Oil filter leak

[matrix]

I have an 85' 325e, I noticed fresh drip of oil coming out of the oil filter area. As much I have tightened the filter, it contiues to leak. Is there an O-ring or something that needs to be replaced on my next oil change in the oil filter spot? So the oil filter is leaking around the seal. Any e30 wisdom is appreciated.

[jlevie]

The seal for the oil filter is a part of the filter cannister. So each time you change the filter you get a new seal. if the leak is from that joint, replace the filter.

[MR 325]

Once in a while the oil filter seal will stick to the block though, keep an eye out for that.

[matrix]

Maybe the old seal from the previous oil filter got melted on. It wouldn't have to do with going synthetic would it?

[Jon325i]

Once in a while the oil filter seal will stick to the block though, keep an eye out for that.

That's my first thought on the possible culprit. At every oil change, before I put the new filter on I do two things....

1) Run my finger over the entire seating area where the gasket meets and make sure it is completely free of any debris.

2) Before putting on the new filter, with my finger I coat the new filter gasket with some of the drained engine oil - this helps prevent the gasket from sticking to the engine at the next oil change.

I've been doing this at every oil change on my cars for many years. I've never had an issue with a gasket sticking when removing the filter at the next change. It's some sage advice my dad passed on after I bought my first car.

Jon

[MR 325]

Maybe the old seal from the previous oil filter got melted on. It wouldn't have to do with going synthetic would it?

Well switching a motor that's been running on conventional oil to synthetic IS known to cause leaks. The oil filter isn't one of the places it would leak from though.

[MR 325]

That's my first thought on the possible culprit. At every oil change, before I put the new filter on I do two things....

1) Run my finger over the entire seating area where the gasket meets and make sure it is completely free of any debris.

2) Before putting on the new filter, with my finger I coat the new filter gasket with some of the drained engine oil - this helps prevent the gasket from sticking to the engine at the next oil change.

I've been doing this at every oil change on my cars for many years. I've never had an issue with a gasket sticking when removing the filter at the next change. It's some sage advice my dad passed on after I bought my first car.

Jon

That's exactly the way to do it! :)

[JGood]

If the old gasket is still there when you put the new filter on, it will blow oil EVERYWHERE when you start it.

I worked at a lube shop for a couple years, this happened once a week or so to the morons who didn't clean the mounting surface.

Check to make sure you didn't pinch a loose wire between the filter and block. Not too much hangs down there on an m20, but I've seen some ghetto shit...

I'd say throw a new filter on there. Don't forget to buy another quart of oil, as they hold probably 1/2-3/4 of a quart. Follow the instructions listed in previous posts for installation. You should not be over tightening the filter.