Oil Filter Tightening

I had this problem on a Kohler Confidant. At the end of the season last year, the engine was using an unusual amount of oil. When I serviced it over the off season, I found the oil filter loose. Now I do a filter tightness check as part of my pre-mow routine.
 
Cheap sealing O-rings and under tightening all add up to leaks. I seat the filters tight by hand and then use a filter wrench to turn an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn until a strong resistance is felt. Of course, never install with the sealing ring dry.

Next, never use Amazon or generic white box bulk filters, they are cheap, but cause expensive problems. I know small engine filters cost more than vehicle filters these days, but don't be cheap when it comes to having a good oil filter.
 
Whenever I have a mower in for service, I get it up to operating temp, shut it off, let it cool, once cool, I always recheck the filter.
 
Kohler oil filters were made by Champion Laboratories/FRAM for the last number of years. They were a good choice along with the FRAM/Champ equivalents. The base plate design worked great and they sealed well. The base plate is concaved and didn't bottom out on the mounting flange. Notice the setback.
Screenshot_20260329_202511_Drive.jpg
 
MParr said:
Kohler oil filters were made by Champion Laboratories/FRAM for the last number of years. They were a good choice along with the FRAM/Champ equivalents. The base plate design worked great and they sealed well. The base plate is concaved and didn't bottom out on the mounting flange. Notice the setback.
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Fram declared bankruptcy along with two other sister brands. Do some research for details.
 
After all the executives' backroom deals and raises there was no money left to run the business. LOL.

Fram was just one of the First Brands parts group to go under.

That's the latest trend. Execs scamper away with all the funds, file for bankruptcy, reorganize and repeat the process all over under a different name.
 
Tiger Small Engine said:
Fram declared bankruptcy along with two other sister brands. Do some research for details.
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Yes, I know. I used the word "were" meaning past tense. After the current stock is gone, we will likely see a lot more offshore made oil filters. If Relko decides to keep their supplier in North America, they will have to contract with Mann+Hummel/Purolator.
 
StarTech said:
It is schedule for closing on April 30, 2026.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/2026/03/03/first-brands-execs-face-charges-related-to-fram-closing/
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PGI Northstar has purchased much of the First Brands offerings. Therefore, look for Briggs and Relko to be stocking filters made in Vietnam, China, Malaysia, and etc.
www.truckpartsandservice.com

First Brands seeks emergency sale of filter and wiper IP

PGI Northstar LLC reaches a deal to buy intellectual property for FRAM and Trico, among others, for $25 million following First Brands' operational collapse. Read more on TPS.
www.truckpartsandservice.com www.truckpartsandservice.com
PGI makes quality oil filters. They are a whole lot better than the Purolator/WIX junk.
 
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