Oil Filter Threadlock?

Some body mention that spin oil filters have threadlocker on them. So I opened one to check, there is a red tint to the threads, but very very thin.

Is that really a locker?

Does that mean don't prefill the filter, get oil on the threads?

Should we clean the stud on the engine?

Never heard that before and I'm pretty doubtful of that throry - as red is normally high strength thread locker that often requires the application of heat to soften for removal.

I have never heard or seen any kind of thread locker on an oil filter in my 50 years of wrenching on cars.

cking said:

Some body mention that spin oil filters have threadlocker on them. So I opened one to check, there is a red tint to the threads, but very very thin.

Is that really a locker?

Does that mean don't prefill the filter, get oil on the threads?

Should we clean the stud on the engine?

Click to expand...

Yes, it's threadlocker.

I'd still partially fill the filter, and I'd use brake clean on the oil filter block threads.

Fortunately, for me, I have the canister style, so no worries.

dgc333 said:

I have never heard or seen any kind of thread locker on an oil filter in my 50 years of wrenching on cars.

Click to expand...

Ditto. You should put a layer of oil on the seal and the threads before you install an oil filter or you won’t ever get it off.

Sure enough, I just went and looked at a filter I have on the shelf. It has a very thin film of red on the threads. Appears to be the same color as red Locktite.

The Chairman said:

Ditto. You should put a layer of oil on the seal and the threads before you install an oil filter or you won’t ever get it off.

Click to expand...

Seal, yes, but putting oil on the threads will negate the thread lock.

barstowpo said:

Sure enough, I just went and looked at a filter I have on the shelf. It has a very thin film of red on the threads. Appears to be the same color as red Locktite.

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Looks like a stain from the cutting oil used when they make the threads? Definitely not enough there to seal anything.

It's not a threadlocker in the normal sense like loctite, it's a specially formulated version to resist vibration.

AirBusPilot said:

Yes, it's threadlocker.

I'd still partially fill the filter, and I'd use brake clean on the oil filter block threads.

Fortunately, for me, I have the canister style, so no worries.

Click to expand...

:clap2::clap2::clap2:

Like this?

https://www.vibra-tite.com/products/threadlockers/vibra-tite-vc-3-threadmate/

It's red, it has to be dry before installation and it has an indefinite shelf life once it's painted on. Looks like the "red stain" in our oil filters.

1. Purchase Ford Oil filter Motorcraft part # FL-2069-ST. It was specifically engineered for the 350
2. Spread oil on the seal and install
3. Tuouqe to 16-18 ft/lb Ford spec
4. That filter ain't coming off until you want it to

PS: Swap out the oil drain plug at every change too so you get a fresh new rubber ring to seal to the pan. Ford part number FT4Z-6730-A. At only a few bucks apiece, kind of makes it a no-brainer not to replace it at every change.
http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-ford/ft4z6730a