I almost blew another engine!

[Motorhead350]

I got the Marauder out of storage early this year due to the people who stole my K5 and tonight things could have been a lost worse. I went to change the oil at my parents house and for the first time I decided to use a MotorCraft oil filter. I put it on, put in new oil and fired it up to get a reading in a few minutes. I went inside to wash up, got back to the garage looked at the car and gunned it twice, shut it off and just went back inside because I forgot to bring a paper towel. Well I ended up talking to my dad and neglected to check the oil. I asked him if he wanted to go for a ride and show me that Blazer he spotted a few miles away and he said sure.

When I went to pull the car outta the garage next to my moms car I asked him if he could get in... he was just looking at the ground. "Come here and look." I was thinking Was I Really That Sloppy Today? To my surprize there was a lake of oil all over the floor going into the drain. I looked under the car and the drain plug was on, but the oil filter gasket had come off. Ever since I had the blower put on there has been more tubing to work around when putting a filter on and I must have sc***** it against something causing the gasket to come off resulting in this.

I have used Fram for all of the cars life even with the superchager and when I heard Fram is junk and not good at all for high performance cars I decided to kick off this year with MotorCraft which seems to be the recommended filter for us. Well Fram has never given me a problem when the filter would rub against stuff making while making it way into it's place nor has it given me any problems before, but this MotorCraft one... not as well made, at least from my experience.

I was going to call the MotorCraft junk, but in the end it's my fault for not being more careful even with an oil filter. I went to a store later and just got another Fram and oil, put on the filter and some more Moble 1 and I was good to go. No engine knocking, no Check Engine light... it's all ok, but running for 2-3 minutes with no oil and reving it almost cost me my second car in less than a month.

Has anyone here ever experienced such a problem or am I the lucky one?

What a great year so far.

[Aren Jay]

Keep up this bad luck streak and you are going to win the lottery, when your luck changes, and no I let my Garage guys fiddle with the car.

[martyo]

Remind me not to buy that car.

[Haggis]

Remind me not to buy that car.

Marty, do not buy Dom's car!

[snowbird]

Remind me not to buy that car.
LOL In fact, Martyo, avoid all Midwest to be shure !!

[Mike Poore]

Dom, lucky your dad saw the oil; but it was your own inexperience, and being in a hurry, that caused the problem, not the filter.

Did you put a light coat of oil on the gasket and inspect it, before installation, as they clearly suggest on the filter box? Did you tighten it by hand till you could feel the gasket mate with the seat, then tighten it using the recommended procedure, as per instructions on the box?

You blamed the manufacturer, then went out and bought a POS filter to replace it, when you should have retrieved the gasket, reinstalled and inspected it, then checked it after you were done.

I don't mean to be hard on you, son, but there was a lesson to be learned, and you picked the wrong parameter to blame, then responded incorrectly, all the while, learning the wrong lesson. ....love....grandpa :geezer:

Um, take it to Jiffy-Lube, next time. :rofl: (see above post)

One more thing. You might want to consider sending a sample of the oil that's in the motor, now, to Blackstone labs, to be sure there was no damage to the oil pump or berrings during the brief time you ran the engine without oil/pressure.

[Joe Walsh]

Don't even bother with those pesky oil filters....just take a pipe cap and thread it onto the nipple where the oil filter usually goes.

BTW: You might even be able to avoid using engine oil at all, especially expensive Mobil 1.
I'd suggest 0W-00 H20....it comes in convenient bottles that you can buy just about anywhere.

[Egon Spengler]

I have done this too... twice with two different reasons....

The first time, the filter didn't come with a gasket and I put it on with out even noticing! Dumped oil all over the ground

The second time, I removed the old filter and didn't look to see if the gasket came off with it... well... it was stuck to the block so I put the new filter on WITH THE GASKET this time and having double gaskets up there will create the same problem... again... dumped oil all over the driveway.

Now... I ALWAYS make sure that the old gasket comes off and there is a new one in place.

[RF Overlord]

...the oil filter gasket had come off. Ever since I had the blower put on there has been more tubing to work around when putting a filter on and I must have sc***** it against something causing the gasket to come off...Dom, any single filter from any manufacturer can be defective. It's just not practical or economically feasible to give a 100% check to every filter. You may have gotten a Motorcraft where the gasket was not completely seated during production and, as you said, "sc***** it against something" and dislodged it. I make it a habit to check the gasket and the mointing threads before installation.

I heard Fram is junk and not good at all for high performance cars I decided to kick off this year with MotorCraft which seems to be the recommended filter for us.It's not that FRAM oil filters are junk per se, it's that there are better-made filters for the same money; indeed, there are better-made filters for LESS money. If you chose the Orange Can of Doom (or is it now the "Orange Can of DOM"... :D ), I would not go more than 3-5k. If you are partial to FRAM filters then at least use one of the better ones, like the Tough Guard or the Extended Guard. Do NOT use either the Double Guard with Teflon or the High Mileage with TRT miracle goop. These are marketing scams that have no value.

I was going to call the MotorCraft junk, but in the end it's my fault for not being more careful even with an oil filter.That shows brains and maturity on your part... :up:

[RF Overlord]

The first time, the filter didn't come with a gasket and I put it on with out even noticing! Dumped oil all over the ground.If you had followed proper installation procedure and lubricated the new gasket with fresh oil, you would have caught this... ;)

No dis intended here...I'm just using your experience to illustrate a point for anyone who is new at changing their own oil.

[fastblackmerc]

The second time, I removed the old filter and didn't look to see if the gasket came off with it... well... it was stuck to the block so I put the new filter on WITH THE GASKET this time and having double gaskets up there will create the same problem... again... dumped oil all over the driveway.


So you don't clean the filter mounting plate before you install a new filter? If you did you'd catch the old gasket that is stuck there and how hard is it to look at the bottom of the old filter?

[Egon Spengler]

This was when I was like 16... I now take proper steps such as cleaning before putting a new filter on and LUBING THE GASKET!!! I took auto shop in high school and my father has taught me alot and I have taught him alot

I am the MAINTAINANCE MAN now!!!

[fastblackmerc]

This was when I was like 16... I now take proper steps such as cleaning before putting a new filter on and LUBING THE GASKET!!! I took auto shop in high school and my father has taught me alot and I have taught him alot

I am the MAINTAINANCE MAN now!!!

Well good for you............

[pantheroc]

Chalk it up as a lesson learned. I did a blind filter change on an older car I had. The previous filter's gasket remained attached to the engine. Put on the new filter, lubed the gasket and did the install by feel and not visual. Started the car and oil was all over the place. I'VE NEVER HAD IT HAPPEN AGAIN!

[ckadiddle]

Life is a learning experience. :-)

[Egon Spengler]

Chalk it up as a lesson learned. I did a blind filter change on an older car I had. The previous filter's gasket remained attached to the engine. Put on the new filter, lubed the gasket and did the install by feel and not visual. Started the car and oil was all over the place. I'VE NEVER HAD IT HAPPEN AGAIN!

EXAAAACTLY WHAT I DID!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

[Motorhead350]

I knew I would get a little heat for this, but I don't care, I'm just explaining a little issue I had. I've never had this problem before and every single time I put a new filter on I always check to make sure it has some oil on it before it goes on. I always change the Fram every 3,000 miles or usually less. Next time I will be looking for a new oil filter, but Motorcraft is not high on my list anymore.

[Haggis]

I knew I would get a little heat for this, but I don't care, I'm just explaining a little issue I had. I've never had this problem before and every single time I put a new filter on I always check to make sure it has some oil on it before it goes on. I always change the Fram every 3,000 miles or usually less. Next time I will be looking for a new oil filter, but Motorcraft is not high on my list anymore.

Dom, you might as well give up now, life isn't doing to get any better. Try kerosene in the gas tank next time...wait you already did that one.

[Dragcity]

**** happens Bro. At least you didn't take it for a spin.

Motorcraft are good filters. I have used them exclusively my whole life.

I once got one in the box that was missing the o-ring gasket. No worries, just used the old gasket on the new filter.

Stick with it, don't give up. Some lessons cost more than others....

[Motorhead350]

Dom, you might as well give up now, life isn't doing to get any better. Try kerosene in the gas tank next time...wait you already did that one.

Maybe the car will run E85 without any mods! It's a 2003 and E85 works for all cars made after 1998 right? :rolleyes:

[Mike Poore]

Some lessons cost more than others....


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

That right there says it all.

You learn your lessons, sometimes they are very expensive, sometimes free. However, the cost of the lesson, sometimes, has very little to do with it's value. ;)

[Motorhead350]

In that case I have been learning a lot this month, but I didn't want hands on experience or in another case hands-off... I want my truck back. :bigcry:

[RF Overlord]

Next time I will be looking for a new oil filter, but Motorcraft is not high on my list anymore.Then try WIX, NAPA Gold, or Carquest Blue. They're all made by WIX and are identical but for the paint on the can. Don't waste your money on a K&N or Mobil 1...they're very good filters, but WAY overpriced.

[rkk]

While we're on the subject of life's learning experiences, how does the Marauder inform the driver when the oil level is low?

There is no LED in the instrument cluster and with the "phony" oil gauge, what does it point to when you need to pull over and add oil?

[RF Overlord]

how does the Marauder inform the driver when the oil level is low?It doesn't. You have to pull the dipstick.


with the "phony" oil gauge, what does it point to when you need to pull over and add oil?First of all, you should replace the fake OEM gauge with a real working one ASAP. Secondly, no oil pressure gauge will tell you when the level's low, that's not its purpose. If the level gets low enough, the gauge may indicate a loss of pressure on hard acceleration, braking, or cornering due to the oil pickup becoming uncovered, but by that time your motor is probably already damaged.

[martyo]

Screw the lessons, I can't believe that you guys have not focused on the fact that he likely trashed his motor.

[Mike Poore]

Screw the lessons, I can't believe that you guys have not focused on the fact that he likely trashed his motor.

Me did, Marty. I told him it would be a good idea to send a sample of the oil now residing in his motor to our friends at Blackstone labs. I should get a style point, or something for that. :rolleyes:

[O's Fan Rich]

While we're on the subject of life's learning experiences, how does the Marauder inform the driver when the oil level is low?

There is no LED in the instrument cluster and with the "phony" oil gauge, what does it point to when you need to pull over and add oil?

Oh, c'mon.....:shake:

[rkk]

Oh, c'mon.....:shake:

Not to beat this issue to death, but I think running out of OIL is a big deal.

Besides the MM is sophisticated enough to warn us about "Checking the Fuel Cap" and "Low Fuel", but God forbid you're low on oil, that they keep quiet.

Ford just lost some brownie points with me.

My 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 told me about a low oil condition that saved the car. When cars gets old things happen. The Chevy was only $18K, I figure d a $35K Marauder should at least do the same.

[GreekGod]

So, how much oil did you lose? One quart on the floor would look like a river or small mud puddle.

I think a cold start after an oil change would put the filter in bypass mode. But, since I don't understand the Modular oiling system, I'm not sure if the critical pressure points would be lacking oil flow, in spite of a filter gasket leak.

Were the cam followers ticking or making any noise? With a hydraulic lifter, cam in block engine, the lifters are usually the first indication of low or no oil pressure.

[Joe Walsh]

Not to beat this issue to death, but I think running out of OIL is a big deal.

Besides the MM is sophisticated enough to warn us about "Checking the Fuel Cap" and "Low Fuel", but God forbid you're low on oil, that they keep quiet.

Ford just lost some brownie points with me.

My 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 told me about a low oil condition that saved the car. When cars gets old things happen. The Chevy was only $18K, I figure d a $35K Marauder should at least do the same.

If you need the car to throw an idiot light when your oil level is low, you should stick to good 'ole Chevys!

As was already stated;

You have to pull the dipstick once in a while to check the oil level.

[Motorhead350]

I'm sorry to say, but my car is fine. :P

It was back to shreading tires at half throttle and during gear shifts too. Everything is fine... sorry to disapoint some of you. Drove it 60 miles today while listening to Randy and The Rainbows followed by N.W.A.

:burnout:

[Marauderjack]

If you need the car to throw an idiot light when your oil level is low, you should stick to good 'ole Chevys!

As was already stated;

You have to pull the dipstick once in a while to check the oil level.

Agree with Joe ^^^

Also...IMHO.....I think you'd have to be down a couple quarts or more to lose pressure....so....if your engine uses that much oil between changes it's probably shot anyway??!!:cool:

I have almost 170K miles on mine......around 85K with the blower and mine has never used any oil between changes (5K miles).......strange but true!!:eek:

Marauderjack:burnout:

[O's Fan Rich]

Not to beat this issue to death, but I think running out of OIL is a big deal.

Besides the MM is sophisticated enough to warn us about "Checking the Fuel Cap" and "Low Fuel", but God forbid you're low on oil, that they keep quiet.

Ford just lost some brownie points with me.

My 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 told me about a low oil condition that saved the car. When cars gets old things happen. The Chevy was only $18K, I figure d a $35K Marauder should at least do the same.

Guess I'm different than you. I check my oil, tire pressure, trans fluid, coolant levels, meth level, look at the belts, all at least once a week during the season I drive the car.
I want to know, not wait and guess.

That being said, I have real gauges, many gauges and on the oil pressure, I have the added switch with warning light that Dennis Reinhart introduced to us all, just in case.

So, you can choose to be reactive to an issue or proactive to prevent an issue, your call.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Not Motorcraft's fault that you can't change a filter... and then you put a fram back on for good measure. Good work there captain. I would quit posting about these experiences because they do not make you look good... just pretend it didn't happen next time

[Breadfan]

If you need the car to throw an idiot light when your oil level is low, you should stick to good 'ole Chevys!

As was already stated;

You have to pull the dipstick once in a while to check the oil level.

My '90 Mustang GT has a low oil light actually. I noticed the screenprint for it on the guage cluster.

I never even thought about whether or not the Marauder had one.

As other stated it's not a problm if you check the oil from time to time and when you see a puddle underneath it consider that your warning light, lol...

BTW, late 80's Chryslers don't have low oil lights, I know this because someone in my family put a hole in the oil pan of a Dodge Shadow and ran it dry in DC traffic, it still ran after that just a bit noisier than it already was...

[Egon Spengler]

Now... when I do an oil change... once I have it all set and off the jack... I turn the key for just a second... let it turn on and right back off... that way if there is a problem... only a little oil will spill out... then I turn it on and let it run for a couple and keep a close eye for an leaks or drips

[Motorhead350]

Not Motorcraft's fault that you can't change a filter... and then you put a fram back on for good measure. Good work there captain. I would quit posting about these experiences because they do not make you look good... just pretend it didn't happen next time

Dude I have done it a lot more than you and the one time I use a different companies product over my traditional choice I would say Motorcraft has a problem not me or at least that particular oil filter. I have over 120,000 miles on my car and the last 100,000 miles I took care of the oil and filter myself. One mistake doesn't mean that my ability to change an oil filter went away. I only posted to help everyone and to make them more aware of things like this so they can prevent such a problem. You don't like it, don't post.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

All you succeeded in doing is making people aware that you can't even change your own oil. Congratulations. Come on, if you posted your experience with the title "remember to be careful installing new oil filters", then this post would be warranted and for real. But no, you post OH MY GAWD, I ALMOST DONE GONE BLOWED UP MA' ENGINE BECAURSE I CAN"T INSTALL THE FILTER PROPERLY. Get real.

[RF Overlord]

VicsEvilBrother, you've made your point...let's move on.

[Motorhead350]

All you succeeded in doing is making people aware that you can't even change your own oil. Congratulations. Come on, if you posted your experience with the title "remember to be careful installing new oil filters", then this post would be warranted and for real. But no, you post OH MY GAWD, I ALMOST DONE GONE BLOWED UP MA' ENGINE BECAURSE I CAN"T INSTALL THE FILTER PROPERLY. Get real.

Your right I have no idea what I am doing. Happy? Is that real enough or would you like to mention other stupid things that happened? I'm starting to wonder about you... hmmmmmm. :stupid:

[RF Overlord]

VicsEvilBrother, you've made your point...let's move on.^^^You too, Dom^^^

Don't make me get medieval on both your asses...

[KillJoy]

Your right I have no idea what I am doing.

You know Dominick.... they say: Admission of a problem IS the first step/

;)

KillJoy

[Motorhead350]

You know Dominick.... they say: Admission of a problem IS the first step/

;)

KillJoy

So, Steve what stage are you at?

:lol:

[KillJoy]

So, Steve what stage are you at?

:lol:

Dunno what you are talking about.... I have no problem.

;)

KillJoy

[Blackmobile]

You guys are 2 much. This sparks an idea, Why don't we start a section for the dumbest things we've seen or done on a car.

I can start with, many moons ago in New York, I was doing mechanic work at a body shop, and kept pretty busy. When someone comes up to the shop and asks me to do a brake job. I couldn't because I was busy so this neighborhood druggy ( I say this because no one would ever stick their hands into the trunk of his car for fear of getting stuck by something) decides to take on the job, right there in front of the shop. No biggy, but I kept an eye on him, and he did the job. Mind you this car had 4 wheel drum brakes. So when he was finished he comes over to me to brag about the great and fast job he did on this guys car. I stick my head out of the shop and inform him that he did do the job quite fast but for one problem. So I told him it would have been a good idea to put the drums back on the car before he put the tires back on. All 4 drums were laying next to each wheel.

That's my :twocents:

[Motorhead350]

Wow I feel sorry for those who do not know what they are doing. I can only imagine what it's like. ;)

[Haggis]

Wow I feel sorry for those who do not know what they are doing. I can only imagine what it's like. ;)

Psst...look in the mirror.

[Motorhead350]

Psst...look in the mirror.

Oh ya that's you behind me! :D

[Haggis]

Oh ya that's you behind me! :D

What!!! Do you want a reach around? :eek:

[Vortech347]

Motorcraft is all I've ever ran on my 550+hp stang.

[Motorhead350]

No problems?