K&N problem

[Tremo]

Argh! I just changed the oil on my Camaro, put on a new K&N 3002 filter, and the ****ed thing leaks! It's the top o-ring gasket that is not sealing well against the filter mount boss. I have it on as tight as I can make it and there is still oil leaking from the top. The M1 filter that came off didn't leak a drop.

Is there some problem with K&N that needs to be discussed?

 

[unDummy]

Why don't you remove the filter and make sure that the gasket is ALONE and in its place.

 

[T-Keith]

A double gasket will make a leak really quick. Also I've found that overtightening can cause the gasket to deform and leak. Did you tighten it by hand or with a wrench?

-T

 

[sthompson]

I had this happen years ago. I think, but am not sure, that I did not oil the gasket before tightening. What I do know is that one segment of the gasket spooled out of it's raceway and was leaving a gap. Provided for quite a drip...almost a stream. I think you're going to have to take the filter off and take a look. Tightening more is only going to cause additional problems. Good Luck.

 

[Filter guy]

Did you wipe clean the mounting base before installing a new filter? If not old pieces of gasket can cause an interference.

Dry gaskets can leak as well, if you did not prelube the gasket.

Tightening the filter to much can also cause a leak. The gasket can ripple as you keep tightening it. If you use a wrench and tighten it even further, if there is no other interference from old gasket material, you may get lucky and have the metal edge of the can seal ( in conjunction with the gasket) the filter to the base.

Did you remove the filter and try it again before you run the vehicle to many miles? The gasket, due to the heat of the engine, will take a compression set and if you wait to long it may not reseal.

 

[BlazerLT]

TRemo, check to see if the Mobil1 gasket stuck to the block and didn't come off with the filter.

 

[Al]

Its highly unkikely that's its the filter. I always inspect the filter first and then make sure that there is no debris in the filter or the threads. I have already been paranoid and removed the gasket and insure that it had a good seat on the lower side of the gasket. This is going to far. Also I always take my finger and run it over the surface where the gasket seats on the block.

As mentioned additional tightening is a bad idea and initial tightening that goes over 1 turn after contact is not good.

 

[Volvohead]

quote:

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Originally posted by unDummy:
Why don't you remove the filter and make sure that the gasket is ALONE and in its place.

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Yes, this happens on very rare occasion, typically if the old one's been on a very long time. After changing about 35 years worth of filters, it finally happened to me on a marine block a couple of years back (you do most things by feel on them).

 

[Volvohead]

quote:

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Originally posted by Al:
Its highly unkikely that's its the filter. I always inspect the filter first and then make sure that there is no debris in the filter or the threads. I have already been paranoid and removed the gasket and insure that it had a good seat on the lower side of the gasket. This is going to far. Also I always take my finger and run it over the surface where the gasket seats on the block.

As mentioned additional tightening is a bad idea and initial tightening that goes over 1 turn after contact is not good.

---

For whatever reason, it could just be a defective filter example. For what they cost, I wouldn't put too much diagnostic time into it. Slap on another fresh filter. If that one also leaks, then you really do have a problem. If not, then you can make a return claim on the bad one.

 

[Darryl]

I bet it's just way to tight, that's the only way that I've ever had a filter of any brand leak. 1/2-3/4 turn is all that's ever needed.


Darryl

 

[Tremo]

Yes, yes and yes. I made sure the old gasket was still on the old filter, no double-gasketing. I did wipe off the boss with a clean rag, so no debris or other crap there to cause a leak. Normally when I install a new filter, I hand tighten it pretty snug, single handed. That's usually good enough. Since it was not sealing, I used a wrench to give it about an additional 1/8 turn, now no more leaks.

 

[terminaldegree]

Well, if it's the filter's fault, try to get your money back.
Let us know what happens.

Then, save your money and slap a $5.50 Wix or $5 Pure1 or even a $3 AC in its place. Those K&N's are overpriced, anyway.

 

[Tremo]

Well, since the leak has stopped, I'm gonna call it fixed, and not worry about it until next oil change time.

No local dealers stock Purolaters. There is a local Wix dealer, and a Napa(gold) dealer. I dunno who carries AC other than GM dealers, and I sure as hades aren't going to pay their prices.

I did notice that with the K&N, my oil pressure seems to be a tad lower than with the M1 that came off. Oil is M1 T&SUV.