Oil leak from the oil filter insert

10460 Views 36 Replies 18 Participants Last post by Hirnbeiss, Apr 21, 2012

iluvjesus

Discussion Starter · Apr 3, 2009

5

Dear Seniors, problem again, but I love my210, I will not sell it so soon.

When I remove the tire for balancing, I noticed oil dripping from the inside of the fender. I open the bonnet, I saw oil everywhere and traced it back to the oil filter screw area (the 25Nm). I changed all o-ring and oil filter again (just changed in Jan 09) and see how. Any comment? :crybaby2:

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· #2 · Apr 3, 2009

Weird, ILJ, first time I've heard of this on the 210.

I can only think of a few things.

First, remove the filter and clean the housing cover carefully and put it under a light and magnifying glass and make sure there are no cracks in it up around the large O-ring and threads.

Second, the O-ring may not have seated properly or is damaged.

Third, there is a burr or something on the engine housing that is deforming or damaging the O-ring. Wipe out the inside of it near the threads and where the O-ring passes and rests and examine it carefully.

Fourth, perhaps there is a problem with the filter itself or something that is preventing it from seating fully, in which case the cover could get tight but not seal.

If it all checks out I would install a new OEM filter kit with all new O-rings, replacing all of them, lube before installing, then reassemble. 25NM is about 18 lb-ft, not too tight but definitely more than hand-tight.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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iluvjesus

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 3, 2009

Thank you again greg for your prompt and succinct reply, will follow and see.

ETP

· #4 · Apr 3, 2009

I know this might sound somewhat ........but make sure the oil filter cap is tight. The rubber o-ring should be SNUG!! against the cap, and the cap screwed on tight.

raed_jan

· #5 · Apr 4, 2009

There's a marking on the fleece filter outer wall as the manufacturer is suggesting to lube the filter opening and to push until the marking is flush with the filter mount thread lip (PUSH and not twist, REPEAT, not twist, as you may destroy the tissue of the filter)

Failing to make the marking meet the thread lip will cause such leakage

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· #6 · Apr 4, 2009 (Edited)

raed_jan said:
There's a marking on the fleece filter outer wall as the manufacturer is suggesting to lube the filter opening and to push until the marking is flush with the filter mount thread lip (PUSH and not twist, REPEAT, not twist, as you may destroy the tissue of the filter)

I think you are far more likely to break the filter assembly by twisting on it...but either way, DON'T twist it. Nice reminder! :thumbsup:

If your hands are large enough, you can actually slide the filter up until it stops, and then with the cap end towards you hold the cap with your thumbs and use your fingers to compress and pull the filter until it slides the rest of the way home. It thunks into place quite satisfactorily and this puts even pressure all the way around on it.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

raed_jan

· #7 · Apr 4, 2009

gregs210, It's like you were watching me while I was doing my last oil/filter change

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· #8 · Apr 4, 2009

^^^ Dude, they have those surveillance cameras even in the great white north, eh?

utiadam

· #9 · Apr 4, 2009

It may not be the oil filter housing at all. Do you see that diamond shape cover right above the belt tensioner? That cover has a seal behind it and that will create a leak but usually while driving when oil pressure is built up, the belt itself will fling the oil everywhere.

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· #10 · Apr 4, 2009

utiadam said:
It may not be the oil filter housing at all. Do you see that diamond shape cover right above the belt tensioner? That cover has a seal behind it and that will create a leak but usually while driving when oil pressure is built up, the belt itself will fling the oil everywhere.

Dood, it's like you were reading my mind. Indeed, that was my first thought, too. But take another close look at the fourth pic; to me, the run lines on the edge of the filter housing are too perfect to have come from the pressure port via the belt, and there is no "overspray" on the top radiator hose, which would be the path from the belt to the housing.

Matt L

· #11 · Apr 4, 2009

utiadam said:
It may not be the oil filter housing at all. Do you see that diamond shape cover right above the belt tensioner? That cover has a seal behind it and that will create a leak but usually while driving when oil pressure is built up, the belt itself will fling the oil everywhere.

I do see it, right above the tensioner. Quite recently, someone posted a picture of it copied from a catalog. It sure does look oily right below that piece.

But what's this about twisting the filter housing, or not? I'm sure that it's because I haven't ever seen the filters that you gasser guys use, but I really cannot picture what you are talking about.

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· #12 · Apr 4, 2009

Matt L said:
I do see it, right above the tensioner. Quite recently, someone posted a picture of it copied from a catalog. It sure does look oily right below that piece.

But what's this about twisting the filter housing, or not? I'm sure that it's because I haven't ever seen the filters that you gasser guys use, but I really cannot picture what you are talking about.

Hey, Matt.

Not the filter housing, the filter assembly. In the attached shot (from the DIY) the filter is removed and you can see how spindly the structure is. The inside of the top and bottom of the filter fits over the larger part quite firmly (recessing into the threaded area), and if you apply much torque to it while putting the filter on, you'll break it. It's about a $40 lesson if ordered on line (although the replacement comes with a new filter, so it's a bit less than that for the assembly).

In ILJ's case it's oily everywhere on the engine, but I think I agree with him it's the filter cap based on that one pic.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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utiadam

· #13 · Apr 4, 2009

i dont think the plastic cap is the problem, i've broken one before and it leaves a pretty good size crack at the base of the housing.

raed_jan

· #14 · Apr 4, 2009

Mod, can we change the forum's name to "CSI 210"...

Yes the flow patterns on the filter housing makes sense but the cleanup+baby powder on the filter housing, the chain check cover will tell for sure where was the culpret
With all the gunk lying around, how can you tell where the leak is/was

utiadam

· #15 · Apr 4, 2009

good point, i would start by getting some brake clean or engine degreaser and cleaning off the current oil. Once you do that drive for a little while and see if you are able to point out the source of the leak.

iluvjesus

Discussion Starter · #16 · Apr 4, 2009

Dear Greg, Matt, Raed, Utiadam

Thank you for all of your kind inputs. Before my original post, I have already read the pressure port leak post and suspected it. But my friend who is a mechanic and he degrease the engine for me. Then he asked me to rev the engine to about 1500-2000/min and found that the oil sipping out from the oil filter assembly. When he change the oil filter, the largest o-ring's BODY (not the overall shape) 's shape was a bit squarish, not sure if it is moulded on the engine or what. But I just changed the filter and all o-rings in Jan this year. It's been 4 days and no major problem noted at present, but I will see.

PS. you are right, when I open the bonnet, oil was absolutely everywhere. Lost os oil on the pans, belt all soaked, and the solenoid. I was so scared it would catch a fire while driving...... If I migrate to US I would choose somewhere close to you people

hehe..

Kobus

· #17 · Apr 7, 2009

Another possibility is that the large O-ring was in the wrong groove.

1998mbe320

· #18 · Apr 7, 2009

I had the same problem and it starts out as a small leak and increases over time. Replace the oil cooler and oil filter base housing o rings. Also ensure the PCV lines are inspected to make sure they are not plugged. I had my 210 done a few months ago. The cost was about $120 at a private mechanic.

matraga

· #19 · May 28, 2009

All wrong !!!! The problem is the oil cooler gasket. Does it can you to believe?

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· #20 · May 28, 2009

Hi, matraga, you live in a very pretty part of the planet. The post right above yours was also the gasket for the cooler. I'm not sure our OP ever followed up to confirm for us the exact nature of his leak.

Raed, if you want to hear something wild, I recently ordered a couple of Hengst oil filters and there is a little pictorial on changing the filter...and it shows pushing and twisting to seat the filter.

Perhaps we now know who builds the filter assembly? LOL.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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