oil filter dripping

[mainemetro]

Hey Everyone:

I have an annoying oil filter drip on my metro ('96, 1.0L, 5spd, 67k miles)

Here is an account of the series of events.

1. Buy the car, no oil leak noted

2. perform oil change with new Fram filter (5-30W oil)

3. notice oil running down oil filter and dripping

4. tighten filter - oil drip continues

5. tighten filter more - oil drip gets worse

6. figure "OK, I've overtightened it, I'll need a new filter"

7. install new Fram filter, mark it with chalk and tighten exactly 3/4 turn as per mfr. recomendations

8. oil leak continues

9. figure "ok, Fram filters is not a good one for this car"

10. get a store brand filter, inspect filter mounting surfaces - all good. install new filter as per mfr. specs

11. oil leak continues

12. go to this forum and write this post.


Any ideas?

Ren

[idmetro]

Welcome Mainemetro!
It may or may not be the answer you are looking for but I am wondering if the car came with a Fram filter or some other brand on it? The reason I ask is perhaps the filter contact area is slightly pitted and the oil filter gaskets are of a different stiffness so that one could seal the imperfection while the other could not? I'm also assuming from the thoroughness of your post you cleaned the filter contact surface on the block prior to installing the new filters, perhaps there is a gasket stuck on the block from the old filter?Secondarily did the "new" Fram filter size/shape match the old filter size shape that you removed? It wouldn't be the first time that I have found a parts book to give incorrect information....

[Crvett69]

2 other possibilities. make sure the rubber ring off first filter didn't stick to block. if it stayed on engine when you pulled off the first filter it will make it drip. pull new filter back off and make sure there isn't a rubber ring stuck to block. also there is a oil pressure sending unit close to filter. make sure thats not the leak. will have 1 wire going to it

[mainemetro]

Originally Posted by idmetro

... I am wondering if the car came with a Fram filter or some other brand on it? ... I'm also assuming you cleaned the filter contact surface on the block prior to installing the new filters, perhaps there is a gasket stuck on the block from the old filter? ...

Hi idmetro-

I chucked the old filter before looking at it, but I did clean off the filter mounting area on the engine and check the filter mating surface for debris, old gasket material, and corrosion. It all seemed good.

I lubed the new filter gasket before installing, spun it on until gasket contact, and then tightened 3/4 of a turn beyond contact.

I am leaving a 2 inch diameter oil puddle on the pavement overnight - plus oil is getting on the hot manifold and burning ...what a smell -ugh!

Do you know the brand / part # of the filter you use? Anything special?


Ren

[idmetro]

I've used both FRAM and NAPA filters just depended on who was most convienent at the time. Crvett69 makes a good point about the oil pressure sending unit I have seen them leak as well. Also I believe there is a second tapped hole next to the one the sending unit occupies, might check that too. I've included a link to a post on the team swift board that shows a picture about 2/3 of the way down the post to give you an idea.
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?p=130431#130431

[mainemetro]

Originally Posted by Crvett69

2 other possibilities. ... also there is a oil pressure sending unit close to filter. make sure thats not the leak. will have 1 wire going to it

And the prize gores to...Crvett69!!

I replaced the oil sender unit ($10 in stock at Carquest) and NO MORE LEAK!


Thanks everyone!


Ren