Oil seal advice needed

[Robmsharp]

I recently carried out an oil filter change and am having trouble getting the canister To seal. I have the original canister type arrangement where the square section seal is first fitted into its groove on the oil pump underside. I've followed the ROM carefully and ensured the canister bolt is tightened to the correct torque but twice now the seal has failed and oil has started leaking. The first thing I did after discovering the leak was to recheck the bolts torque and I found I had to re-tighten it, I guess the reason for this was down to the fact the canister had slid down one side of the seal, causing a leak path and over tightening the bolt had no effect.
Does anyone have any advice so that hopefully when I fit the third seal it will do its job?

[dasadrew]

Are you absolutely sure there isn't an old used seal hiding in that groove?

Drew

[richardthestag]

when refitting the bowl and I know it sounds obvious but make sure that lip of the bowl sits in the grove, it is very easy for this not to happen.

To check, loosen the bolt a turn, so that the filter bowl can be rotated, does it feel steel on steel?

When changing the filter like Drew said make sure the old o ring is out
Secondly when tightening up the canister bolt I use one hand to push the canister onto the engine, you feel when the lip drops into the groove. Keep tightening until you feel it seat.

How do I know? Blue haze of oil burning off the o/s exhaust downpipe following me down the a40. Luckily I spotted it and the root cause quickly

[dasadrew]

After getting mine to seat properly and oil tight, I then painted a line around the canister at the level of the housing so I'll know in future if it all sits right. That bolt gets tightened up with a pretty hefty torque too!

[Robmsharp]

Thanks for all your advice, I'm pretty certain there isn't an old oil seal remaining in there but when I take it off I'll be sure to check. In fitting the canister I do find it awkward as you are pushing against a spring and both getting the canister to seat properly while starting the thread of the bolt is tricky.

[richardthestag]

After getting mine to seat properly and oil tight, I then painted a line around the canister at the level of the housing so I'll know in future if it all sits right. That bolt gets tightened up with a pretty hefty torque too!

what sort of torque are you using?

I am probably around the 30 ftlb sort of area mine doesnt leak if properly seated

[dasadrew]

...
I am probably around the 30 ftlb sort of area mine doesnt leak if properly seated

I'm not surprised! Should be 15 - 20!

I tightened to 20 but I'm used to canister filters which you only nip up by hand and they're oil-tight.

Concerningthe 'O' ring, I seated that first using a wooden spatula and ensuring it was flat and square in the recess IIRC, before screwing up the bowl.

[Robmsharp]

I agree with Drew, the ROM states 20 foot pounds. In thinking about the problem, it's a pity you can't buy a seal that has a slit running half way through and round the perimeter. That way you could first push the seal onto the lip of the canister before offering up the canister and tightening the bolt.

[thebadleys]

Also add a smear of engine oil on the seal in the groove to ensure the canister doesn't "grab" a dry seal and damage it.

Nigel

[davidf]

Also add a smear of engine oil on the seal in the groove to ensure the canister doesn't "grab" a dry seal and damage it.

Nigel

I usually fit mine with grease to hold it in place while I fit the canister and for the reason you give.

[1230]

Many of the oil filter available have a to small sealing ring. Oil filters with the correct ring seal are available Try Robsport or SOC spares who have had them Ask that they have the correct seal which usually has some blue markings on the rubber.

[Stagnant]

I had the very same problem. Martin (M&M) on the forum pointed me to the SOC ones. They're just that bit thicker and seal perfectly.
Cheers
Mark.

[Robmsharp]

Thanks Mark for the pointer to the SOC seal - do you know which stockists I can get the seal from? (I've just ordered a couple from LD Part and they usually have good quality parts, so hopefully they'll be the SOC ones).

[5chaiaday]

I don't know whether LD provide the SOC ones but I got my replacement filter & seals from them and everything worked well without any trickery or shenanigans....Just whacked it on and torqued it up and off I went.

Ed.

[Robmsharp]

Thanks Ed, to be on the safe side I've ordered a couple from SOC Spares as well.