Almost ruined the 440 in the Coronet. Just a routine oil change: R&R the Wix 51515 filter, 5 qts of Valvoline VR-1 10-30w. Cranked the engine over, waited for the oil light to go out and then I slid out the door and did the routine look under the front end for any leaks. Oil was gushing out between the oil filter and oil pump. WTF!!! Quickly ran back and shut her down. By this time it was Lake Valvoline under the car.
I removed the filter and as I'm brining it up along side the radiator I see an O-ring resting on the K-member. During the filter installation somehow the O ring was dislodged.
I put the O ring back on the filter; its only held on by tension. I checked the old filter thinking the new one was a defect, but it came off just as easily. Damn!
Dropped in my 1 remaining quart of VR-1 and it barely marked the dipstick. I lost 4 qts of oil in 10-12 seconds! Fortunately I shut down the engine in time. The lifters hadn't started chattering yet so I think I dodged the bullet.
Replaying the event in my mind, I then remembered that the oil filter R&R's from on top (battery has been relocated to the trunk). I R&R'd from below, navigating through the AT cooler lines and screwing the filter on by touch. From on top I can see down to the oil pump threads but from below the K frame blocks my view. Lesson re-learned and my notes have been updated.
Have to order another case of VR-1 from Summit; CA doesn't sell high zinc oil. Add 4 quarts, fire it up and keep my crossed.
I removed the filter and as I'm brining it up along side the radiator I see an O-ring resting on the K-member. During the filter installation somehow the O ring was dislodged.
I put the O ring back on the filter; its only held on by tension. I checked the old filter thinking the new one was a defect, but it came off just as easily. Damn!
Dropped in my 1 remaining quart of VR-1 and it barely marked the dipstick. I lost 4 qts of oil in 10-12 seconds! Fortunately I shut down the engine in time. The lifters hadn't started chattering yet so I think I dodged the bullet.
Replaying the event in my mind, I then remembered that the oil filter R&R's from on top (battery has been relocated to the trunk). I R&R'd from below, navigating through the AT cooler lines and screwing the filter on by touch. From on top I can see down to the oil pump threads but from below the K frame blocks my view. Lesson re-learned and my notes have been updated.
Have to order another case of VR-1 from Summit; CA doesn't sell high zinc oil. Add 4 quarts, fire it up and keep my crossed.
