Oil Filter Housing Gasket tips

[clang0203]

Hi,
all filter housing gasket was leaking took off the housing unit and gasket was rock hard.
Replaced with genuine bow gasket, which does not really stick out that proud. I have tightened the 3 bolts up, did not get to 22nm as stated in the guide as I don't want to break bolts etc. drove to work today and checked after 30 min drive and still leaking.

if I tighten up to 22nm on the torque wrench is there no chance I will sheer bolts? is it worth applying gasket sealant?

any other ideas? is this normal with this gasket?

Thanks.

 

[G600]

Tighten the bolts properly before you start looking for other reasons for the leak

 

[mr.tourette]

I never used sealant when i did this job, i did tighten to the required torque though, don't think there is much chance of them shearing at the correct spec

 

[BumpyZ4]

I just changed mine this past weekend. No sealant and torqued them to 22nm with no leaks afterwards.

 

[Chris_D]

It's quite important to give all mating surfaces a good clean. The smallest spec of dust, sand, hardened gasket fragments etc. can make a lot of difference as to whether a gasket will seal properly, or not.

 

[Capt’n Baz]

I have a leaking oil filter gasket and have watched a few you tube videos on replacement. They recommend removing the drive belts below to stop any coolant or oil dripping on them. Did any of the members do this as it seems a step too far for my limited skills and may just let my Indy garage do the job. I have replaced the rocker cover gasket but was very nervous whilst doing this. Any help appreciated, thanks

 

[Tom2207]

Not done one , but couldnt you cover the belts with a couple of rags , then give the whole area a wash down with brake cleaner at the end ,,, it would get rid of any oils left , making it easier to watch for leaks after the jobs done and clean up the belts too ,,,Ive read that if they snap they can end up in the front of the engine , and that wouldnt be good , as I say , Ive not had spanners on one ,,, but I may have the chance soon

 

[mr.tourette]

I didn't bother with that, you dont lose more than a few mil of coolant, put some rag over the belt if you are concerned, I think i just put some around the base of the housing iirc to soak up any minor spillage, its a pretty easy bit of spannering

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Did any of the members do this as it seems a step too far for my limited skills

The drive belt is much easier than the oil cooler. I took the opportunity to replace the belt and tensioner, you might as well while you're in there as it is very unlikely they will have been done during routine servicing.