Oil filter leaking

[lloyd]

Ok I've gone through the search and found a few things related, so without beating a dead horse, why would my oil filter leak on the driveway ONLY when it's below freezing? (Cold Starts) No oil when it's above but leaks quite a bit when cold. It's the oddest thing. I changed the filter (FRAM) thinking it was that and all was fine for a week. Then a cold dip and drip drip! What give guys?

[lloyd]

ttt

no one?

[SilverSportNOLA]

Part of the problem is in the four letter word you used to describe the filter. I am on Dub, Ford and Honda forums and nobody seems to have much good to say about that filter brand.

Could it be expansion and contraction of heating and cooling metals ... that would be what I think it is. But try it with a OEM filter, I use Mobil1's and K&N's the most and have never had the problem with my 1.8T but we don't get too cold here, so I can't give more than that.

[lloyd]

Thanks Silver; Maybe I'll pick up an OEM filter this weekend and replace it. Anybody else have any thoughts?

[speedie]

I agree with silver, perhaps the FRAM crappy rubber ring seal (between the filter and the filter receptor is contracting with the cold temps. I use MOBIL 1 filter and have had zero problems with leaks. If you use a crappy oil filter, you can easily overtorque it during installation and damage the rubber seal to where you get leaks.

[Jian]

Originally Posted by lloyd

why would my oil filter leak on the driveway ONLY when it's below freezing? (Cold Starts)

Originally Posted by lloyd

Then a cold dip and drip drip!

The chances of two filters failing on the same car are slim. Something else is going on.

What weight oil are you using?
Is it filled to the correct level?

When you changed the filter did you make sure the old seal didn't stick to the filter/cooler mounting flange?

[lloyd]

5-30 mobile 1.

Had it done but told them to check the gasket when they replaced because the 1st one leaked.

2nd didn't leak for about 8 days

VW Dealer told me to get one of there's. I was going to have them look at it and he said they've had so many calls when an aftermarket filter is used ( or Grease Monkey) that they just tell people to buy the VW brand and put it one. He said FRAM's not so good on the beetle.

So I'll try that and let you know.

thanks all

[SilverSportNOLA]

Good luck with it .... and ... I don't think the Fram is good on your Vert either ... and I bet the Beetle knows when it doesn't get first class treatment like the Chevy surely does.

[Jian]

Originally Posted by lloyd

5-30 mobile 1.

Had it done but told them to check the gasket when they replaced because the 1st one leaked.

2nd didn't leak for about 8 days

VW Dealer told me to get one of there's. I was going to have them look at it and he said they've had so many calls when an aftermarket filter is used ( or Grease Monkey) that they just tell people to buy the VW brand and put it one. He said FRAM's not so good on the beetle.

So I'll try that and let you know.

thanks all

Update please

I like when stories have an ending.

[2000silbug]

Make sure your oil is leaking from the filter. My beetle has a small drip leak as well, and on cold starts it loses about a pint until the car warms up and expands the metals and rubbers. I first thought it was the filter, and when I went under the car, I found it was leaking from the oil cooler. I suspect the O-ring is worn so I bought a new one and waiting to replace it while I do my next oil change in a few days.

[noR]

When you change the filter, make sure there'es no 'gunk' on the place where the o-ring should seal. Maybe some filter in the past left a 'deposit' of part of it's O-Ring for you to remember it by.

Also look for indentations like; I dunno, like someone scraping the area w/a straght-slot.

Other than that, yeah, how'd the new filter work out?

[vdubbugman53]

i only run K&N or Bosch filters on me carro

[wildman]

I had the same problem with mine, I even tried a new filter again. Someone suggested checking the oil cooler. When I removed the filter again I noticed the oil cooler move. I tightned up the nut that holds it on, replaced the filter, and no more leak.