I have a 2004 gmc sierra,4.3L vortec engine with 85,000K. The oil filter leaks and gushes oil. Any ideas why

Question

The retaining stud for the oil filter is ok and is not stripped. My me chanic says it is possible the oil pressure is too high. when a new filter is put on and oil added to the engine, the engine will run ok for 20 minutes, then the oil filter starts gushing oil. Has anybody else had this problem?

Answer 1

Obviously , this happened again after you replaced the filter a second time. making sure the old filter's O ring seal is not left behind.(I can't believe that your mechanic would not notice it twice)

WITH THAT SAID.

YES, I have seen this twice in the many years working for GM

The problem is the oil pressure relief valve in the oil pump

You need to replace the oil pump.

I know it's weird, BUT THAT'S THE FIX..................

Nothing wrong with your mechanic, just a little inexperienced.   (can't know every problem with every make & model) he probablly knows more about nissan /toyota /ford/, etc.  than I do.

Answer 2

It may not be the filter as these have cooler lines on them. Check the cooler and its adapter for tightness the adapter is known to crack if the filter has been installed to tight.The adapter and the cooler lines have o-ring seals on them also.

Answer 3

there may be an extra o ring stuck on the bottom of where the filter goes-from a previous filter.if not the remote housing for the filter may have a crack in it and would need to be replaced

Answer 4

You need a new mechanic...  he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

He most likely didn't remove the gasket from the old filter and now has two gaskets on your oil filter.  It needs to be pulled off and installed with only one gasket.

I run over 80lbs of pressure on a hot engine and my car does not leak oil from the filter.

If you had a crack it would leak immediately, not after it warmed up.

Answer 5

There are a several scenarios. 1). Oil pressure regulator valve in the oil pump has failed and you will need to tear it down. 2). The oil cooler/ adaptor is directly above the filter and the filter actually attaches to it. there are two bolts on the bottom of the cooler (after you remove the filter) that attach the cooler to the engine block. The gaskets (usually large diameter "O"rings) can fail if the adaptor became loose. You can try to tighten them and see if that fixes the leak or replace them if it doesn't. 3). debris from the old filter gasket still on the mating surface of the oil filter adapter.

One other thought, there was a problem of oil leakage from the balance shaft and camshaft plugs. Be sure your leak is from the filter area and not somewhere else just coming out from around the filter and adaptor area.

Answer 6

A common problem with changing the oil is leaving part of the old gasket in place. They can be very hard to see, and almost always cause leakes. replace your oil filter and carefullly inspect an clean the mating services. Be sure to coat the gasket or O ring with fresh oil.