Replace Oil filter housing?

[johnb7]

Hey guys,

I recently overhauled my 1995 M42 318TI with 110K miles on it. Replaced all rubber and plastic bits in the engine bay as well as the standard BMW maintenance. This was an all day project, and went off almost entirely without a hitch.



but... the oil filter housing leak (aluminum top) which had helped get the ball rolling on all this was even worse after I finished the job. I figured this was just me being too hurried to properly clean and torque down the bolts, so I ordered a new gasket/O-ring from pelican and just tried again.

This time I even lightly sanded with high grit, thoroughly cleaned both surfaces, and made sure to tighten them down evenly. Still, its leaking just as bad.

Is it common to just have to replace the entire housing? Are they just prone to warping/cracking eventually? Is there a common mishap to this process?

Thanks,

-John

[1996 328ti]

These might help.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20854

[johnb7]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

These might help. http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20854

Thanks. Those are the well written instructions I followed both times, hence the concern.

[johnb7]

Well my engine is now nice and clean since I de-greased it. The leak was coming from the oil filter housing, but it was not the o-ring or gasket. The plug on the front of the housing where the "euro oil cooler?" pipe would be connected had worked its way loose. Tightened it up and its right as rain.

Its worth double checking this if you have an oil leak since you don't have to remove anything from the engine to get to it. Much cheaper than a new oil filter housing.

-John

[reaganw]

Originally Posted by johnb7

Well my engine is now nice and clean since I de-greased it. The leak was coming from the oil filter housing, but it was not the o-ring or gasket. The plug on the front of the housing where the "euro oil cooler?" pipe would be connected had worked its way loose. Tightened it up and its right as rain.

Its worth double checking this if you have an oil leak since you don't have to remove anything from the engine to get to it. Much cheaper than a new oil filter housing.

-John

I have a leak that I suspect might be the same thing. Thanks to for the idea. Now, to find that bolt.....

[mtlblue]

I could use another housing, my mechanic broke a part of the alternator bracket on mine and it's been a little off since. got one lying around? m44 97

[bullmand]

johnb7,
Can you provide a little more detail on the location of that plug you tightened? I haven't had a chance to look at the car yet but the pictures in the write-up don't help much.
Thanks.