Slight leak - wet oil filter

asdf1234 · Post by **asdf1234** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:54 am

I have noticed a few drops of something - maybe oil - under my 2004 Vibe on occassion. I have 35K miles on it. My oil level is fine as well as all the other fluids.I looked around and noticed my oil filter was oily to the touch. It didn't seem lose. Where the oil filter screws in, there is a layer of slightly 'wet' dirt and grim that extends about 1/2 - 1 inch above the oil filter. This could be unrelated to the leak.I looked and didn't see anything else that was wet but it was hard to see directly above the filter.The dealer was the last one to change the oil.Any thoughts on what could be the issue?

zionzr2 · Post by **zionzr2** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:03 pm

I would suggest first to clean the area and then re-check a day or 2 later.

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:45 am

yep, same advice except I would wipe it clean and check it every day, so the length of the drip makes it easier for you to trace its origin.

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 5:46 am

You do not have AWD do you?

asdf1234 · Post by **asdf1234** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:59 am

No, it's not AWD. I noticed another drip today on a clean surface so I was able to pinpoint where it was falling from. I looked further back and noticed oil on the rear side of the oil pan where the oil pan gasket would be. There wasn't oil above it, just on that lip.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 5:07 am

Have you tried tightening the filter? It might not be tight enough... a quick clean with some brake cleaner and a firm twist sould tell you... Sometimes people will not realize and when they pull the old filter, the gasket sticks to the block, then they put the new one on and find a leak soon after (usually is a major leak though)

Slight leak - wet oil filter

Slight leak - wet oil filter

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Re: Slight leak - wet oil filter (asdf1234)