Just quickly dropped the oil on my Focus as it's approaching 6k since the last.

I used a genuine ford filter and as I put the new one on I felt it go tight about 1/2 way up the thread. Slackend it back off again, had a look and tried again and it went tight? So I give it a little twist and there was a quiet 'click' and all was fine and the oil filter tightened up.

Wondering if I've 'jumped' a thread? Scared to take it off now when I have to change the oil again. Can you replace the bit that sticks out the engine easily?

Also noticed that the drain hole has been helicoiled in the past?
How long to the helicoils last for? Is it worth me getting a new sump or should it be ok?


A very paranoid Bailes.
Should really just chill out

 

Maybe just the thread on the filter was a bit tight? Can't see you really could have damaged the thread on the engine tbh, unless you cross threaded it etc?

Martin

 

Thats what I'm worried about, it was putting it on straight so can't see how I would have done it. Not twice anyway.
Felt like I cross threaded it though

Then there was a click and it carried on fine?

 

Maybe take it off again and check?

I personally always grease both threads when I do a change.

Martin

 

Dunno about the filter, but if the helicoil has been done right, it'll be fine forever (or until you knacker that thread too )

 

I don't get on well with nuts and bolts, or anything with a thread infact

 

Nah that's fine mate I've done that loads of times as long as the other half went up nice and smooth all is fine.

 

yep ive dropped my focus twice this year same as you described and its been fine.

 

if you had buggered the thread up you would of struggled to get the filter on the further u got it on the thread

 

Sounds like some machining swarf or thread not cut properly on the new filter.

 

Cheers guys! Put my mind at rest