Changing oil but not filter?

[hifihigh]

Hi, I have a trackday coming up soon and my oil level was not at max so I checked it with the dipstick and the oil is blackish. I was thinking rather than top it up I should change it. I last did the oil and filter about 4k miles ago. Do I need to change the filter aswel? It's a bh to get at behind the inlet manifold and last time I changed it it dumped a load of oil onto the engine before I could turn it right way up!

[Stu R]

As I'm sure you know, it's always best to change the filter too, but I wouldn't be too worried about not changing it if your oil intervals are 4k. Of course it's going to remove some of the benefit of the oil change.
For track days I'd change it personally, but I wouldn't lose sleep or expect the engine to explode by opting for the easier outcome.

And for what it's worth, Engine oil is meant to go black, well, dark at least. It means it's doing it's job properly. Be more worried if it comes out as clean as it went in after 4k miles.

[hifihigh]

OK welp I decided to do the filter aswell. I've put the new filter on now, how tight does it need to be on, is doing it by hand okay or should I get the filter wrench onto it?

[Stu R]

hand tight is all it needs mate. dip yer finger in the oil and run it around the o-ring / seal, hand tight nice and firm and jobs a racer.

[hifihigh]

Cheers I put a dab of oil on the edge of the filter. Also managed to wrangle the chain wrench back onto the filter to put an extra 1/4 of a turn on just in case. All set for the track now!

[That Daddy]

hifihigh said:

Cheers I put a dab of oil on the edge of the filter. Also managed to wrangle the chain wrench back onto the filter to put an extra 1/4 of a turn on just in case. All set for the track now!

Personally hand tight is always enough,and using that chain wrench can weaken/cut the canister so be careful,worth checking that one

[ridds]

Yep hand tight.

Spin on until the seal touches then 3/4 of a turn from there. Put another 1.8 of a turn after that if you're not happy.

Never use a wrench or strap and always put oil on the seal. You'll neer get it off again especially if it's hard to get to.

[hifihigh]

That Daddy said:

Personally hand tight is always enough,and using that chain wrench can weaken/cut the canister so be careful,worth checking that one

ridds said:

Yep hand tight.

Spin on until the seal touches then 3/4 of a turn from there. Put another 1.8 of a turn after that if you're not happy.

Never use a wrench or strap and always put oil on the seal. You'll neer get it off again especially if it's hard to get to. laugh

Oh well at least I can be pretty sure the filter is not gonna fall off before I have to change it again!

[GavinPearson]

ridds said:

Yep hand tight.

Spin on until the seal touches then 3/4 of a turn from there. Put another 1.8 of a turn after that if you're not happy.

Never use a wrench or strap and always put oil on the seal. You'll neer get it off again especially if it's hard to get to.

Seal touch plus 3/4 turn is plenty. I would also avoid using a chain wrench or strap. Not changing the filter when you change oil is a very false economy.

[Stu R]

hifihigh said:

Oh well at least I can be pretty sure the filter is not gonna fall off before I have to change it again!

it's when you come to change it and all the torque in the world can't budge it that you'll regret overtightening it