Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Someone please explain these oil filter issues for me

[JGheen]

Ok, I have done hundreds of oil changes on my truck and this is the first time this has happened. Did the typical oil change and fired up the truck and the new Fleetguard Stratapore filter had puked about a half a quart of oil out of the seal area during cranking and then stopped once the engine was running. Slightly leaked a bit after a couple more start ups and then I decided to change it out thinking the seal was pinched or cut somehow. This was not the case as the seal looked fine but i changed it out anyway and put a new one on. The next filter had slightly leaked again during cranking, not near as much as the last filter, probably only enought to fill up the rim groove on top of the filter. And then had stopped again upon ignition and the engine was running.

Ok, so my question is, has anyone ever cracked the filter mount before? Can the threaded hollow shaft that the filter screws on to crack? I know the oil cooler cover/oil fliter mount is a one piece deal and the cooler can crack causing oil to get into the coolant but my cooler is pretty much new and the cover/filter mount is still original. My filter changing tendecies are to go hand tight and no more than 1/8-1/4 turn more with the filter wrench just for kicks of reasurance, not to mention it is hard to get a good full hand grip in there to get it confidently hand tight. So could my 100th whatever oil change have cracked the mounting surface or the threaded shaft or is something else going on?

Thanks for the help, the new/2nd filter is not leaking anymore on cranking or start up so maybe things are good but just looking for an experienced explaination as to what happened from the above description.



Joe

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'm sure you do it but I'll ask any way, did you spread oil on the seal?



Strange it would only leak when cranking, I would think that if something cracked it would leak all the time.

 

[FourBarR]

Dumb question. the old seal from the first oil filter is not stuck to the oil filter housing is it. happened to me twice. always now check the old filter to see if the gasket is still there. just a thought. seem to remember a similar problem posted here , the guy screwed his engine. ran out of oil.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

you sure you don't have double-stacked seals on there?

 

[JGheen]

I am VERY sure I don't have the old seal stuck to the top. I check for that everytime I change oil cuz it sure does ocassionally stick to the surface. And yes, I always put a film of oil around the top of the new filter seal. I always fill the filter with just under a quart before the install as well to aid in a quick oil pressure upon a fresh change.

So, it looks like a cracked mount seems to not be the case?? This is just so weird as I have never had any issues from any of the Fleetguard filters I have ever used. I buy them from Geno's Garage and I know their stock is always good.



Joe

 

[DavidC]

I have always gone 3/4 turn past gasket contact. Your 1/8 to 1/4 sounds pretty loose to me although apparently it has worked for a long time. Just thought I would throw it in the ring.



Dave

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Maybe the oil pressure relief valve is stuck and overpressuring it? This may not necessarily be reflected by the idiot oil pressure gauge.

 

[JGheen]

Maybe the oil pressure relief valve is stuck and overpressuring it? This may not necessarily be reflected by the idiot oil pressure gauge.

That's actually a possible symptom that I have not checked yet. Thanks Vaughn, I'll pull the plug and spring and see if it is in fact stuck.



Joe