M42 oil filter housing question

[dlmrun2002]

My 1991 m42 seems to be leaking from the oil filter housing where it bolts up to the block. Any one have this problem? Looks like just a gasket and possible o-ring to fix it. Plus initial looks point to needing to remove alternator mounting bracket to pull off oil housing. any input? Mucho gracias.
•••dlm•••

[Liam]

Yes they leak there, has this silly looking rubber gasket between the housing and block.

The whole world has to come apart for it (Alternator, PS pump, etc) but it's not that bad of a job.

[KenC]

I just did it on mine. I don't remember having to take the PS pump off, but the alternator does need to come off. My guess is that your O-ring is old and brittle.

Quick/cheap fix though.

[dlmrun2002]

O-ring and gasket have less then 8k on them. I used high temp silicone on both sides of the gasket. Some one said I shouldn't use anything on the gasket- Go dry. I am curious to dry or gasket cement. Don't think I have to touch power steering. It looks like the alt bracket that eats up the real estate and overlaps oil filter housing..
Doug M

[Liam]

Just the gasket ans seal, make sure it's all very clean.

Correct, the PS pump doesn't have to come off, I was confusing it with M5XXs.

[Bizarre]

I had the same issue happen with me when I added some extra silicone to a valve cover gasket. It was fine for a little while but started leaking again. Replaced it again without the silicone and I havent had an issue since.

[gearheadE30]

I had a bad oring. That's where most of the leaks come from. Use a silicone sealant on the gasket, but obviously nothing on the oring.

to take it off after you have the intake boot off, just unbolt the alternator, pull out the bushings, and unbolt the bracket. You don't need to unbolt the ground, which is also a pain to put back in. Otherwise, just make sure the surface is clean, flat, and has NO oil on it or it won't seal. And make sure you have the right torque value.