Had a few filters spin off at the race track at FC04 this weekend. One engine is history, one is noisy at idle. This mod costs less than five bucks, and should be mandatory at the track.

Get a carb return spring, cut it and make a hook on each end (tool pic). The finished length should be 8 inches.

Get a hose clamp with a screw-5/16 hex head, and lightly tighten it around the very base of the filter, leaving it temporarily loose enough to turn...

Install the filter, and tighten it. I would recommend using a oil filter socket, and 3/8 drive ratchet (tools pic)

Position the screw at the 3 o'clock position, as viewed from the passenger side of the car (screw facing front). Using a nut driver, tighten the clamp (tool pic)

Attach the spring around the clamp in the screw hole, and hook it in the boss in the engine the second pic...this is the view from the bottom of the car.

It was mandatory back in my mcy racing days to safety spring all three oils...Filter, fill cap, and drain plug.

 

Great mod! Going to have to do that one. BTW, I think I was behind you for a while on the track. Do you have a black S?

 

another great idea - one question Billman - of the filters that spun off were any of them OEM??

 

Yup, old motorcycle trick for sure, but a good one at that.

It would be interesting to know ALL of the details regarding the filters backing off.

 

Here's what I know first hand....

They were both PCX filters...

They were both DIY oil changes by the owners...

The PCX filter is not like others...It is supposed to go metal to metal contact and torqued.

One car had a greddy adapter.....overtighten on this setup may cause a line to form on the housing.

 

great tip... thx!

 

I've seen 1 blow off on the track, but it was a Mobil 1 M-105. Which is not the correct filter listed for the S by Mobil. (It's an oversize filter) It was also a DIY oil change.
Were the PCX filters installed hand tight?

Care to elaborate on the greddy adapter theory? I'm not sure what you mean.

 

I'm guessing they were hand tight....To clarify, I'm saying if you tighten the filter too much with the greddy housing, it can score a line in it because its aluminum....prolly won't matter as long as you stick with the exact same filter (15400-PCX-004)

 

what about FRAM filters from AutoZone and Walmart, are they safe (in the correct size, offcourse) ?

 

I think fram is the biggest crap going. Cut one open and look for yourself. Hastings is among the best in aftermarket. PCX for me...