Overfilled Oil (Part 2): Weeping Remote Oil Filter Lines

This is a follow-up to the infamous "Overfilled Oil" post. Of course it turned out that the oil was only slightly overfilled so it was no problem. However, while probing around I discovered that the remote oil filter lines are weeping very slowly where the rubber hoses are crimped to the metal lines that attach to the oil filter adapter/cooler (note: I only have the remote oil filter on my 1989 Chevy S10 Blazer 4.3L 4x4...I don't have the cooler-to-radiator attachments [thank God, that's one less thing to break!]). The weeping leak is so slow that you cannot feel or see it while the car is running...it only shows up as a small grease stain on the skid plate every few days (and of course a few small drips under the car after its been parked). Thinking back on it, I believe these remote oil filter lines have been weeping for over a year...however, the odd part is the oil level in my car is ALWAYS full and the oil pressure is always in normal operating range. I only change the oil about once a year (I drive less than

2500 miles/year)...and since there's no detectable drop in oil level or pressure over that time period, should I treat this as an urgent "problem" or can I just put it off until time/money permits. Is it really possible that an oil hose can just blow off (or is that a auto shop scare tactic?) Would JB Welding the area where the rubber hose crimps to the metal line help or hurt? I've read that these remote lines always leak....is it possible to buy replacement lines that won't develop this slow leak (if so where?).

Sorry for the long post...I hope this doesn't develop into another monster thread! Merry Christmas!

Reply to
Spiderman
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It's not a scare tactic...we've replaced many a 4.3 engine because the oil cooler lines blew off. Your lines might hold, they might not....it's up to you.

Don't even bother, this will do nothing.

If you want lines that are guaranteed not to leak, then you wont want to buy the GM hoses. Even the supposed "new" design hoses leak. You might want to investigate the possibility of having some custom lines made...I know that power steering hoses can be custom built.

Ian

Reply to
shiden_kai

Just take the old ones off and take them to a good parts store or tractor supply place... then tell them you want new rubber for the high pressure engine oil lines for your "forklift" (they won't do them for on-road vehicles due to liability)

Depending on what the fittings on them look like, you might also be able to replace the whole mess with steel braided AN lines like Aeroquip or Earl's which would be a more costly, but likely permanent, solution to the problem.

nate

Reply to
Nate Nagel

What kind of shape are the motor mounts in? Also one has to take into consideration the vehicle, and as such the hoses, are 17 years old. Whitelightning

Reply to
Whitelightning

Replace the remote oil filter lines as soon as possible. They may last for a while with a slight leak, even years like mine did, or they could go out tomorrow. The leak will eventually get much worse and as a worst-case scenario, the line could rupture. I left one hell of a stain on our old driveway and in a couple of parking lots when my slow leak suddenly got worse over a week or so. I was lucky they didn't blow completely.

Replacing them isn't as scary as it looks if you don't mind removing an engine mount and jacking the engine up slightly. Oh and if you go with OEM parts keep an eye out on the ends of the lines. My old ones had recesses for o-rings (another common leaking point) which the new ones did not. I used special washers with an o-ring attached to the ID. We call 'em threadseals at work, I've seen them in the oil drain plug isle in parts stores.

Reply to
SBlackfoot

I had the problem with my 93 Chevy s-10 Blazer, They driped but never blew off..I bought a new S-10 pick up with the v6 about 6 months ago,2003 and low and behold the damn oil lines are leaking!! The same type of crimp,same type of hose, 10 years, and no improvement!! Last GM product! Intakes are still leaking...Dexcool...Camber was way off when new...Instrument panel odometer keep reseting back to 3850 miles!..new panel installed... Service engine light... on and on...I know many of you will get 200,000 miles and 25 miles to a gal. but I guess I am not that lucky. The dealer is great, he keeps on fixing!! Andy

Reply to
Andy & Carol

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