The main reason why oil is squeezed out from under the filter, as a rule, is starting a cold engine. At this moment, the consistency of the lubricant is so thick that it simply does not have time to pass through the oil filter.
This usually occurs on older vehicles that have an oil pump that does not have a bypass valve. This certainly cannot happen with new cars, except perhaps if it is not tightened well enough, and then it presses oil from under the filter.
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Main causes and ways to eliminate them
There can be many reasons that cause oil leakage, there can be several main ones, let’s look at them:
Malfunction | Remedy |
During installation, they forgot to lubricate the rubber of the oil filter barrier and it became skewed or deformed during tightening | Remove the barrier, lubricate the rubber and reinstall |
After replacement, the oil filter was not tightened | Tighten until it stops, but only with your hands without using tools. |
Leaking due to the oil filter being overtightened during replacement | Remove the barrier; if the elastic band is deformed, replace it and install a new one without using excessive force |
Damage to the sealing surface of the barrier (the ebb surface on the motor in contact with the rubber band) | Replace barrier |
High lubricant pressure in the engine | There are many reasons, the oil or barrier may need to be changed |
Unheated car. On old-style models, oil pumps are installed in which there is no oil pressure relief valve, in case of excessive increase, and the external auto-valve is either not installed or is faulty | Warm up the car, inspect the pump and valves |
Dirty filter element | Replace the barrier. When changing the filter, tighten it only by hand. Just tighten it well. Because if you tighten it with a wrench, there is a risk of squeezing out the rubber and causing a leak again. |
If everything is in order with the lubricant and filter, but the oil is squeezed out again, then perhaps the pump itself is faulty, namely the auto-reducing valve.
Oil is leaking from under the filter: why and what to do?
Oil leakage This usually occurs on older cars that have an oil pump that does not have a bypass valve. This certainly cannot happen with new cars, except perhaps if it is not tightened well enough, and then it presses oil from under the filter.
Main causes and ways to eliminate them
There can be many reasons that cause oil leakage, there can be several main ones, let’s look at them:
Malfunction Remedy
During installation, they forgot to lubricate the oil filter barrier rubber band and it became skewed or deformed while screwing in. Remove the barrier, lubricate the rubber band and reinstall it
After replacement, the oil filter was not screwed in enough. Tighten it all the way, but only by hand without using tools.
It is leaking due to the oil filter being overtightened during replacement. Remove the barrier; if the rubber is deformed, replace it and install a new one without using excessive force
Damage to the sealing surface of the barrier (the ebb surface on the motor in contact with the rubber band) Replace the barrier
High lubricant pressure in the engine There are many reasons; the oil or barrier may need to be replaced
Unheated car. On old-style models, oil pumps are installed in which there is no oil pressure relief valve, in case of excessive increase, and the external auto valve is either not installed or is faulty Warm up the car, inspect the pump and valves
Dirty filter element Replace the barrier. When changing the filter, tighten it only by hand. Just tighten it well. Because if you tighten it with a wrench, there is a risk of squeezing out the rubber and causing a leak again.
If everything is in order with the lubricant and filter, but oil is squeezed out through the oil filter again, then perhaps the pump itself is faulty, namely the pressure reducing valve. Extruded lubricant mixture
Fixing the problem
The valve can be removed without removing the pump itself.
What will you need?
Stages
- Remove the timing belt cover.
- Unscrew the auto valve plug.
- We remove the spring.
- We take out the valve and check it for scratches and mechanical damage.
- Check the condition of the spring itself. There should be no kinks on it, and the height should be 44.72 millimeters, otherwise replace it.
PlugSpringHousingRequired spring dimensions
We have listed almost all the possible reasons why lubricant is leaking; if even after this the problem is not resolved, then you should seek help from professionals at a service station. It is possible that they will be able to find something else and fix the leak. Loading …
Video “Grease leaked”
This video shows why a lubricant leak occurred and what can be done to fix it. In this case, the rubber band was distorted due to careless actions of the mechanic at the service station.
Fixing the problem
The valve can be removed without removing the pump itself.
What will you need?
- a set of keys;
- rags.
Stages
- Remove the timing belt cover.
- Unscrew the auto valve plug.
- We remove the spring.
- We take out the valve and check it for scratches and mechanical damage.
- Check the condition of the spring itself. There should be no kinks on it, and the height should be 44.72 millimeters, otherwise replace it.
We have listed almost all the possible reasons why lubricant is leaking; if even after this the problem is not resolved, then you should seek help from professionals at a service station. It is possible that they will be able to find something else and fix the leak.
Changing the oil and oil filter are basic procedures that every driver has to deal with.
The lubrication system itself is quite simple, and there are no problems in its maintenance. But problems can also arise with it, noticeable when inspecting the engine. One of these problems is oil leakage from under the oil filter. This problem can occur with both old and new motors. In this article, we will look at why oil leaks from under the oil filter. Table of contents:
Oil is leaking from under the oil filter: reasons, what to do
Changing the oil and oil filter are basic procedures that every driver has to deal with. The lubrication system itself is quite simple, and there are no problems in its maintenance. But problems can also arise with it, noticeable when inspecting the engine. One of these problems is oil leakage from under the oil filter. This problem can occur with both old and new motors. In this article, we will look at why oil leaks from under the oil filter.
Why does oil leak from under the filter on old engines?
For older car engines, oil leakage from under the filter can be considered a normal situation. Often, smudges form at the filter junction due to the fact that the oil pump in such engines does not have a pressure reducing valve.
The task of the oil pump pressure reducing valve is to eliminate the possibility of excess pressure in the system. Its presence is especially important when operating a vehicle at negative ambient temperatures. In the absence of a pressure reducing valve, the oil cannot pass through the filter due to its high density, which leads to oil squeezing out.
Modern engines have an overpressure relief system that eliminates the possibility of the problem described above. But faults that are relevant for modern engines can also affect older engines.
Causes of a clogged air filter
Why is there oil in the air filter? It is quite difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship for such an incident. The search is aggravated by the fact that users do not detect the breakdown immediately. The process usually develops over several thousand kilometers. This gives time for harmful processes to develop, which leads to the need for a major overhaul of the machine’s engine.
There are a number of malfunctions that explain the entry of lubricant into the air supply system.
- Excessive gas pressure in the crankcase compartment. This happens due to clogging of the crankcase ventilation ducts.
- The central oil deflector drain is clogged. A breakdown prevents liquid from being discharged, which causes the mixture to enter the filters.
- Stuck piston rings or worn cylinders. The formation of critical gaps increases the pressure in the system, which is a direct cause of failure.
- Broken or worn engine intake valves.
Note! If lubricant is detected in the air channels, operation of the vehicle is strictly prohibited until the breakdown is completely eliminated.
Why does oil leak from under the filter on new engines?
If your car's engine is new and has a problem with oil leakage, there could be a number of reasons for this. Let's consider the main ones:
- Dirty filter.
The most common reason is a dirty oil filter. If it becomes difficult for oil to pass through the filter, oil smudges may appear on it. This is true for cars that do not have or do not operate properly a bypass valve that allows oil to enter the engine without filtration in order to prevent oil starvation; - Incorrect.
Another common problem. If the driver or service station technician made mistakes when installing the filter, it may begin to leak. It is necessary to check how well the filter is tightened, and it is important to prevent excessive tightening of the filter element, which can cause rupture or deformation of the sealing elements; - The O-ring was not lubricated when installing the filter.
This reason can also be attributed to improper installation of the filter. As you know, when installing a filter it is important to lubricate the O-ring. This is done so that the ring does not crack when tightening the filter, and also so that it fits as tightly as possible and eliminates the possibility of oil passing through; - .
If a cheap filter from an unknown manufacturer is installed, there is a high probability that it will be of poor quality. Such a filter may initially have a damaged sealing element or there may be cracks in the housing itself; - Problems with the thread on the fitting.
If the thread on the fitting where the oil filter is screwed is defective or torn, this will not allow the filter element to be pressed as tightly as possible during installation. Accordingly, oil will be pushed out through the cracks formed. The solution to this problem is to replace the fitting or cut a new thread; - Wrong oil selected.
When driving a car, you must follow the requirements of the engine manufacturer. If you select too viscous or thin oil, you may encounter the problem of leakage in the area of the sealing elements. It is also worth buying oil from trusted places, since it is active, and the driver may not realize that he has poured low-quality oil into the engine; - .
If there is more than needed in the engine, this can lead to its squeezing out. In such a situation, you need to drain the excess oil to fix the problem; - Problems with the bypass valve.
A bypass valve is needed to relieve oil pressure if it exceeds the established standards. Most often the valve is located in the filter holder area or on the oil pump itself. If the bypass valve sticks, it will not perform its assigned tasks correctly. In this case, you need to either clean the valve using gasoline, kerosene or special cleaning agents, or replace it with a new one; - Failure of the pressure reducing valve.
Most often, the problem occurs due to damage or loosening of the spring located under the plug. It is necessary to check this spring, which can be done by removing it from the device. This spring must have sufficient elasticity and be free from chips, burrs, bends and other defects. If necessary, the spring is changed.
The most common reason in practice for oil leakage from under the filter is the poor quality of the filter itself or its incorrect installation. It is this reason that you should pay primary attention to when troubleshooting.
The problem of squeezing out the oil filter is relevant for many owners of domestic vehicles. This leads to a lack of lubricating fluid in the engine and can affect its overall functionality. Why the oil filter squeezes out on a VAZ 2109 and what to do in such cases, we will explain below.
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If there is oil pressure from under the oil filter
There can be many reasons that cause leakage from underneath. The main reason why oil presses through the oil filter is, in the vast majority of cases, starting a cold engine. The consistency of the oil at such moments is so thick that it simply does not have time to pass through the filter.
This problem usually happens on older cars, the design of the fuel system of which does not include a bypass valve. This does not happen with new cars, unless the filter itself is not screwed tightly enough, then you can notice that the oil is pressing from under the oil filter.
Depending on the cause of the leak from the oil filter housing, there are different ways to fix this problem. They may be related:
- with filter damage;
- with poor quality lubricant;
- with elastic band;
- with contamination of the filter material.
1) Cause: The sealing surface of the barrier (the ebb surface on the engine that contacts the rubber band) is damaged.
Solution: The barrier needs to be replaced.
2) Cause: The engine has high pressure.
Solution: Identify the cause of the high pressure: there is a high probability that the oil or barrier needs to be replaced.
3) Reason: The car is not warmed up enough. Older models have oil pumps without an oil pressure relief valve. If the pressure exceeds the standard level excessively, and the vehicle does not have an external valve installed or it is faulty, then an oil leak occurs in the area of the oil filter.
Solution: you need to warm up the car, be sure to inspect the valves and fuel pump.
4) Cause: The filter element is dirty.
Solution: The barrier should be replaced. When replacing the filter, only tighten it by hand. Be sure to tighten the filter tightly. (If you tighten the filter with a wrench, there is a risk of squeezing out the rubber band, which will cause an oil leak from under the oil filter housing to reappear).
If everything is in order with the filter and lubricant, but oil still flows from under the oil filter, then there may be a malfunction in the fuel pump itself, namely a problem with the pressure reducing valve.
How to fix the problem in this case if the oil filter is leaking? Without removing the pump, you can remove only the valve using a set of wrenches and a rag.
- Remove the timing belt cover.
- Unscrew the valve plug.
- Remove the spring.
- Remove the auto valve and check it for mechanical damage and scoring.
- Check the position of the spring itself - it must be without kinks and at the required height, otherwise it should be replaced.
Diagnosis of the problem
To understand why the oil filter on the VAZ 2109 squeezes out, it is necessary to check the malfunction. Let's consider two diagnostic options.
You can learn about the specifics of measuring this parameter from the video published by the channel In Sandro's Garage.
Measure engine compression
How to correctly check the pressure in the cylinders of a power unit:
- Before starting the engine and diagnosing the pressure level in the cylinders, check the valve clearances. If necessary, adjust them.
- Start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature.
- Turn off the power unit, disconnect the high-voltage wires and unscrew the spark plugs; for this you will need a special key. Be careful when unscrewing as the spark plugs will be hot. It is advisable to use gloves when performing work.
- Disconnect the fuel line pipe to prevent fuel from entering the system.
- Disconnect the center wire connected to the ignition coil.
- To directly diagnose compression, you will need a compression meter. Install the hose from the device into the spark plug socket. Compression diagnostics are performed separately for each cylinder. You should start checking from the first one. To complete the task you will need an assistant. When you perform diagnostics, an assistant should turn the starter device while pressing the gas pedal. During the test, the device will display the results.
- All values obtained during the test are recorded on the sheet. If the power unit operates correctly, the obtained indicators will be 10 kg/cm2. It is important that the obtained indicators in all cylinders differ from each other by no more than 1 kg/cm2. If diagnostics show that there is a higher pressure level in one or more cylinders, the cause of the problem is that the valves do not fit properly to the seats. The problem may be increased wear of the compression rings or a leak in the cylinder head gasket. It could wear out or become damaged during use. If the pressure level is too low, diagnostics of the oil filter or repair of the power unit is required. You need to pay attention to diagnosing the valves, grinding them in, checking the condition of the cylinder head gasket or changing the piston rings.
Main causes and solutions
Next, we will talk about the reasons for squeezing out oil while the engine is running. If the motor lubricant in a VAZ 2109, 2110, 2114 or another model leaks in cold or hot weather, the problem must be solved quickly. To do this, you need to determine the reason.
Filter dirty
If the lubricating fluid presses, the oil filter may be leaking. As a result of contamination of the device, its throughput drops significantly, which is why consumables cannot pass through it. In this case, to prevent oil starvation of the power unit, there is a bypass valve in the design of the filter element. With its help, motor fluid can bypass the device itself. However, the possibility of failures in its functioning cannot be ruled out.
Remedy
The first thing to do is dismantle and clean the filter device. Since its contamination is usually associated with the presence of dirt in the engine fluid, the consumable itself should also be replaced. Be careful and wear gloves as the oil is very hot.
Brief instructions on how to drain and refill new engine fluid:
- Start the power unit and let it warm up to operating temperature.
- Open the hood and unscrew the filler cap. This will reduce the pressure in the lubrication system. Reach under the vehicle and locate the drain plug. Place a container under it into which you will drain the consumables. This could be an old bucket, basin or cut-off bottle.
- Using a wrench of the appropriate size, unscrew the drain plug.
- After draining the liquid, tighten the drain plug. Assess the quality of the motor fluid. If there are traces of dirt and deposits in it, then do this. To do this, pour flushing fluid into the engine, start it and wait about ten minutes. Times may vary, so be sure to check label instructions before rinsing.
- Fill the engine with new oil.
Errors during filter installation
If lubricant leaks after replacing the engine fluid, the reason may be that the rubber of the filter device has been squeezed out. This is often due to incorrect installation of the element.
Remedy
The solution to the problem depends on its complexity. Sometimes it is necessary to dismantle and reinstall the filter. If the rubber band is severely damaged, the filter must be replaced.
To do this, do the following:
- Open the hood and find where the device is installed.
- To eliminate leakage, unscrew the filter element. If the rubber band is stuck, difficulties may arise during dismantling. If you cannot unscrew the filter device with your own hands, pierce it with a screwdriver closer to the bottom (the place opposite the thread).
- Before installing a new filter, pour a little motor oil into the device, about 50-100 grams.
- Reinstall the element.
A detailed video about replacing lubricants and filter devices was presented by the KBL TV channel.
Increased oil pressure
Sometimes fluid flows due to increased pressure levels in the cylinders of the power unit. This reason is considered one of the most common and it may be due to severe thickening of the lubricating fluid or other mechanical faults.
Remedy
Perform diagnostics on the bypass valve. This device is used to reduce the pressure of the consumable as this parameter increases. Depending on the design features of the vehicle, the valve can be mounted in the area of the filter device holder or directly on the oil pump. To make a diagnosis, you need to get to the part.
If the valve is stuck in the closed position, it will not work. Then you need to clean the device; fuel or kerosene is suitable for this task. You can use a special carburetor cleaner. In practice, the most effective option would be to replace the valve.
Broken or damaged thread on the fitting
Sometimes engine fluid leaks as a result of damage to the fitting. We are talking about a leak from under the thread of the filter device. As a result, during installation it is not possible to tighten the filter, which causes the consumable material to be squeezed out.
Remedy
There are several options for troubleshooting:
- Replace the fitting directly.
- Make a new thread, that is, cut it. It will not be possible to do without the help of specialists in this matter.
Information on how to replace the fitting is given in the video published and filmed by the user Alexander Skripchenko.
Oil quality
One of the reasons why the oil filter on the VAZ 2109 squeezes out is the quality of the consumables used. The leak may be due to incorrect selection of consumables. Because of this, during operation the lubricant may become too viscous or greasy, which leads to squeezing out the substance in the area of the sealing components and gaskets. To prevent problems, the lubricant must be selected taking into account the requirements of the automobile manufacturer. You can read about this in detail in the service manual.
If one type of lubricant is used regularly and there is no dirt in the filter device, the problem may be due to the use of counterfeit lubricant. Provided that there are no problems with the operation of the power unit. Low-quality motor oil does not have the declared characteristics, which leads to lubricant leakage.
Remedy
The only option that will solve the problem is to replace the engine fluid and filter device. When changing the oil, the filter must be changed.
It is also advisable to flush the power unit to remove any deposits that have formed in the system. Due to poor-quality fluid, exhaust gases will begin to accumulate in the engine itself, which increases the pressure in the system and squeezes out consumables through the sealing elements. When performing the check, you should also diagnose the ventilation system. Experts recommend cleaning it.
1. Unscrewing the drain plug 2. Draining the used fluid from the engine 3. Dismantling the filter device 4. Filling new fluid into the car engine
Cold start
If lubricating fluid runs from under the filter when the power unit starts, this is due to the design of the oil pump. The device does not have a consumable pressure relief valve. In the absence of an external valve, this parameter increases. Or is it due to a faulty part.
Remedy
As the engine warms up, engine fluid will no longer be squeezed out from under the filter. But it will not be possible to solve the problem by warming it up to operating temperature alone, since leakage will occur constantly. It is necessary to diagnose the pumping device, as well as the valves.
Types and types of car oil filters Leave a comment
Good day, visitors to our online store! This article will discuss the main types and types of car engine oil filters.
Almost every car enthusiast at least once in his life has the question: “What types of oil filters are there?” Of course, most car enthusiasts don’t even know what types of oil filters there are. But you asked this question to the search engine, that’s why you’re interested and that’s why you came here. Let's try to figure out this seemingly simple question.
What types of oil filters are there?
So, there are several types of oil filters. The most common type of oil filter today is a mechanical oil filter. This type (type) of oil filter is a kind of “container” into which engine oil enters from the engine crankcase, is cleaned using a filter element and then enters the engine. The mechanical oil filter can be fine filtered or coarse filtered. In most cases, the coarse oil filter is located in the engine crankcase and does not require replacement throughout the entire service life of the vehicle. This type of oil filter allows you to clean engine oil from large particles that can quickly clog the fine oil filter. The fine oil filter, in turn, traps smaller particles of dirt and carbon deposits, thereby ensuring complete cleanliness of the engine oil.
The filter element of the coarse oil filter is of plate, mesh or wire type. Oil filters of the fine oil purification type contain a paper or felt filter element. Additionally, oil filters of this type can also be equipped with a special mesh with perforations or notches. We discussed the design of this type of oil filter in detail in the article: What does an oil filter consist of?
Fine oil filters can be divided into two more types. These are dismountable and non-separable (disposable) oil filters. On the modern market, only non-separable disposable oil filters are sold, which are replaced with new ones when changing the engine oil. But during the Soviet Union, collapsible (reusable oil filters) were common. There was a terrible shortage in the country and a few car owners bought only the filter element, and the oil filter housing itself did not change. By the way, on some modern cars, oil filters consist only of the filter element itself (cartridge), and the cartridge itself is inserted into a special “compartment” in the engine. This is, for example, a German SCT oil filter marked SH-402, which is sold in our online store:
So, we have examined the first part of the question “What types of oil filters are there?” Let's now summarize and move on.
The most common type of oil filter is a mechanical oil filter, which in turn is divided into a fine oil filter and a coarse oil filter. Based on the type of filter element, the mechanical oil purification filter is divided into paper, felt, mesh, plate, wire, etc. There are two types of fine filter - closed type (case type) and cartridge type (filter element). A closed type oil filter can be either collapsible or non-removable.
The next type of oil filter is gravity oil filter (or sediment filter). This type of oil filters in cars is used much less frequently than mechanically cleaned filters, but they are still found in nature, so let’s look at their operating principle. A gravity-type oil filter is a kind of “flask” with a filter element and a reservoir (sump) in which dirt particles accumulate under the influence of gravity. This occurs due to a decrease in the oil flow rate, due to which dirt precipitates. After some time, you have to clean the tank of dirt yourself. In this case, part of the contaminated oil is lost. Not very practical, but quite effective, since dirt will no longer be in the car’s engine oil system. The gravity type oil filter is shown in the photo below:
The centrifugal type oil filter is very interesting. This type of oil filter has been known to us since time immemorial. Namely, filters of this type were installed on the old Zaporozhets. The principle of operation is to replace gravitational force with centrifugal force, due to which dirt particles settle on the walls of the oil filter housing. This is why oil filters of this type are also called centrifuges. The gravity oil filter device is shown in the photo below:
Well, the last type of oil filter is the magnetic oil filter. Basically, this type of filter is combined with a drain plug, since logically this is the lowest point of the engine. Here, thanks to the magnet, metal shavings accumulate, which are removed when replaced. This type of oil filter is widely used in the drain plugs of automatic gearboxes, during the operation of which metal shavings are constantly formed, without removing which the gearbox will fail. For a photo of a magnetic type oil filter, see the figure below:
What types of oil filters are there?
Oil filters are divided not only into types. There are also three main types of oil filters: full-flow, partial-flow and combined types of oil filters.
The full flow oil filter is the most common type of oil filter. By the way, most often this type of filter is the most difficult to unscrew when changing engine oil. To make your task easier, I will leave here a link to the article: How to remove the oil filter. This type of oil filter is installed on almost all modern cars. The operating principle of this type of filter is to filter the entire oil flow coming from the oil pump to the car engine. An important part of this type of oil filter is the bypass valve. If the filter is clogged with dirt, then at a critical moment the bypass valve opens and allows unrefined oil into the engine. This is not as good, but much better than leaving the engine completely without lubrication.
The next type of oil filter is the partial flow (or partial flow) type. This type of oil filter has two circuits. The first circuit continuously sends oil to the engine, and the second circuit cleans the oil. It takes much longer to completely clean the oil than in a full-flow filter, but the cleaning is of better quality. A partial-flow oil filter is considered more reliable than a full-flow oil filter, but is used much less frequently in cars.
And the last type of oil filter is a combined oil filter, which consists of a full-flow and a partial-flow. This is the most advanced oil filter, but it is even less common due to its high cost.
That's all. Now we can summarize, since we have fully reviewed all types of oil filters, their operating principles, descriptions and photos. It only remains to say that there are four types of oil filters: mechanical cleaning, gravity, centrifugal and magnetic. In addition, oil filters come in three types: full-flow, partial-flow and combined.
Replacing the pressure relief valve
If the quality of the consumable material is normal and the filter device is working, the reason must be sought in the performance of the pressure reducing valve.
You can carry out the work of replacing the part yourself.
What will you need?
For repairs, prepare a set of wrenches and rags.
Stages
The replacement is done like this:
- Remove the timing cover.
- Find the bypass valve; you need to unscrew the plug from it. Use a wrench to unscrew.
- Remove the spring from the technological hole. It is used to control the operation of the device. If the spring is intact, then excess pressure in the system is released. Examine the integrity of the device. If it is working, then it should be free of burrs and other types of defects.
- Pay attention to the coils. In a working spring they are tight. If you can stretch it with your fingers, then the metal is already weak.
- Measure the height of the device. It is 44.72 mm. If the height is less, then part of the device is broken off. Remove the spring piece from the mounting hole and replace the spring.
While operating a vehicle, many motorists notice oil leaking from under the oil filter. This problem may be relevant both for owners of fairly old cars with high mileage, and for relatively new ones.
In the first case, oil flows in the area of the oil filter due to the fact that it may not have a pressure reducing valve that prevents excess pressure in the system. Most often, the problem appears after a cold start in winter, when the oil thickens in the crankcase of the power unit. The thick lubricant simply does not have time to pass through the filter, resulting in oil being squeezed out.
As for modern engines, leaks for this reason are not normally allowed, since the presence of an excess pressure relief valve in the design of modern systems eliminates this possibility. For this reason, an oil leak from under the oil filter housing is a malfunction and becomes a reason for diagnosing the power unit.
In this article we will talk about the reasons why oil leaks from the oil filter, what to do if an oil leak is detected from under the oil filter cap or housing, and also how to fix it.
Read in this article
Oil flows from under the oil filter: why does this happen and what should the driver do?
While operating a vehicle, many motorists notice oil leaking from under the oil filter. This problem may be relevant both for owners of fairly old cars with high mileage, and for relatively new internal combustion engines.
In the first case, oil flows in the area of the oil filter due to the fact that the oil pump of the lubrication system may not have a pressure relief valve that prevents excess pressure in the system.
Most often, the problem appears after a cold start in winter, when the oil thickens in the crankcase of the power unit.
The thick lubricant simply does not have time to pass through the filter, resulting in oil being squeezed out.
We also recommend reading the article about why oil is squeezed out through the breather. From this article you will learn about the causes and ways to eliminate such a breakdown.
As for modern engines, leaks for this reason are not normally allowed, since the presence of an excess pressure relief valve in the design of modern systems eliminates this possibility.
For this reason, an oil leak from under the oil filter housing is a malfunction and becomes a reason for diagnosing the power unit.
In this article we will talk about the reasons why oil leaks from the oil filter, what to do if an oil leak is detected from under the oil filter cap or housing, and also how to fix it.
Why is oil leaking from under the oil filter?
Let's start with the fact that the list of reasons why oil is squeezed out in the oil filter area is quite wide. Most often, the culprit is the owner himself, who has not changed the oil filter for a long time.
- Under certain conditions, contamination of the oil filter can lead to the fact that the throughput is greatly reduced; lubricant practically does not pass through the filter media. At the same time, to protect the engine from oil starvation, the filter design usually has a special bypass valve (allows the oil to bypass the filter element), but the possibility of failures during its operation cannot be ruled out.
How to fix a leak from the oil filter
So, in most cases, it is enough to fill in high-quality oil, taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and seasonality, change or install the oil filter correctly.
If you have basic skills, you can easily cope with cleaning the crankcase ventilation system. This means that in most cases, almost every driver in a garage can fix an oil leak with his own hands.
As for more complex faults, these include a failed pressure relief valve and a damaged thread on the fitting for securing the oil filter. In practice, a problem with the valve is more common, so let's specifically focus on checking it.
The main task is to check the valve spring, which is located under the plug. It is she who is responsible for the operation of the device; the overall performance will depend on the state of the spring. The specified spring must be removed from its socket for inspection. The presence of burrs, creases, bends and other defects is not allowed. Also, the spring should be tight, not loose.
If the spring can be easily stretched by hand, this indicates a weakening of this element. Also, the overall length of the spring should not be increased, which would indicate stretching. A decrease in length is an indication that part of the spring has broken off. In such a situation, debris must also be removed from the valve seat. Detection of any defects in the spring is a reason to replace it.
Let's sum it up
As you can see, there are many reasons for oil leakage in the oil filter area. During the diagnostic process, you need to check the engine step by step, that is, by the method of elimination. At the same time, while searching for the problem, you can measure the pressure in the lubrication system using a liquid pressure gauge, and also measure the compression in the engine.
A decrease in compression in the cylinders will indicate a possible breakthrough of gases from the combustion chamber and an increase in pressure in the engine crankcase. The readings of the liquid pressure gauge will help you quickly determine pressure deviations in the lubrication system, if any.
Finally, let’s add that if oil is squeezed out from under the oil filter during startup or lubricant constantly flows, while the engine is in good condition and the pressure in the lubrication system is normal, and the filter itself is correctly installed and securely fastened, then the reason may be the poor quality of the filter itself. In this case, before an in-depth check of the internal combustion engine, it is better to first change the filter to a proven product from a well-known manufacturer.
Why is oil leaking from under the oil filter?
Let's start with the fact that the list of reasons why oil is squeezed out in the oil filter area is quite wide. Most often, the culprit is the owner himself, who has not changed the oil filter for a long time.
- Under certain conditions, contamination of the oil filter can lead to the fact that the throughput is greatly reduced; lubricant practically does not pass through the filter media. At the same time, to protect the engine from oil starvation, the filter design usually has a special bypass valve (allows the oil to bypass the filter element), but the possibility of failures during its operation cannot be ruled out.
If the cleanliness and “freshness” of the filter is beyond doubt, then errors could have been made during its installation. If a leak appears immediately after replacing the filter, it is quite possible that the filter itself is not tightened enough or the housing is not tightened (in the case of a collapsible design). This indicates the need for tightening. This procedure is carried out by hand or using a special plastic key puller.
A mandatory condition can be considered the absence of force when tightening, since overtightening leads to ruptures of the sealing gum and deformation of the o-ring. If this happens, the filter must be replaced with a new one or the problem must be solved by replacing the damaged seal.
Let us add that very often during installation, car owners and mechanics forget to lubricate the above rubber sealing ring on the oil filter housing with engine oil. This leads to the fact that after tightening the filter, it may not fit tightly; the seal may be deformed or placed skewed.
In any case, the oil filter must be removed, the integrity of the seal must be checked, the rubber band must be lubricated, and the filter element must be installed in place, taking into account the features of its installation. You should also remember that a defective oil filter may come across on sale. In such a situation, the housing itself may be defective, on which there are cracks, the seal may be made of low-quality rubber, the valve in the filter does not work, etc.
- High engine oil pressure is the second most common cause of oil leaks in the oil filter area. An increase in pressure in the lubrication system can occur for various reasons, ranging from significant thickening of the lubricant combined with an excess of oil level to certain mechanical failures.
Let's start with the bypass valve. This valve is necessary to relieve oil pressure if the specified value is exceeded. The valve can be located in the area of the filter holder, as well as on the oil pump itself (depending on the design features). To check, you need to get to the valve and evaluate its performance.
Stuck in the closed position causes the element to not work. In this case, the device must be cleaned and washed. Gasoline, carburetor cleaner, kerosene, etc. are suitable for cleaning. Note that, as practice shows, it is better to replace a jammed valve if possible, especially considering its relatively affordable price.
- Another reason for leaks associated with the oil filter is a problem with the threads on the fitting where the filter is screwed on. If the threads are stripped or damaged, then the filter housing cannot be properly tightened during installation, resulting in oil being squeezed out. In such a situation, it is necessary to change the fitting or cut a new thread.
It is also worth highlighting that if, that is, it becomes too liquid or viscous, then leaks often occur in the area of gaskets and seals. The oil filter is no exception. The lubricant should be selected in accordance with the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer, and also take into account the features and operating conditions.
Note that if the driver constantly uses the same type of oil, the filter is not dirty, no significant changes in weather conditions have occurred, and there are no obvious engine malfunctions, then the fact of pouring counterfeit motor oil into the engine may occur. It turns out that low-quality lubricant simply does not have the declared properties, resulting in leaks.
The solution in such a situation is obvious - immediate replacement of the filter and lubricant is necessary, and additional oil may also be needed. Finally, we add that blockage of the pipes of the engine crankcase ventilation system leads to the fact that gases accumulate inside the internal combustion engine, the pressure inside the engine increases and the oil is squeezed out through the gaskets and seals. The specified crankcase ventilation system must be checked during the diagnostic process, and also periodically cleaned for preventive purposes.
Why does oil squeeze out and flow from under the oil filter? What to do in this situation"
Why does oil squeeze out and flow from under the oil filter? What to do in this situation
Sometimes some car owners are worried about one important problem: why oil squeezes out and flows from under the oil filter. We will not consider the situation with old, almost obsolete cars that have an oil pump that is not equipped with a bypass valve. Such a leak in them is a common situation when starting the engine in the winter months. The phenomenon is caused by the fact that the lubricant thickens so much in the cold that it does not have time to pass through the oil filter.
However, the owners of such specimens are well aware of the details and do not worry about such pushing.
Experienced drivers even have a saying: if no oil is leaking from somewhere in a VAZ classic, it means something is wrong with the car! On modern models, this phenomenon is in principle impossible due to new designs in the form of an excess pressure relief valve. Therefore, a leak in the filter area is naturally perceived as an alarm bell. There can be many reasons why oil squeezes out and flows from under the oil filter. We will consider the main ones, as well as methods of elimination, in our next article. Causes of leaks and how to deal with them
The most common is a simply dirty oil filter. It is so clogged that oil cannot seep through it. So before you delve deeper, remember when you changed it. If you are sure that the filter is clean, look for a harmful factor among the following.
If the filter was recently changed and soon began to leak, most likely the rubber seal was not lubricated when installing it. When the filter barrier was twisted, it became skewed, and perhaps even deformed. The part is removed; if the rubber band is twisted, it is replaced, if it is simply warped, it is lubricated, and the assembly is put back together.
A leak that appears immediately after changing the filter indicates that it is not seated tightly enough. It needs to be screwed all the way. Attention! This is done manually, without the participation of any tools. Otherwise, the seal will rupture and leakage will resume.
- The oil filter is damaged or was originally defective. There are no options here - replacement, and only replacement;
- Excessive engine oil pressure. It can be due to a number of reasons, the simplest (and most likely) being the production of lubricant. You will have to change the oil along with the filter;
- The bypass valve is broken. In different models it can be installed either in the filter holder or directly in the pump;
- We take the manual, clarify this issue and study the condition of the valve. If it is hopelessly jammed, you will have to change it, although there is hope of soaking it in a solvent - half of the wedges came apart after that;
- The thread of the fitting onto which the filter itself is screwed has been torn off. There is no way to tighten it completely; as a result, the oil is squeezed out. Replacing the fitting will fix the problem;
- The most difficult thing to solve is point 4. Most car owners still have to contact a service center to determine the reasons for the increased lubricant pressure.
How to fix a leak from the oil filter
So, in most cases, it is enough to fill in high-quality oil, taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and seasonality, change or install the oil filter correctly.
If you have basic skills, you can easily cope with cleaning the crankcase ventilation system. This means that in most cases, almost every driver in a garage can fix an oil leak with his own hands.
As for more complex faults, these include a failed pressure relief valve and a damaged thread on the fitting for securing the oil filter. In practice, a problem with the valve is more common, so let's specifically focus on checking it.
The main task is to check the valve spring, which is located under the plug. It is she who is responsible for the operation of the device; the overall performance will depend on the state of the spring. The specified spring must be removed from its socket for inspection. The presence of burrs, creases, bends and other defects is not allowed. Also, the spring should be tight, not loose.
If the spring can be easily stretched by hand, this indicates a weakening of this element. Also, the overall length of the spring should not be increased, which would indicate stretching. A decrease in length is an indication that part of the spring has broken off. In such a situation, debris must also be removed from the valve seat. Detection of any defects in the spring is a reason to replace it.
Oil is leaking from under the oil filter: why, what to do, how to stop the leak
Changing the oil and oil filter are basic procedures that every driver has to deal with. The lubrication system itself is quite simple, and there are no problems in its maintenance.
But problems can also arise with it, noticeable when inspecting the engine. One of these problems is oil leakage from under the oil filter. This problem can occur with both old and new motors.
In this article, we will look at why oil leaks from under the oil filter.
1. Why does oil leak from under the filter on old engines 2. Why does oil leak from under the filter on new engines
For older car engines, oil leakage from under the filter can be considered a normal situation. Often, smudges form at the filter junction due to the fact that the oil pump in such engines does not have a pressure reducing valve.
The task of the oil pump pressure reducing valve is to eliminate the possibility of excess pressure in the system. Its presence is especially important when operating a vehicle at negative ambient temperatures. In the absence of a pressure reducing valve, the oil cannot pass through the filter due to its high density, which leads to oil squeezing out.
Modern engines have an overpressure relief system that eliminates the possibility of the problem described above. But faults that are relevant for modern engines can also affect older engines.
Why does oil leak from under the filter on new engines?
If your car's engine is new and has a problem with oil leakage, there could be a number of reasons for this. Let's consider the main ones:
- Dirty filter. The most common reason is a dirty oil filter. If it becomes difficult for oil to pass through the filter, oil smudges may appear on it. This is true for cars that do not have or do not operate properly a bypass valve that allows oil to enter the engine without filtration in order to prevent oil starvation;
- Incorrect installation of the oil filter. Another common problem. If the driver or service station technician made mistakes when installing the filter, it may begin to leak. It is necessary to check how well the filter is tightened, and it is important to prevent excessive tightening of the filter element, which can cause rupture or deformation of the sealing elements;
- The O-ring was not lubricated when installing the filter. This reason can also be attributed to improper installation of the filter. As you know, when installing a filter it is important to lubricate the O-ring. This is done so that the ring does not crack when tightening the filter, and also so that it fits as tightly as possible and eliminates the possibility of oil passing through;
- Poor filter quality. If a cheap filter from an unknown manufacturer is installed, there is a high probability that it will be of poor quality. Such a filter may initially have a damaged sealing element or there may be cracks in the housing itself;
- Problems with the thread on the fitting. If the thread on the fitting where the oil filter is screwed is defective or torn, this will not allow the filter element to be pressed as tightly as possible during installation. Accordingly, oil will be pushed out through the cracks formed. The solution to this problem is to replace the fitting or cut a new thread;
- Wrong oil selected. When choosing oil for a car engine, you must be guided by the requirements of the engine manufacturer. If you select too viscous or thin oil, you may encounter the problem of leakage in the area of the sealing elements. It is also worth buying oil in trusted places, since it is actively counterfeited, and the driver may not realize that he has poured low-quality oil into the engine;
- Increased oil level. If more oil is poured into the engine than necessary, this can lead to oil squeezing out. In such a situation, you need to drain the excess oil to fix the problem;
- Problems with the bypass valve. A bypass valve is needed to relieve oil pressure if it exceeds the established standards. Most often the valve is located in the filter holder area or on the oil pump itself. If the bypass valve sticks, it will not perform its assigned tasks correctly. In this case, you need to either clean the valve using gasoline, kerosene or special cleaning agents, or replace it with a new one;
- Failure of the pressure reducing valve. Most often, the problem occurs due to damage or loosening of the spring located under the plug. It is necessary to check this spring, which can be done by removing it from the device. This spring must have sufficient elasticity and be free from chips, burrs, bends and other defects. If necessary, the spring is changed.
The most common reason in practice for oil leakage from under the filter is the poor quality of the filter itself or its incorrect installation. It is this reason that you should pay primary attention to when troubleshooting.
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Let's sum it up
A decrease in compression in the cylinders will indicate a possible breakthrough of gases from the combustion chamber and an increase in pressure in the engine crankcase. The readings of the liquid pressure gauge will help you quickly determine pressure deviations in the lubrication system, if any.
Finally, let’s add that if oil is squeezed out from under the oil filter during startup or lubricant constantly flows, while the engine is in good condition and the pressure in the lubrication system is normal, and the filter itself is correctly installed and securely fastened, then the reason may be the poor quality of the filter itself. In this case, before an in-depth check of the internal combustion engine, it is better to first change the filter to a proven product from a well-known manufacturer.
Why the engine is in oil: possible reasons
Oil can be squeezed out through the dipstick hole on any engine. When the engine is running, the lubricant is under a certain pressure. If the hole for the dipstick is low enough, then during operation of the unit, oil can sometimes rise up to the inlet hole. But this does not mean that drops of oil will appear on the cylinder block body.
Extrusion is possible on the following motors:
- small-volume engines - in this case, the power unit has free oil space in the working volume, and any problem immediately increases the oil pressure inside the system;
- some VAG power units - we are talking about AXP engines and earlier 1.4 liter power units, this is a specific feature of this engine design, which will be discussed later;
- worn-out power units that are unlikely to please you with their operating capabilities, burnt-out elements, increased gaps and different compression in the cylinders create preconditions for problems;
- motors with an unsuccessful design - we are talking about Chinese engines that were developed in a hurry; the designers did not take into account some of the features of the lubrication system;
- Many popular Mercedes engines, where the lubricating fluids in the unit are always under a certain pressure, any problem will suppress oil from all engine holes.
It should be borne in mind that the engine is unlikely to please you with durability, stability and quality of operation if it squeezes oil through the dipstick hole. If you see oil drips even with the dipstick inserted, the problems have already taken a fatal turn. We urgently need to do something and eliminate the problem using any possible method.
It becomes clear that for normal operation of the internal combustion engine, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of oil leaks in the engine as quickly as possible. At the same time, experts identify several such reasons.
Let us note right away that it is not always possible to quickly detect the location of the leak. Many parts and elements of attachments make it difficult to access for inspection, and the space in the engine compartment on many cars is very limited.
This means that if the engine is in oil and drops of fresh lubricant are visible under the car after parking, then it is highly advisable to drive the car into an inspection pit, lift it on a lift or drive onto an overpass. This approach will make it possible to inspect the engine both from above and from below. By the way, if there is engine protection, this element will need to be removed.
So, the main causes of oil leaks are as follows:
- increase in engine oil level (overflow);
- using the wrong type of lubricant;
- problems with crankcase ventilation;
- oil leak from under the valve cover;
- oil leak in the distributor area;
- oil flows from under the oil filter;
- the oil pan is broken or cracked;
- The front/rear crankshaft oil seal is leaking;
Quite often, car owners who change the engine oil themselves accidentally (sometimes deliberately) exceed the lubrication level. The result is increased pressure in the lubrication system; excess oil is simply squeezed out through gaskets and seals (especially on older engines). In this case, you need to pump out excess oil from the engine.
Also, oil may leak if the engine is filled with too “liquid” or counterfeit lubricant (SAE viscosity is not suitable, oil properties do not correspond to the declared ones). In such a situation, the lubricant must be drained, after which the engine is washed and a proven, high-quality product that meets the tolerances and recommendations is filled.
It may also be necessary to make additional adjustments for individual operating conditions (constant operation of the engine under heavy loads at high speeds, extreme heat in the region, etc.).
- The engine crankcase actually acts as an oil reservoir on many vehicles (except for dry sump systems). As the piston rings and CPG wear out of the combustion chamber, some of the exhaust gases escape into the boat. This leads to an increase in pressure.
This excess pressure must be compensated by the crankcase ventilation system. If the system does not work or does not work correctly, the exhaust gases “squeeze” the oil out of the crankcase. Often the driver may find that the entire engine is covered in oil, and the oil dipstick has been squeezed out.
- Valve covers most often leak due to failure of the valve cover gasket, as well as as a result of deformation or damage to the cover itself.
Depending on the problem, it is necessary to replace the cover with a new one or limit yourself to only replacing the valve cover gasket. The lid can also be sealed with a special sealant.
- On domestic cars, one of the most common places for oil leaks is the distributor. If oil leaks from under the distributor, in some cases the problem can be solved quite simply.
To do this, remove the cover from the distributor, then remove the device itself. Next, you need to apply sealant at the joint, after which assembly is performed in the reverse order.
In the first case, the filter needs to be tightened; in the second case, the rubber sealing ring is deformed, as a result of which it is necessary to purchase another oil filter. Also, one should not rule out product defects, especially when it comes to the cheapest filters. It happens less often that the problem is not in the filter itself, but in the threaded seat. If the breakdown occurs in this area, repairs are necessary.
- Cracks and damage to the oil pan occur quite often, especially considering the operation of the car on domestic roads without the installation of additional engine protection.
As a rule, such a breakdown leads to intense leaks. In this case, it is necessary to replace the sump with a new one or repair the engine sump (weld the sump).
Conditions for such cases to occur
The main mistake made by drivers, which results in oil being squeezed out through the oil filter, is considered to be a cold start of the engine at high speeds. This is especially common in used cars. This is absolutely not necessary, since oil compositions, especially those of mineral origin, thicken in the cold and become like jelly.
The pump produces high pressure at higher speeds and can force lubricant through any leaky areas. In addition, in this mode, damage to the seals on the crankshaft is possible, and this is fraught with repairs and unplanned expenses.
If you often have to deal with frost, it is recommended to change the previous composition to oil with a viscosity of 0w20 and a filter with a spring mechanism.
Another well-known mistake that causes oil to be squeezed out from under the oil filter is the use of fast-acting substances that can quickly restore contact between rubbing parts. It is worth considering that the use of components is considered by the system as garbage and it will settle on the filtrate, interfering with the movement of the oil flow and, as a result, the lubricant is squeezed out through the seals.
There are several other important situations when a squeezing effect through the oil filtrate may occur:
- When changing the oil, it is not recommended to skimp on flushing materials and use “old-fashioned” methods of flushing the lubrication system, namely mixing unsafe compounds in the form of kerosene with acetone or benzene. Such connections, or rather part of them, will remain in the system forever, and this causes deformation of the seals.
- The usual addition of lubricating fluid to the previous composition. This habit is detrimental for some drivers who drive on the same oil for a long time. As a result of this action, a huge amount of undesirable impurities accumulates in the lubricant mixture
- Poor quality consumables. Using surrogates instead of regular oil with low-quality characteristics.
Fake, and nothing more
The fuel and lubricants market is already overcrowded with low-quality products. Therefore, it’s easy to fall for the bait of unscrupulous sellers. There are several distinctive signs by which you can determine whether the material is fake or not.
The first parameter of a low-quality oil filter is the packaging geometry. If the case is deformed, then this is one of the signs of counterfeit. You can check the quality properties of the filtrate in another simple way, namely by blowing into the inlet holes. If the product is of high quality, then the petal should not open, but in a fake it’s the opposite.
It is worth paying attention to the polymer sealing ring and monitoring the condition of the filter paper. If a paper accordion has unevenness or different colors, then it is a fake. As for the polymer ring, its height should not exceed 0.8 mm above the level of the lid.
How to choose a quality filter
Very often, oil leakage can occur due to the use of a low-quality filter.
In order not to buy a low-quality counterfeit, you must remember the following:
- When purchasing an oil filter, you should pay attention to the condition of the packaging. If there are signs of deformation and there are large holes in the case, then this is a sure sign of counterfeit.
- It is necessary to study the technical condition of the polymer sealing ring and the filter membrane. The height of the sealing ring should not be more than 0.8 mm. above the surface of the lid. A high-quality membrane should be free of irregularities and of the same color.
- You need to buy a filter only in certified auto stores that have official registration and a long period of operation.
- You should not chase cheap filters, since very often low-quality material is used for their manufacture, and they have a limited service life. By applying the above recommendations in practice, you can minimize the likelihood of purchasing a filter with low technical characteristics.