Oil filter cap o ring leaking
 

Gang, hoping for some insight as my search could not find a duplicate problem. I have been through three oil filter cap o rings trying to stop the leak. I just changed my oil about two weeks ago and dont drive the X much but i noticed some oil underneath and i had lost enough for thr low oil ligt to come on. Inspected it and found the cap weeping oil so i replaced it, twice without luck. I try it just past hand tight, i tried it over tight. I don't have a tq wrench, but i have owned 10 bimmers over the years, did oil on all of them with no issues. It's my third time doing oil on the X and this has never been an issue. I start the car and when the pressure builds up I see it start to weep. I even heard/watched it pop once, then the flow.. I'm at a loss. Is it too much pressure? All is/was fine before the oil change. Any advice is appreciated! (other then buy a tq. Wrench! It's on my list!!)

Cheers

Are you sure it is the o-ring and not a cracked housing or cap? Are you using a new o-ring?

I inspected the cap/housing and all seems good. I am using brand new o rings, yes. my next step was going to be cap replacement I guess? I see it coming out right at the o ring and its in different places each time I try. the only thing that seems a little off is before its all the way down and seated (hand tight) it seems to bulge out on the one side just a hair beyond flush, and be sucked in a little on the other? same way every time I try.

Are you lubing the o-ring with oil prior to installing it?

If so, then yes, another cap may be a good investment at this point.

Good luck!

I am lubing. I've done this so many times and its something I've never even considered being an issue! I ordered the cap and I'll start there. thanks for the help so far gang!

Cheers

Well, as the "gang", you're welcome! :thumb up:

I have significant empathy for people suffering frustration right now. My advice is to take it slow and methodical. Relook at everything from a different angle. Feel the rim of the housing for any thing.

I'm assuming this is on the 3.0. Does it have the metal or plastic cap? If the metal one, you didn't accidentally leave the old washer on the bolt and then add a second one, did you (or leave it off entirely)? If it is the plastic one, I can see how that could go bad with age and maybe slightly warp or something.

Good luck! :thumb up:

it is the plastic on the 3.0
the housing feels and looks fine. if the cap and new ring do not work I'll explore housing and it's gasket replacement. it has 117k miles so that wouldn't hurt for sure.

You could try some of the white plumbers tape as a temporary fix?

Maybe your crankcase pressure is high because of a vent problem? What's the torque wrench for?

I think on the 3.0 the torque for the cap is 25