Oil Filter Housing Cap leaking

halcyon026 · 09-17-2015, 10:23 AM

Guys,

My Oil Filter Housing Cap is leaking. I've replaced the oil filter housing gasket and cap in the past but the cap keeps getting a leak after 1-2 years

Similar to this video. But far worse. Oil is being blasted all over the engine & even leaving oil spots on the ground.

It's odd to me that it keeps developing a leak at the cap. I replace the o-ring with each new oil filter, I torque it per the manual...

What's the fix for this? To keep replacing the cap?? Is there a more long term fix? Maybe a better/stronger aftermarket cap?

Thanks guys!

Phil325i · 09-17-2015, 11:38 AM

Either one of your o rings is in the wrong groove, or the cap is damaged in some way. No way should it be like this.

BashShah · 09-19-2015, 09:07 PM

Big oring goes on the 3 line from cap base.
Could be fourth.
Also don't torque.
Tighten till cap touches very tightly against base.

DN

P2 · 09-20-2015, 07:44 AM

I had this problem. I went back to the OEM filter and O Rings and the problem stopped. I'm not sure why, but that did the trick.

mweisdorfer · 09-20-2015, 12:12 PM

What type of filter are u using? I had this problem with Bosch Filters. When I changed over to Mann filters problem solved.

Also I think the torque is about 30nm. If you put too much or not enough torque, that could cause a leak.

Both the O-rings on both should be changed out every time you change the filter. This engine runs hot and stays hot several hours after it is parked in your garage etc.

ECS tuning makes a sweet aluminum filter cap. It's s little pricey at around $100.00. I don't think that's your problem though. The filter or the torque is most likely the culprit

Meeni · 09-20-2015, 03:14 PM

The o-ring is old or improperly installed. It should be changed everytime (the one that comes with some brands of filters is not a good match btw, get OEM or MANN filters), it should not touch the top of the cap, there is a groove ~2mm from the top, that's where it goes.

09-17-2015, 10:23 AM	#1
halcyon026 Private First Class 6 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2011 E70 35i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Oil Filter Housing Cap leaking Guys, My Oil Filter Housing Cap is leaking. I've replaced the oil filter housing gasket and cap in the past but the cap keeps getting a leak after 1-2 years Similar to this video. But far worse. Oil is being blasted all over the engine & even leaving oil spots on the ground. It's odd to me that it keeps developing a leak at the cap. I replace the o-ring with each new oil filter, I torque it per the manual... What's the fix for this? To keep replacing the cap?? Is there a more long term fix? Maybe a better/stronger aftermarket cap? Thanks guys! Last edited by halcyon026; 09-17-2015 at 10:31 AM..
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09-17-2015, 11:38 AM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 626 Rep 3,196 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Either one of your o rings is in the wrong groove, or the cap is damaged in some way. No way should it be like this. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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09-19-2015, 09:07 PM	#3
BashShah Colonel 305 Rep 2,015 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Big oring goes on the 3 line from cap base. Could be fourth. Also don't torque. Tighten till cap touches very tightly against base. DN
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09-20-2015, 07:44 AM	#4
P2 First Lieutenant 54 Rep 375 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M-Sport eDrive 40 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Chicago Land iTrader: (0)	I had this problem. I went back to the OEM filter and O Rings and the problem stopped. I'm not sure why, but that did the trick.
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09-20-2015, 12:12 PM	#5
mweisdorfer Major General 1924 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	What type of filter are u using? I had this problem with Bosch Filters. When I changed over to Mann filters problem solved. Also I think the torque is about 30nm. If you put too much or not enough torque, that could cause a leak. Both the O-rings on both should be changed out every time you change the filter. This engine runs hot and stays hot several hours after it is parked in your garage etc. ECS tuning makes a sweet aluminum filter cap. It's s little pricey at around $100.00. I don't think that's your problem though. The filter or the torque is most likely the culprit
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09-20-2015, 03:14 PM	#6
Meeni Gateropode 332 Rep 2,846 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	The o-ring is old or improperly installed. It should be changed everytime (the one that comes with some brands of filters is not a good match btw, get OEM or MANN filters), it should not touch the top of the cap, there is a groove ~2mm from the top, that's where it goes.
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