Oil filter adapter gasket replacement - advice?

[a_d_a_m]

The '04 DTR developed a fairly sizable oil leak above the oil filter and it's pretty apparent that the gasket has failed. After reading several write-ups, I'm seeing that I'm gonna have to burp the coolant. Fine.

But I'm wondering if I should start the car up and verify that there's at least no oil leaking before I dump in a bunch of coolant. I wouldn't normally worry about this, but after doing the timing guides on my '02 MGM and creating a sizable leak, now every leak has me jumpy.

I guess my question is, for those who've done the repair, have you ever had the gasket NOT seal properly the first time?

(also, how long should I expect to take on this?)

[Comin' in Hot]

You could try to tighten the bolts and it might stop it, but it's piece of mind to just replace it.

As for replacing the adapter gasket, it's be highly unlikely that it would leak. It's not even comparable to the timing cover because with the timing cover involves the cam cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket, plus the spots you need RTV where they all meet. The oil filter adapter gasket is staight forward, just make sure the gasket mating surfaces are clean.

[a_d_a_m]

Thanks. I agree that it's better to just replace the gasket.

Hoping for a straightforward project tomorrow morning.

[justbob]

My advice? Get a rain coat..

Other than that, easy one hour job. I like to use an 18" extension and a swivel socket and save my knuckles. :)

As for a leak after? Can't see how that would happen.


Builder Of Badassery

[WhatsUpDOHC]

I'm thinking that I will have to do this soon. I've had a small leak for about a month and think that this is the cause.

[Comin' in Hot]

My advice? Get a rain coat.

HAHA, I must have blocked that out of my memory, thanks for reminding me.

[whitey]

Tightening the bolts will only stop a leak if they managed to back out a bit. The gasket is hard plastic, with a rubber o-ring molded into it. While youre at it, get a 180°thermostat and kill two birds with one stone. Other then what i added, justbobbi was spot on.

Stant part is in the pic.

[a_d_a_m]

Not a bad idea, but I'm thinking of tackling this tomorrow and the parts stores near me don't have any in stock. May just toss a stocker in.

[a_d_a_m]

Took the first step tonight of trying to get the coolant crossover cap off.

Man, that thing was seized on...

Hope the rest of it goes smoother.

[Marauderjack]

While putting pressure on it tap it lightly with a hammer......it will pop loose!!:beer:

When ya re-install it put some High Temp Silicone grease on it and hand tighten it....just a couple foot pounds....it will not back out!!;)

Good Luck!!

[a_d_a_m]

Done without any major incident!

[justbob]

Knew you'd get. No doubts here!


Builder Of Badassery

[a_d_a_m]

:beer:

Glad to have got it done today, I'll tell you that much. Beautiful out and people were eyeballing this DTR.

It used to be my least favorite color, but it's really growing on me.

[fastblackmerc]

Done without any major incident!

Way To Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jmsa540]

I had to do this on my 2000 MGM, make sure you scrape the block VERY good where the gasket attaches to. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Not that bad of a job, time consuming, and tedious, though.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I had the dealer fix it. If I remember correctly, you have to remove and lift one side of the engine to have access to the gasket.
Be careful, as you can damage the timing chain cover.

[whitey]

I had the dealer fix it. If I remember correctly, you have to remove and lift one side of the engine to have access to the gasket.
Be careful, as you can damage the timing chain cover.

Yep, thats what you have to do:)

[Marauderjack]

I didn't lift the engine.....long socket extension was all it took as I recall!!:shake:

I did jack up the passenger's side so coolant wouldn't get into the oil...worked GREAT!!:beer:

[fastblackmerc]

Shop manual says to drain coolant, drain oil, remove adapter, clean gasket surfaces, replace gasket, reinstall, add coolant and oil.

[justbob]

Lift the engine?

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/30/48403791f67c912425f2a5e5c07d7a b7.jpg


Builder Of Badassery

[whitey]

Lift the engine?

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/30/48403791f67c912425f2a5e5c07d7a b7.jpg


Builder Of Badassery

I know, right? Lmao

[2mercs]

Do I have to pull my engine out to replace my air filter?

[a_d_a_m]

If I remember correctly, you have to remove and lift one side of the engine to have access to the gasket. You don't remember correctly.

:D

[jwibbity]

You don't remember correctly.

:D
lolololololol!!!

[LSp8]

I still haven't gotten around to tackling this project. My car has been pissing oil all over my driveway after every trip from work and dumping Mobile 1 5w20 quart after quart is costly and I've been in the truck for the past month since gas prices are decent. The craziest thing about this stupid gasket is the LT-1 in my impala is doing the EXACT same thing:mad2:

[a_d_a_m]

It really is not a difficult repair.

[HotRaud90]

Did this today. Took my time and cleaned up all the gunk the leaking oil had created. Not too bad. A lift makes this way easier. Just make sure to have a lot of socket extensions. Way better than bustin your knuckles or tryin to fit your hands around all the hardware.

[stryker]

Anyone here knows the website of musclemerc products ? I forgot it

[HotRaud90]

I did this about 3.5 months ago. Looked under my car the other day while installing sway bar...same freakin oil seepage around the daggum oil filter adapter! WTH! So frustrating :mad2: I just got the car running the way I want it and now I see this AGAIN.

Has anyone else had this problem more than once? I made sure to clean up the mating surfaces really well and dry everything REALLY thoroughly. I think I took more time cleaning the surrounding areas and making sure all the oil was gone from around the adapter than I did actually performing the fix. I made sure the correct fel-pro gasket was positioned correctly as well and torqued down the bolts nice and tight.

Does anyone have torque specs on the bolts?

WTH gives, man? :depress: :confused: :help:

[Zack]

Most people slap a gasket on and go, without looking for corroded aluminum first.
Most adapters I've removed had heavy pitting and needed silicone to fill in the pits

[HotRaud90]

Most people slap a gasket on and go, without looking for corroded aluminum first.
Most adapters I've removed had heavy pitting and needed silicone to fill in the pits

I tore everything apart AGAIN this past weekend to replace gasket. This time, I cleaned up the mating surfaces with a razor blade, being careful not to etch or gouge the aluminum. Some gunk had built up, but nothin crazy. I didn't see any pitting, ran my finger over everything after cleaning it off and it felt super smooth.

To anyone doing this, make sure to clean BOTH mating surfaces as the adapter surface had more build up than the block surface. It can be hard to reach, but take your time. You might be back under there again if you don't do it correctly the first time.

Does anyone know the torque specifications? I just torqued them down, but didn't over do it in fear of ruining gasket integrity.

[Zack]

Tight is good enough.

[fastblackmerc]

Tight is good enough.

I can look up the specs this evening, but this ^^^^^ is good enough.

[parker]

Just use German torque specs


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[fastblackmerc]

Just use German torque specs


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"goodentight"

[parker]

LOL you got it


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[HotRaud90]

Just use German torque specs


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"goodentight"


Tight is good enough.

Danke schon

[mm svt]

I actually purchased a faulty gasket, you could see where it leaked through the gasket itself and was sealed at the adaptor and block. returned the bad one and the second one worked with ease