[thiggins]

I'm getting close to first start at my shop (Rotax ran it an hour at the factory).

Should I toss the factory oil filter or just keep it and put my oil in?

I will be purging the oil system of air next.

 

[thiggins]

I guess I'll toss it.

 

[Jetmart]

Lycoming says to use theirs.

 

[scottmillhouse]

They put on a new filter.

 

[thiggins]

They put on a new filter.

I guess I will pull it off and look inside.
If it’s dry and clean, like a new one, I will use it.
If not, it goes in the trash.

 

[PaulvS]

I would use the one that came on the engine but a new one is only a few bucks so replacing it may be worth the peace of mind.

 

[thiggins]

I would use the one that came on the engine but a new one is only a few bucks so replacing it may be worth the peace of mind.

Yeah.
I bought a few filters along with oil while at Lockwood, just for this reason.
Yeah, relatively cheap insurance.

 

[planenutz]

I can't speak for Rotax however in most engine overhaul shops they install a new filter after the engine has been test-run as the filter check is part of the post-test inspections that are carried out prior to shipping the engine out the door.

As you suggested, for a start remove the filter and see whether it looks new or used. If its new you're away laughing. If its definitely used I would probably be inclined to use it for the first few hours and then replace it.

 

[thiggins]

Follow up

I can confirm that they did install a new and dry looking oil filter.
However, it was so attached (dry) to the engine, I could not remove it without totally destroying it. There’s a nice new one on it now, with a lubed gasket, torqued as documented.