Strange issue with oil filter, need some common sense

[chris anderson]

71' T with some improvements. I rebuilt the engine about 3 years ago, no issues and runs strong. It has been through several oil changes with no issues. Today I did another change, all looked fine, about 6qts from tank, normal used looking, about 3 qts from sump. Now it gets strange. Removed oil filter and it appeared dry. I know this is not normal. Is it possible pick up tube in tank is clogged or dislodged? Fact that oil in tank looked dirty makes me think it is circulating in engine. Pressure and temp are fine when running, just took it on a 300 mile drive in relatively hot temperatures. Again no issue but of course a concern if filter is not seeing any oil.

Help.

[chris anderson]

Added info, removed engine about 8 months ago for some tranny work. New oil and filter. Plugged oil lines while engine was out, 98% sure all plugs removed but have done silly things in past. Now I wonder if this could cause the dry filter.

[sanders]

Check the oil filter console, make sure the holes line up correctly.

[SIMI BOB]

Oil filter will be hot if oil is circulating.
Bob B

[1QuickS]

Is the filter an OEM filter? I remember from MANY, MANY years ago that some filters have a reversed flow than those for our engines. This would block oil from entering your filter.

[Nickelplated5s]

FWIW I had three problems with filters. One with my F350 and Motorcraft's. One with the fridge water filter, factory. My suspicion as they were ordered on line they came out the back of the factory. Third was a Kawasaki V twin, filter just came off. Change the filter and check the lines. As stated there should be heat in the filter.

[chris anderson]

As a follow up. Removed lines going to tank, I was still thinking only way for oil to circulate properly in engine as indicated with oil I drained was if the pipe internally in tank was no longer connected or filter was not allowing oil into it. Used air pressure to determine pipe was fine. Manifold also fine, only one way this mounts and has been correct. No plugs in hoses. Had tried a K&N filter from a mechanic recommendation. Since I had drained all the oil was not able to determine if filter was getting hot. Had no reason to suspect issue prior to oil change. Put a Mahle that I had back on. Added oil and all performed as expected. Tank level rose at idle and dipped at revs, filter got hot. Moral, stay with what works.

[Nickelplated5s]

PM to Chris.