be very good. I did use a different one this time . I will see if there is a difference. Thanks guy..

[Busted]

I have been using the orange fram filters and the white tough guard fram filters. On at least two occasion I noticed no oil in the orange filter but never had a problem with the white ones. I'm glad I sold the van with dry filters.

[cbechard]

Originally Posted by Busted

I have been using the orange fram filters and the white tough guard fram filters. On at least two occasion I noticed no oil in the orange filter but never had a problem with the white ones. I'm glad I sold the van with dry filters.

Thanks alot for the heads up....

[darian210]

I've had the same problem yesterday and yes, I had a orange fram filter in my jeep wrangler. At startup, the valves would tap and the things would level out within a few seconds. I changed my oil today and noticed that there was no oil in the filter, so that's what brought me here. Thanks for the info guys.

[CrapaTaurusWrecks]

I've always used Fram and never had a problem with them, they are also rated very good by Consumer reports. Just to be safe I think I'll switch to Motorcraft since they are the same price as Fram at Walmart.
Speaking of Walmart, how are their filters? Does anyone know who makes them for them? As far as price they can't be beat.

[Willyum]

I've used Purolator filters and think I've had no trouble with them. Have also used Pep Boy Proline and Wal-Mart units satisfactorily. You'll get a dirty engine regarless of filter if you don't change oil often. Is likely a defective unit if the oil is draining back.
Remember how long those VW bugs would run, they didn't have a filter at all.

[shorod]

While I'm glad folks have used the search feature, and there is some good info here, the thread is old, so I'm going to close it.

-Rod