What Causes Oil Filter Leakage?
2 Answers
Oil filter leakage is caused by a broken sealing gasket, improper tightening during installation, or overtightening leading to casing rupture. During engine operation, metal particles, dust, oxidized carbon deposits and viscous deposits under high temperatures, water, and other contaminants continuously mix with the lubricating oil. The oil filter's function is to remove these mechanical impurities and viscous substances, maintaining the cleanliness of the lubricating oil and extending its service life. The oil filter, also known as the oil cleaner, is designed with three stages to improve filtration efficiency due to the high viscosity of oil and the significant presence of contaminants. These stages are the oil strainer, the primary oil filter, and the secondary oil filter.
I once experienced an oil filter leak right after a maintenance service. Oil was dripping from below the oil pan, which really worried me. After consulting a knowledgeable friend, I learned the issue was either improper installation of the sealing ring during filter replacement or an aged/cracked sealing ring. If the filter itself has quality issues, like tiny cracks in the housing, it can also leak under oil pressure. It took me several days to resolve—I had to buy a new filter and reinstall it properly. Since then, during every oil change, I closely monitor the filter installation to ensure proper tightening and use specialized tools to check oil pressure. Also, remember to maintain regular service intervals; delaying oil changes too long can cause oil sludge buildup in the filter, leading to leaks. Safety-wise, complete oil loss risks engine seizure—a serious hazard.
