Oil filter housing leak

[Kev]

my oil filter housing has a small leak. i could get the seals.. i just wanna know if its a DIY i havent seen any articles on it... would like help if any1 has done it and what do i need... please and thx u

[E30_fiend]

with the correct tools it is definitely a DIY

[inx750]

+1, You did not indicate what engine you have..

Quick summary for the m42,
-purchase housing o-ring and paper gasket
-make sure engine has cooled off
-loosen the alternator from bracket and move drive belt out of the way,
-disconnect the alternator from the bracket (2 bolts need to be pulled out and removed) and pull it off and move it aside,
-disconnect the alternator bracket (~4 bolts, with one hidden in bracket) and move it aside (wire not disconnected),
-disconnect the 6 small housing bolts from the block,
-put plastic sheet underneath car to catch some oil and pull off the housing,
-remove the old o-ring and paper gasket, clean contact surfaces
-install new o-ring and gasket, take care to orient the gasket correctly
-reinstall in reverse order,
-be careful to protect the surrounding wiring and the alternator wiring,
-torque bolts as parts are reassembled, check alternator drive belt tension,
-verify oil level, start engine and check for leaks. If still leaking, you may need to re-check bolt torque or gasket installation.
-tools: basic sockets, extensions, and open ended wrenches, large screw driver/prybar, worklight/flashlight, razor blade/scotchbrite pad to scrape old gasket from surfaces, (and mosquito repellent if working at night).
-In my case the most difficult part of the job was loosening the bolts during disassembly and pulling the alternator off the bracket. It is important to move the alternator and bracket out of the way as best you can (the alternator and bracket wires were not disconnected) while protecting the wiring from damage, also keep track of the bolts/nuts/hardware and where they go.
-Give yourself time, 1-3 hours, Good luck.

[inx750]

Forgot to add > Also you can look at the realOEM website (archive section) under your car/engine for pictorial diagrams on how the pieces and hardware goes together or use the Bentley/Chiltons manual.