Leaking oil filter housing? – Expert advice for DIY solutions

Steps to inspect an oil filter housing with oil leaks

1. Check the oil level

   A low oil level is a sign of an oil leak.

   General steps for checking engine oil
   – You can check the oil level of many vehicles equipped with an oil dipstick. With the engine cold and the vehicle parked on a level surface for a more accurate reading, remove the dipstick and clean it with a rag.

   – Place the dipstick back in the oil tube. Remove the oil dipstick. The oil level should be measured somewhere between the two marks on the dipstick. If the measurement is below both marks, you can add a quart of oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can tell if you need more than a quart by adding oil and taking another measurement. If the measurement falls below both marks after adding a quarter, you’ll know the engine needs an extra quarter or more depending on future measurements.

   You will need to have the proper oil level to diagnose this problem and not end up with more, like a rod knock.

   Video How-To: How to Check the Oil in a 2008-2019 Ford F-150

   Explanatory video: how to change the engine oil in any vehicle

   

   Read: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

2. Check the top and side of the engine and hood housing for oil leaks

   Check for signs of an oil leak at the top of the engine, which can be a symptom of a problem such as a blowout. Look for an indication of a large oil leak with a flashlight.

   The oil filter housing shown in the featured video of this article at 2:20 above is located on a block mounted on top of the engine block. The housing has small o-ring gaskets that can leak oil.

   Check for leaks along the engine block. Oil leaks from the housing can stain the engine.

   Check the back of the doorbell housing. You might think an oil leak from this area is from a bad valve gasket, but it could be the oil filter housing leaking. If you find a lot of oil covering the area, this is a sign of a major leak and should be fixed as soon as possible. If this is the case, you can flush the oil and with the proper amount of oil in the engine, try to start the car and see if you can find the oil leak.

   Learn more about cleaning an engine compartment

   Check all corners of the engine for oil leaks from a part such as a gasket. In our example, the top of the bell housing was covered in oil and dripping. A rear main seal could leak that big, but it wouldn’t leak engine oil into the top of the bell housing. You may find an oil leak on the outside of the hood housing at the bottom, but that’s because it has drains for the oil to escape in case of internal leaks. With this type of leak, it could be the valve cover or the oil filter housing.

   Learn more about fixing a valve cover leak

   Removing parts such as the upper intake plenum and some fuel lines will allow you to see the oil filter housing mounted on top of the block. After removing and disconnecting all the parts, oil on the top of the engine block is a sign that oil is leaking from the oil filter housing gaskets. Gaskets can become crushed and flattened over time, resulting in oil leaks.

   

3. Look under the vehicle for puddles of oil leaks

   Check under the vehicle for puddles of oil collected on the ground. If the oil filter housing has an oil leak, the oil will drip onto the floor and build up over time while the vehicle is parked.

4. Check OBD-II codes with a scan tool if the check engine light is on

   If the check engine light is on, look for OBD-II codes with a scan tool to see if there are any related to the oil filter housing. The code that appeared in this example was P06DD, which is a Chrysler-related code for low oil pressure. An oil leak from the engine oil filter housing could trigger this code.

   Read more:
   What is OBD II and how does it work?

   How to use an OBD2 scan tool (car tester)

   Why does my service engine come on early?