Oil filter installation upsidedown?

[ErikFinn]

Hello,
wanted to ask about my oil filter as per the two attached pics; the previous owner changed the installation to "upsidedown" to make space for the second alternator (black bracket is for the added alt.); is there a possible hazard to the functioning of the filter or oil circulation this way?
The engine is a Perkins Prima M50 with about 6000 hours and appears to be ok so far like this, although I don't know how long it been this way. The other pic is from the Owners handbook.
Anyone seen this before? Anyone can testify this is definitely not good?
Thanks,
Erik
PS. sorry about the dirt, I'm in the middle of maintenance.

[glenn.225]

Well I don't have experience with this particular model engine but generally no it will not make a difference, it is a pressure fed system and many engines have a a remote filter option. In this case, as I see it it will make for cleaner filter changes.

[ErikFinn]

Originally Posted by glenn.225

Well I don't have experience with this particular model engine but generally no it will not make a difference, it is a pressure fed system and many engines have a a remote filter option. In this case, as I see it it will make for cleaner filter changes.

Thanks Glenn,
yes I actually like this way more, easy to change. I'm no expert but I would be tempted to think that the filter would collect unwanted residue and particles in the oil better this way because of gravity?
However, the original setup is as per the Handbook, could it be just to make the setup more compact? So the filter wouldn't stick out?

[model 10]

The oil system does not care but you will when you change the oil. Impossible to remove the filter without making a mess. There are filters that have a rubber flap check valve thats stops most of the oil from pouring out but not all. It's a matter of cross referenceing filters to find one that has such a rubber flap. Personally I would switch to a remote filter that you could mount with the messy end up.

[glenn.225]

The position of spin-on filters doesn't affect their filtering properties, this is determined by the filter median as oil is forced through it. Although there are centrifugal and gravity filters that do depend on position.

The manual photo is usually just a generic photo and may not be the configuration of the engine as originally installed in your boat. Components/options can vary greatly from on model to the next.

[maersi]

I'm not an expert, but I would be worried about air being trapped at the top of the filter after replacement, which would significantly reduce the effective filter area, and consequently require more frequent changes.

Unless you can obtain one of the previously mentioned filters with a rubber flap.

Other than that, and very messy oil changes, the attitude of the filter shouldn't matter.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by glenn.225

The position of spin-on filters doesn't affect their filtering properties, this is determined by the filter median as oil is forced through it. Although there are centrifugal and gravity filters that do depend on position.

The manual photo is usually just a generic photo and may not be the configuration of the engine as originally installed in your boat. Components/options can vary greatly from on model to the next.

+1 remote it

[ErikFinn]

Thanks for all your replies guys, I feel better now knowing this current setup is ok for the oil circulation and engine health.