Oil Filter Leak

[Guest IslaTurbine]

So I changed my oil and filter about 2 weeks ago. Everything has been fine and dandy until about 6 days ago. All of a sudden oil is now leaking out of the area around the filter. I can't see down there so I don't know where. I've already triple checked to make sure that the filter wasn't cross-threaded. The only thing that I can think of is that the gasket blew out or some dirt got in there. But I can't figure out why it took so long to leak.

Anyone have any insight??

Thanks.

[Casey.T]

Also Check the oil sending unit next to the Oil filter.

 

I had one Blow on my 88, 95 and on the wifes Subaru...

[max_stryker]

usually what i do when changing the oil is dip my finger into the old oil and rub a bit on the seal of the new filter so avoid any cracking etc because it gets really hot...id replace the filter and try that if you didnt and see it it works out...

 

 

if it doesnt i would invest in a small mirrow to check things out

[Guest IslaTurbine]

usually what i do when changing the oil is dip my finger into the old oil and rub a bit on the seal of the new filter so avoid any cracking etc because it gets really hot...id replace the filter and try that if you didnt and see it it works out...

 

 

if it doesnt i would invest in a small mirrow to check things out

Yeah I always put a ring of oil on the gasket before I put it on. I'm pretty religious about that. I'm tempted to just take 'er to a shop since I'm so il-equipped.

[Guest IslaTurbine]

Also Check the oil sending unit next to the Oil filter.

 

I had one Blow on my 88, 95 and on the wifes Subaru...

Is that where that wire is coming from near the filter?

[Slick]

Is that where that wire is coming from near the filter?

yes. there is a pluggy lookin thing with a plug/wire comin out of it.. if you look through your passenger side fender well (lift the mud guard) you get a pretty good view in there..... it will be to the left of the filter

[Slick]

this is it.... look at my oil filter relo kit ( 2 hoses) and to the left of that you can see the OPSU (the white lookin thingie)

Edited June 5, 2006 by Slick

[RedPath88]

IslaTurbine, yours may look like that or it might be a bigger unit (there are two different ones) but they are located in the same spot no matter which one you have

[GrimGreg]

Double check that the old filter gasket isn't still there under the new one.

[mws]

Double check that the old filter gasket isn't still there under the new one.

Hey, that's what I was gonna say!

 

What you described is a common symptom of double o-ring. Sometimes the o-ring from the old filter sticks to the block.

[Guest IslaTurbine]

It's the oil sending unit. I took off the old filter and inspected the gasket bed...nothing wrong. Filter gasket looked perfect too. Put on the new filter and put some oil in. Started her up and watched as oil dripped out of the area of the sending unit. D'oh! Looks like she's going to the shop.

[Evan]

There is no need to take it to the shop. All that is required to change one of those is the correct size wrench. Unplug the wire, use the wrench close to the block, there will be a "nut" that you can put the wrench on. Should be normal Right Thread (read... left loosey, righty tighty). Take the old one out, put the new one in, and plug the wire back in.

[Slick]

just a little hint... if you don't want it to leak, do what i do.

take some plumbers tape and wrap a bit OPPOSITE to the way you will be threading it into the block. works like a charm! no leaky leaky! -bounce- -bounce-

[fordsho90]

^ie: teflon tape^

[Casey.T]

With the sending unit leaking... It drips right on to the Starter...

 

I would recomend removing the starter and cleaning it up, oil soaked starters tend to fail.

 

This will also give you plenty of access room to swap the sending unit out. Been there done that

[nycxice13]

this is it.... look at my oil filter relo kit ( 2 hoses) and to the left of that you can see the OPSU (the white lookin thingie)

Damn, that engine is prupletacular, hence "the purple turd"

[Slick]

Damn, that engine is prupletacular, hence "the purple turd"

exactly... exxxxxxactly

[Guest IslaTurbine]

Fixed! Thanks everybody.

[Slick]

Fixed! Thanks everybody.

:cool2: