legacycentral bbs

The title about says it all. My oil filter keeps coming a bit loose (enough to leave a small puddle after a few days) between oil changes (I change it every 3k miles). I have been tightening it down enough, and using standard Purolator filters, just like usual, but it has done it these past 2 oil changes.

What the hell could be causing this?

Its obvious, but I'll say it anyway. You don't have an old gasket stuck up there from a previous filter, do you?

How tight are you tightening the new filter? Are you putting oil on the rubber seal before installing it?

I'm assuming since you have a 91 SS, you have the oil cooler. Does the mounting surface look flat, or does it have an indentation in it?

Other possibility is the filler tube that the filter screws into is loose and you may be getting leaks between the block & oil cooler. Also, the gasket between the block & cooler may be bad. I've actually got one from the engine rebuild kit that fits the stock cooler, and I'm not using it and could send you.

I do not have an old gasket on there. Whenever I change the oil, i wipe the mounting surface with a rag and lightly coat the new gasket with fresh oil.

The mounting surface is flat, and I have a new gasket between the cooler and the block with the tube tightened adequately. It doesn't leak from there at all.

Literally, i can put my hand on it and tighten it a bit (about a half turn last time, but about a full turn the time before).

It's just odd. I have never had this issue before.

How tight are you tightening the filter initially?

Have you tried a different filter brand to see if the problem still exists? Are you buying all the filters at the same place? maybe they got a batch of bad filters.

Initially tightening it about a half turn once the ring is seated. Enough that it is tight, but not super tight. Same as I have always done it, and never had issues before.

I try to stick with the same brand, but I may try a different one this oil change.

Try tightening it more. If you tigthen it by hand, you shouldn't be able to overtighten it.