Community Forums

Matt D · 10-05-2019, 06:47 PM

Don, if it leaks for YOU, something is likely wrong.

I’d first suggest removing and checking for a spare gasket. Next examine the filter, and finally examine the filter housing. I’d be looking for cracks on the housing.

I use a Matco 3 legged oil filter wrench to loosen, and once finger tight I lift a bag up around the filter as far as I can reach and spin it off the rest of the way.

Inevitably, some oil drips down into the wiring harness which passes closely enough to the filter to be a problem.

Once a long time ago I had some oil collect inside the wire loom and drip out over time.

I hope this is helpful,

-Matt

bucks2 · 10-05-2019, 06:59 PM

Tighten it again, with the wrench when it's hot. The gasket will soften some when hot and get a better seal.

grindstone01 · 10-05-2019, 07:05 PM

Just buy another filter, remove the first filter and pour the oil into the new filter and install the new one. I don't like to punch a hole in the old filter, cause now you are committed with no plan B to reinstall the old filter if something goes wrong (like new filter won't fit).

757driver · 10-05-2019, 08:43 PM

All good responses, thanks guys. I am going to try loosening first and then tighten to spec and run the engine to see what happens. If it still leaks then I will change it out.

Mwoodofd · 10-06-2019, 07:05 AM

Don, different filter, but when I had my service done, the tech failed to get the o-ring on the air dryer filter, causing a small air leak under the housing. Hopefully there is a o-ring on your filter.

LETMGROW · 10-06-2019, 07:41 AM

If it was me I'd clean all around the filter with brake cleaner and compressed air, climb under the engine with it running and check for the leak. If the leak is around the filter replace the filter. Trying to keep tightening the filter which is on the engine now is going to be a problem the next time you want to change the filter. It will be tight. Too tight.
If the new filter cures the oil leak throw the old filter away and be done with it. If changing the filter doesn't cure the leak you have a problem somewhere else and you can save the filter you took off for the next oil and filter change.

Lynn

757driver · 10-06-2019, 01:37 PM

It appears that loosening the filter and then retightening with a filter wrench to the proper spec did the trick. Looking up on one side of the filter with a flashlight it appears NOT to be a case of double gaskets so that is a relief. Running the motor at high idle for 5 minutes produced no additional seepage coming down the filter.

Will check again after we do a short 90 minute drive next week as we slowly start to make our way from our seasonal site towards the border.

GuyG · 10-06-2019, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 757driver

Thanks but removal is not the problem. IF I wanted to save the filter to reinstall then the hole would be a problem.

Personally, I wouldn't even think of loosening it with the idea of saving it to reuse. Not worth the gamble. I'd take if off --the idea of punching a hole to let it drain is a good one-- then see if you can find the problem; i.e., twisted, missing, pinched or double gasket. You'll sleep better.

GuyG · 10-06-2019, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Don, if it leaks for YOU, something is likely wrong.

I’d first suggest removing and checking for a spare gasket. Next examine the filter, and finally examine the filter housing. I’d be looking for cracks on the housing.

I use a Matco 3 legged oil filter wrench to loosen, and once finger tight I lift a bag up around the filter as far as I can reach and spin it off the rest of the way.

Inevitably, some oil drips down into the wiring harness which passes closely enough to the filter to be a problem.

Once a long time ago I had some oil collect inside the wire loom and drip out over time.

I hope this is helpful,

-Matt

I like that wrench, Matt D. Assume I can find it anywhere Matco is sold. I've used a strap for years but sometimes they're a hassle to get wrapped around a filter that has some obstruction.

jestal · 10-07-2019, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the info twinboat! Old habits die hard! I've used lubriplate or white grease on oil filters for so long never gave it a second thought on the cummins. I'll stick to oil only in the future. I use such a thin white grease that it is practically like oil, anyway.