Oil Filter Assembly Leak

hbhaller · 11-08-2002, 10:46 AM

Has anyone ever heard of, or had their oil filter assembly leak oil? (I've searched the archives, and nothing comes up)

Last weekend I noticed a bit of oil on the left side of the case below the filter housing near the oil sending unit (I immediately thought it might be the oil cooler leaking, because that is one place where the oil might start collecting when the cooler leaks). After some cleaning, replacing the filter gasket, checking all the oil line connestions, and further investigation, I discovered that the oil appeared to be leaking from the back side of the filter assembly, just under the housing strap. I couldn't believe that it was coming from the side of the filter housing so I cleaned the housing again, went out for a test drive, and again, oily residue starts forming on the back side of the housing. There must be a crack there, but I've yet to take the assembly off to check. How common can this be?

For kicks I checked Parts Obsolete. Their website shows the oil filter assembly costing $731.50. Obviously, I need a cheaper alternative. Any suggestions?

ron69912t · 11-08-2002, 01:25 PM

hb:

I had a similiar mystery oil leak problem, same place, it turned out to be a leaking braded hose comming out of the bottom of the oil filter housing.

I think the replacement hose assembly was only $7-$8. I replaced both top & bottom hose assemblies for insurance.

Good luck.

Ron

hbhaller · 11-09-2002, 05:14 AM

Thanks for the response. I thought about that, the hoses are new. So, perhaps the new ones are faulty. I'll keep testing . . .

ron69912t · 11-09-2002, 04:09 PM

hb:

When I was changing oil today I thought of your problem. When I unscrewed the bolt holding the cap on the oil filter housing and loosened it some oil ran out all around the top.

Could your oil cannister bolt or cap gasket be the problem. I use two gaskets on my cap, one is rubber.

Thanks,
Ron

Green 912 · 11-10-2002, 04:37 PM

Hey gang, I saw Brandon’s 912 today. He drove up to Summit Point, the local (for Potomac PCA at least) road track while we were holding a Drivers ED event. Very Nice SWB.

Brandon, I was so busy with students and track time that I completely forgot to look at the oil leak when we were checking out the car and you were gone when I came in off the track. The tank is made in a way that would make it uncommon for the tank itself to leak but Ron is right, it could very well leak from the lid gasket and then collect at the clamp band.

If the tank itself is leaking we can weld it or replace it. $700 for an oil tank. I am rich! I have an extra oil filter tank or two sitting around if you need one. And for a lot less than $700 too, more like $20 if that.

Kurt

Scutty · Scutty's Garage

If you can not see a crack in the can, Ron may have the solution above.
I was driving down the interstate to a car show when a trail of smoke told me I was leaking oil. A stream of oil was running down the side of the oil filter assembly and onto the hot case and exhaust. At the show I spoke with a 356 owner who explained to me the gasket now being supplied with the canister type filter is thinner & stiffer than original. He suggested 2 gaskets, or a thicker single gasket. He also suggested and great deal of torque on the cap bolt. His suggestion seemed reasonable, and the filter assembly seems rigid, so I am now using 2 gaskets, one of which is rubber, and a gorrila's worth of torque on the cap bolt. This has cured my leak.
Perhaps this may also be your problem, not a crack in the can.

hbhaller · 11-26-2002, 05:51 PM

You guys are right, I gave the top bolt a good tightening and it seemed to solve the problem....no more leaks. Amazing the places where oil tries to escape!

Kurt, you ain't kidding about being rich!.....no way I would spend 700 bucks on a new filter can...

Brandon

P.S. Been real busy, sorry it took so long to get back to you all.