lost oil out of filter!

[sebring01]

I found a large puddle under my car and found the oil filter was loose and leaking. Since it was near 3000 miles, I changed the oil and filter ... the oil was a quart low.
What caused this? And what would be the effect on
the engine?

 

[theguru]

With only a qrt low I wouldn't worry.

 

[TallPaul]

It seems odd that it was fine for nearly 3000 miles and then suddenly leaked a quart at the filter.

 

[JAYCEE]

Sebrings have the oil filter just behind the hood latch and pointing up as I recall. (Or they used to.)

I never liked that design. Anybody could walk by the raised hood and tamper with the filter.

Probably didn't hurt it if it's not making noises or anything.

 

[Tosh]

JC: Really, tampering?
It is odd that it went that far without leaking. But the causes are going to come down to no gasket, wrong gasket (or filter), displaced or broken dry gasket, double gasket (old one left behind), not tightened sufficiently, or poorly formed threads. Did I miss anything? Have a closer look in comparison with a new filter, and let us know what it was.

 

[sebring01]

I wondered about tampering too...but I could never reach it without lifting the car...it's deep behind the right front wheel. It may just not have been tight enough. Should I use a filter wrench to tighten?

 

[TallPaul]

I have always understood that you should never tighten a filter with a wrench. It's something like 3/4 turn tight after the gasket mates with the block. I suppose if you can bolt a metal tang to the block beside the filter you could then put a hose clamp over the tang and filter to keep it from turning, but that should not be necessary. Hey, why not call the filter company's tech support line and ask? Maybe they are aware of this happening and have some suggestions. Can't hurt to call.

 

[theguru]

I think that the filter was probably not quite tight and with the heat the gasket has shrunk a little and allowed the filter to loose oil. Remember the oil is under pressure.

I always do them up by hand, but usually a little tighter than they suggest. If you are concerned check the filter tightness again after a few miles. Never do them up with spanner, you will eithr wreck the seal or make it very hard to get off.

Overtight will cause the filter to leak as well.

 

[theguru]

Oh, and make sure you oil the gasket before putting the filter on the car.

 

[TallPaul]

What brand of filter was it?