filter not filled to top

[emo666]

When I change my oil on my newly rebuilt 2.9 1989 bronco II --My oil filter is not filled completely--it will drain over the sides when losing it --but when I get down to the drain pan it seems not completely full. I noticed it on the first change but forgot about it. All of my dash gauges read low except fuel and my oil pressure gauge is very unreliable as it's all over the place--from normal to low and at different times. I would like to get the dash gauges redone but can't find a business that will do it because of it's age. I have a manual gauge coming but was thinking this might be my problem.
P.S The engine sounds and runs good

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Your oil filter will fill as you crank the engine and it fires up.

 

[emo666]

question

Your oil filter will fill as you crank the engine and it fires up.

Understand that---but why is it not full when it's dropped down. My inderstanding is it fills down the filter screw pipe and out the side chamber back to the engine galleys. Therefore it should be full to push out the filter pipe OR-- there would be a lag on pressure to the engine????? YES ????

 

[Mazda]

Is the filter Horizontal or Vertical when attached to the block? If vertical it will never be all the way full with engine off. If horizontal will not as well depending on the location.

I think I'm understanding the question..

 

[enjr44]

After over 50 years of changing my oil and filters, I don't think I have ever noticed if the filter was full or not. I know I would have noticed if it was empty. But, full to the top, not so much.

I don't think I have ever changed a ranger filter (I have owned five) that didn't drip oil as it was removed. That I would notice and wonder about.