Basic oil changing question, Suzuki Forenza

Hey Everyone. I've got an issue with am '04 Suzuki Forenza with ~40k. I have changed the oil in this car many times with no issues. I use a Napa gold filter and mobile 1 5w-30. This time, there is a leak somewhere (3-5" puddle) around the oil filter. I then got another filter and I have the exact same issue. This is what I have done so far:

Ensured the filter was the correct filter, same #s as the one I took off. Ensured there was not a gasket stuck on the block itself Put fresh oil on the filter gasket priot to installation.

1st filter I tightened hand tight, 2nd I added 1/4 of a turn with a wrench

I still have a leak. Unfortunately where the filter is, it's impossible to see where the leak is coming from but the bottom of the filter does have drips with fresh oil. Any help is greatly appreciated since I am stumped.

Derek

Reply to
genius
Loading thread data ...

Recently, I had a different brand but a similar symptom. Thought it was probably a leaky filter seal or maybe even oil pan. Turned out to be an oil pressure sender, threaded into the unit above the filter. Leaking around the metal to plastic/ceramic seal.

You really need to get in there and have a look.

Reply to
HLS

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll get back under there today and remove some of the plastic skidpate that's in the way. Hopefully I can see something this time!

Reply to
genius

Thanks HLS, I got under there, took off all the plastic crap and it's definitely leaking from the oil filter to the block. Off to Napa to get my 3rd filter and hopefully this one won't leak.

Thanks!

Reply to
genius

Thanks!

Great.. Next part is to be sure that you are not doing something that has been compromising the installation of the filter.

When you pull the leaker off, wipe off the sealing surfaces to be sure it is clean. Look for any nicks, cracks, or burrs that might be causing an early filter gasket leak.

Examine the old filter to see if you can see why it is leaking...a case leak?? a crimped or cut gasket??

Be sure that the old filter gasket is not stuck onto the filter base.

Lightly oil the gasket of the new filter, and spin it into place (assuming a spin-on, of course). Then tighten it hand tight, plus about 3/4 of a turn.

If you overtighten, you make the filter excessively hard to get off at next change time, but in rare cases might even squash the gasket and cause it to leak.

Please let us know what you find.

Reply to
HLS

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.