Why is oil leaking from around my oil filter?

Why is oil leaking from around my oil filter?

Common Oil Filter Problems Whether your gasket is malformed or your seal is worn, any gaps and spaces can be a source for leaks. Your oil filter itself might be an issue. It may be the wrong size, it may be crooked, or it may be improperly installed. The plug and cap need to be screwed on tight to prevent leaks.

What are the gaskets on an oil cooler adapter?

Instead of cooling the oil, heat is removed. The oil cooler adapter has two gaskets that connects the oil lines to the oil cooler and returns oil back to the motor. One gasket seals the oil cooler adapter to the engine block. The other gasket seals the oil filter to the adapter.

What happens when the oil cooler adapter wears out?

The oil cooler adapter has two gaskets that connects the oil lines to the oil cooler and returns oil back to the motor. One gasket seals the oil cooler adapter to the engine block. The other gasket seals the oil filter to the adapter. Occasionally, if the gasket wears out over time on either end of the oil cooling lines, it will cause oil to leak.

Why is oil leaking from my oil cooler?

When the gasket fails, due to wear and tear or simply old age, it will cause the connection to be loose and lead to excess oil leakage. If you or an oil change technician tells you that oil is leaking from your oil filter, it is likely caused by a bad oil cooler adapter gasket.

What causes an oil filter to leak after an oil change?

Going too long between oil changes causes oil to break down and become contaminated. Contaminated oil attacks and degrade gaskets and seals, which results in oil leaks. An oil filter removes contaminants from engine oil.

Can a wrench be used to tighten an oil filter?

Never use an oil filter wrench to tighten an oil filter — only to remove it. To mount an oil filter, some manufacturers use a filter adapter or housing that bolts to the engine, rather than attaching directly to the engine. Over-tightening the filter can damage not only the oil filter gasket, but the gasket between the adapter and engine.

Is the old oil filter still on the engine?

The old filter gasket sticks to the engine, and the new oil filter and gasket are installed on top of the old one. After removing the old filter, check that its gasket is still mounted on the filter.

What should I do if my oil filter blows out?

If you accidentally double-gasket an oil filter, hopefully it will blow out (creating a nasty mess) as soon as the engine starts and not as you’re driving down the road. Check the rubber mounting gasket to make sure it is not cut, nicked, twisted or damaged in any way, and is properly seated and snug in the filter baseplate.