Oil Leak By Oil Filter

[stevedee]

Hi, I have a 74 2.0. Just noticed a one-drop-per-second oil leak coming from right up above and next to the oil filter. Only seems to leak when the car is running. Recently changed the oil filter, cleaned the strainer, adjusted the valves, etc. I'm not that familiar with these engines. Is there anything up there above the oil filter that might be the problem? Thanks.

[Nostril Cheese]

Oil cooler seals, oil presure switch, front main seal..

[mike33]

Hey there, I currently have the same problem.
I had a small oil leak and was burning a little bit of oil on the exhaust probably about like yours.
I changed the oil and everything and it is still leaking. I've got your solution, trust me.
Now, go ahead and change your oil yourself. When taking off the oil filter check to make sure there is not and extra o-ring from a previous oil filter tht was on it. Im almost 99% positive that is wht mine and yours is doing and if not sorry.
Have a good one bud.

[stevedee]

Hmmm, that kinda makes sense, and easy enough to look into.

Possible dumb question alert: Do I have to drain all the oil out again before I take out the oil filter?

Thanks.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You shouldn't lose much if any oil by spinning the filter off. If the filter tips over, you might lose as much as a half quart, but that's easy to measure on the dipstick and replace if it happens.

--DD

[stevedee]

Threw out my back after the leak, so haven't looked into this until today. Finally took the oil filter back off, but didn't see any previous gaskets stuck up there. Re-installed the oil filter.

New oil is dripping off of a very large gold-colored slotted screw thing. Looking at the Oil Circulation System diagram, it might be the screw that contains the piston for the oil relief valve. There's a sealing ring in there. Might that be the problem?

Thank you.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

That's what the screw is. It is possible that the screw is leaking, but not that likely. More likely are the oil cooler seals, or the oil pressure sender. The latter is the most likely suspect.

--DD

[andrewballa]

think so,you might lose as much as a half quart, but that's easy to measure on the dipstick and replace if it happens.