Oil collecting on underside of oil filter

[HotRaud90]

After the headache of having to change the oil filter adapter gasket twice in ~4 months, I am finally no longer seeing any oil seepage collecting around the gasket area.

However, I am noticing some oil collecting on the bottom side of the oil filter. It appears that everything else surround the adapter is dry. I have checked a few times in the past couple weeks and everything seems to be in order except for the mystery leak that is causing oil to collect on the bottom of the oil filter. It's not a lot of oil, just a couple drops collecting on the underside.

Any ideas? The filter is plenty tight. I tighten it by hand, but I tighten real snug. Not the two gasket problem either, I always check for that. Been happening since the first oil filter adapter gasket replacement.

[DrZ]

Why did you change oil adapter gasket twice? What gasket brand did you use? Did it leak the first time? Drive the car to get the oil hot, park it on ramps and get under to see with paper towel placed around adapter. 10 minutes the most you will have your answer. My guess is incorrectly installed gasket or wrong brand gasket. Is it a Ford gasket? I would replace gasket with dealer part with 100% clean surface no silicone or gasket maker crap. Look at aluminum housing for crack, old silicone which should not be there, or any other visual or tactile imperfection. Good luck.

[Marauderjack]

What filter are ya using??:confused:

[fastblackmerc]

I'd clean everything really good then run and check for leaks.

Zack said that there may be pitting on the adapter surface.

[HotRaud90]

Why did you change oil adapter gasket twice? What gasket brand did you use? Did it leak the first time? Drive the car to get the oil hot, park it on ramps and get under to see with paper towel placed around adapter. 10 minutes the most you will have your answer. My guess is incorrectly installed gasket or wrong brand gasket. Is it a Ford gasket? I would replace gasket with dealer part with 100% clean surface no silicone or gasket maker crap. Look at aluminum housing for crack, old silicone which should not be there, or any other visual or tactile imperfection. Good luck.

Changed it twice because it began to leak around the gasket after a month or so. No leaks so far from gasket area, all bolt locations are dry. Cleaned mating surfaces with razor blade to remove all previous build up, everything was just about glassy smooth right before installation. I was VERY thorough the second time around. I'm almost positive it's not the adapter gasket this time.


What filter are ya using??:confused:

Adapter gasket is appropriate part number from Advance (trust me, it's the right one), oil filter is Motorcraft FL820s


I'd clean everything really good then run and check for leaks.

Zack said that there may be pitting on the adapter surface.

Mating surfaces felt as smooth as a baby's butt before I reinstalled the gasket this time. Cleaned and checked for pitting thoroughly. I can check for leaks again, but I've been looking with a flashlight and every other area around the oil filter looks dry....except for the underside of the filter. Unusual.

I've seen some others talk about using a hex wrench that fits on the inside of the oil filter threading to tighten things up. I wasn't aware that portion of the adapter could be adjusted, but does that ring a bell? Just thought of it since I'm having trouble with the oil filter area of the housing.

[fastblackmerc]

Changed it twice because it began to leak around the gasket after a month or so. No leaks so far from gasket area, all bolt locations are dry. Cleaned mating surfaces with razor blade to remove all previous build up, everything was just about glassy smooth right before installation. I was VERY thorough the second time around. I'm almost positive it's not the adapter gasket this time.



Adapter gasket is appropriate part number from Advance (trust me, it's the right one), oil filter is Motorcraft FL820s



Mating surfaces felt as smooth as a baby's butt before I reinstalled the gasket this time. Cleaned and checked for pitting thoroughly. I can check for leaks again, but I've been looking with a flashlight and every other area around the oil filter looks dry....except for the underside of the filter. Unusual.

I've seen some others talk about using a hex wrench that fits on the inside of the oil filter threading to tighten things up. I wasn't aware that portion of the adapter could be adjusted, but does that ring a bell? Just thought of it since I'm having trouble with the oil filter area of the housing.

It's possible that the oil filter is leaking at the crimp where the base and housing meet.

[tbone]

Maybe try a Mobil 1 filter.

[HotRaud90]

It's possible that the oil filter is leaking at the crimp where the base and housing meet.

I'm havin trouble picturing what you're describing

[fastblackmerc]

I'm havin trouble picturing what you're describing

There is a seam between the base (flat plate) of the oil filter and the housing (canister).

Around 1:19 and 3:55 into the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4kjxgF7fkQ

[Marauderjack]

Some filters require more than just "hand tight".......I have learned that 3/4 turn after gasket contact works on all of 'em!!:beer:

Oil may just be seeping by the gasket!!:confused:

[HotRaud90]

There is a seam between the base (flat plate) of the oil filter and the housing (canister).

Around 1:19 and 3:55 into the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4kjxgF7fkQ

True, but this is the second time I've experienced this, 2 different filters after 2 different oil changes. I'll keep searching for an answer. Thanks for the input., hadn't thought of that.

[fastblackmerc]

True, but this is the second time I've experienced this, 2 different filters after 2 different oil changes. I'll keep searching for an answer. Thanks for the input., hadn't thought of that.

Maybe the oil pressure sending unit is leaking?

[sailsmen]

Check the front cover.