Engine oil leak from around diesel oil filter

[Terri]

Trying to understand an engine oil leak that is to the rear of the oil filter.
There is oil sitting in the valley behind the filter, I've tried sucking it out and dabbing it dry as much as I can and I am monitoring it to see if it caused by a leak or from spillage.

I'm hoping its spillage but struggling to understand how this is possible given the filter screws into the oil filter mount. Am I removing the filter to quickly? I unloosen it slowly till I hear a gargling sound. I assume this is the oil running back in to the engine. Or am I wrong, could it be oil overflowing over the edges of the oil filter mount in to the valley?

[Fatso]

Gday , would suggest the gurgling sound is oil running back into the motor as you unscrew the oil canister , mine does the same but no oil in the valley .

[Terri]

Gday , would suggest the gurgling sound is oil running back into the motor as you unscrew the oil canister , mine does the same but no oil in the valley .

Thanks, was almost hoping you would say it was causing oil in the valley. Only noticed it after my first oil change. Hoping I haven't screwed something up. Used a torque wrench, followed all the advice re: putting the new filter into the cover first, changed o-ring (twice now). What possible damage could have been caused by either me or the last guy who changed the filter having overtightened? Still not ruling out spillage but its just impossible to clean that valley out completely. I'm monitoring it by using a stick in the valley to check the level. It's a slow process.

[Fatso]

When you replace the oil filter you should place it in the oil filter housing first then make sure you fit and push the spigot on the bottom of the filter into the hole in the filter housing , then replace o ring and refit the filter cover and torque to 25nm. . Not a good idea to place filter in the cover first then screw in , if I have read your post correctly ? , this method can not ensure the filter is correctly fitted with the spigot in the correct place and may result in a crushed filter and no oil return to the engine from the filter housing .

[vbrab]

Once had an oil leak on top due to a pin hole in the sealing gasket ring on the filter cover. Wasn't obvious when putting it on, but it was enough for it to seep oil over a few weeks. Was using after market (OEM) Oil filters, but Now use only MAHLE filters as have also found their "O" ring appears to be a better fit than after market filters.

[Terri]

When you replace the oil filter you should place it in the oil filter housing first then make sure you fit and push the spigot on the bottom of the filter into the hole in the filter housing , then replace o ring and refit the filter cover and torque to 25nm. . Not a good idea to place filter in the cover first then screw in , if I have read your post correctly ? , this method can not ensure the filter is correctly fitted with the spigot in the correct place and may result in a crushed filter and no oil return to the engine from the filter housing .

Sorry, yes your right, I meant to say I put the filter in to the filter housing like you are saying, not in to the cover. Had another look tonight and the level in the valley has not changed from what I can tell, however there is still oil dripping down after driving. I had thought that the oil may only have leaked out when the valley is overflowing but that is not the case IF it is in fact coming out from the valley. Its very difficult to see what is going on at the back of the engine, in fact it is impossible, I have tried many times from all angles with a mirror and also tried with an inspection camera.

[Terri]

Once had an oil leak on top due to a pin hole in the sealing gasket ring on the filter cover. Wasn't obvious when putting it on, but it was enough for it to seep oil over a few weeks. Was using after market (OEM) Oil filters, but Now use only MAHLE filters as have also found their "O" ring appears to be a better fit than after market filters.

Hi, thanks for your reply. How did you come to the conclusion it was the o-ring leaking? I used a ford genuine part for this change, then tried a 2nd o-ring from an OEM filter.

[Fatso]

If oil is dripping on the ground after driving you could check around the Turbo area , you can get a reasonable look at the turbo from under the right wing even better if you take the wheel off .


Oil may leak from the oil cooler which is the part under where oil filter housing sits , this part is bolted to the block and has a rubber seal , may have to dismantle the air intake Y piece out to get a good look here , not a big job .

[Terri]

Thanks Fatso, I'm reluctant to start dismantling anything unless i know for sure what it is but if it does get to that would you know where to get the exploded view of the oil cooler area and procedure on how to get at it, how it works etc? That would be a big help in understanding this.

[Fatso]

Google may be your best friend with instructions , also there is a Haynes disco manual available , any good motoring shop or book shop should be able to supply . My Haynes manual is No 5562 .