The oil is drawn thru the filter by a pump. You should only lose what's left in the lines. Some filters are mounted in a way that you don't lose any. Spin the old one off, lube the o-ring, and install...hand tight only. No need to fill it. Some of the larger automotive filters, that mount vertically, are pre-filled to keep the engine parts from spinning oil free during start up after an oil change.

oh great new's, nobody has a filter to replace this one. it's from harbor freight (central hydraulics) called h.f. and they have no clue where to get them. anybody have any thoughts.thanks,
john

John, I would look on the body of the filter housing, see if there is a company name on it. Or call HF and ask who makes them for them. If that doesn't work, you might have to go to an auto parts store and try matching it. Good Luck

If you go to an auto parts store, have them look under fuel filters.

My splitter is a different manufacturer (Craftsman) but they are available at NAPA and Kragens (for mine) but they are a 10 micron filter as opposed to an oil filter for an engine.

Here is a link that might help

http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/results.asp?PartNo=1551&Submit=Search