Oil filter (gasket) problem
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 869
From: Houston(clear lake)
I think he's just pointing out that your title is misleading, since it appears to comdemn the STP filter - not looking for a "thank you". I've seen other brands stick. Checking to make sure the old gasket came off with the old filter is really "oil filter 101". But by posting your experience, its helpful for others.
I'll change the topic for you.
I'll change the topic for you.
In my case I usually drop my filter in the oil pan and it does not get looked at until I haul off oil.
I guess you and me misunderstood each other. I really was not saying that it was solely an STP filter defect from the get go. The title wording could have lead you to believe that. I think you think I was looking for somebody to blame, but it was just shock value of it happening along with me wanting to tell everybody here that cares about their engines. That being said I "Manned up" long before I even got the computer to type anything. Ultimately it is me who is responsible for making sure things are done right.
For what it's worth, this is not a particularly rare problem. I ran into it over 40 years ago just after GM began to use spin-on filters on small blocks. Usually, the whole gasket sticks to the block and the leak is less dramatic and not as sudden but it has the same outcome - all the oil on the ground. I've seen it happen on several different filter brands. I can't pinpoint a specific reason for it although I believe that over-tightening the filter can contribute to it happening. It is aggravating but once you're aware of it, it's not too tough to check the filter that comes off to make sure that the old gasket is where it belongs instead of stuck to the block.
In retrospect, I'd much rather check the old filter and wipe down the sealing surface than go back to the days of the canister filters with the little skinny gasket that had to be carefully fit into a small groove between the block and the adaptor.
In retrospect, I'd much rather check the old filter and wipe down the sealing surface than go back to the days of the canister filters with the little skinny gasket that had to be carefully fit into a small groove between the block and the adaptor.
I can guarantee I overtightened the filter most likely, because I am afraid of vibrating loose. I have had some loosen in the past, and leak.
Last edited by Dave1980; Mar 10, 2009 at 11:58 AM.
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Posts: 71,098
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
For what it's worth, this is not a particularly rare problem. I ran into it over 40 years ago just after GM began to use spin-on filters on small blocks. Usually, the whole gasket sticks to the block and the leak is less dramatic and not as sudden but it has the same outcome - all the oil on the ground. I've seen it happen on several different filter brands. I can't pinpoint a specific reason for it although I believe that over-tightening the filter can contribute to it happening. It is aggravating but once you're aware of it, it's not too tough to check the filter that comes off to make sure that the old gasket is where it belongs instead of stuck to the block.
In retrospect, I'd much rather check the old filter and wipe down the sealing surface than go back to the days of the canister filters with the little skinny gasket that had to be carefully fit into a small groove between the block and the adaptor.
In retrospect, I'd much rather check the old filter and wipe down the sealing surface than go back to the days of the canister filters with the little skinny gasket that had to be carefully fit into a small groove between the block and the adaptor.
Yes... I learned about the problem when I worked (part-time) for 10 years in a 3-bay service shop back in the 1950's/60's and changed a half-dozen filters a day. Quickly leaned to inspect the block, make sure the gasket came off with the filter, and wiped down the seating surface. Always remembered to wipe some oil on the new gasket. Always remembered to start the engine an let the oil warm up, checking the drain plug and the filter for leaks before dropping the lift.
But I don't think I've seen the problem in the last 10 years.... but then I only do a couple filter changes a year.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 553
From: Southern California
D@mn.... you must be almost as old as I am
Yes... I learned about the problem when I worked (part-time) for 10 years in a 3-bay service shop back in the 1950's/60's and changed a half-dozen filters a day. Quickly leaned to inspect the block, make sure the gasket came off with the filter, and wiped down the seating surface. Always remembered to wipe some oil on the new gasket. Always remembered to start the engine an let the oil warm up, checking the drain plug and the filter for leaks before dropping the lift.
But I don't think I've seen the problem in the last 10 years.... but then I only do a couple filter changes a year.
Yes... I learned about the problem when I worked (part-time) for 10 years in a 3-bay service shop back in the 1950's/60's and changed a half-dozen filters a day. Quickly leaned to inspect the block, make sure the gasket came off with the filter, and wiped down the seating surface. Always remembered to wipe some oil on the new gasket. Always remembered to start the engine an let the oil warm up, checking the drain plug and the filter for leaks before dropping the lift.
But I don't think I've seen the problem in the last 10 years.... but then I only do a couple filter changes a year.
I had a filter gasket stick to the block just a couple of months ago so the experience was fresh in my mind when this thread kicked up.
No one knows it all but the right three or four guys can come up with a lot of information if they pool their experiences.
c
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