CCW 1515

I have an external oil filter mounted inside the engine compartment, left inner fender well at, because of space limitations, a 45 degree angle. Twice now, it's lasted about 50 miles before unscrewing itself several turns and puking oil. I've installed oil filters for 50 years. I know about coating the gasket with a thin film of clean oil. After getting it hand tight, I've carefully used a band wrench to tighten it an additional 3/4 turn (this, according to mfr.'s instructions on this particular filter - a NAPA Ultragold 1515). Any ideas on why this would be happening? I'm using 20-50W oil, and the ambient temp's been in the mid-70's. Thanks.

do you have an oil pressure gauge?

Nope...no gauge. If it helps - my engine's a Pat Downs 2110, with about 200 miles on it. And I couldn't be happier with it. The external oil filter (and 96 plate mesa cooler - I bought from C1P1(sp?)). The oil lines, I had made up - at no small expense - from a local hydraulic line shop. They're very, very sturdy.

I have an external filter, deeper sump as well as a upright oil breather box. The comment about pressure is very valid.

maybe move the oil filter to a location where it hangs vertically, have had 2 cars like this and no problem.
my new car has a jay cee stainless lifetime filter which has a sturdy ss cannister, it is mounted vertically also.

Sounds a bit personal to me ~

This is what Roland did with my Setup. Maybe Bob's too. Dennis, dont you live near me? We can meet for coffee and check out eachothers(filters-smarty pants Alan)setups.

Marty - meeting would be great. We live mebbe 20 miles apart? I don't know that I can drive my car to wherever, though...

It's possible that the filter adapter has metric threads rather than
a 3/4" x 16 threads

Pat Downs engines do have OIL PRESSURE, but the problem sounds as much like an improperly threaded nipple as anything.....You would be able to torque the filter down against the gasket, but any free play in the threads would allow the filter to back off when subjected to vibration....I've only seen this once, back in the '60s.

Just a thought....

Larry....You sneaked that in there while I was typing my previous reply....Great minds think alike. (or some such BS)

The oil filter at 45 degrees is not relevant. Air cooled 911's have them mounted at 90 degrees. The thread issue sounds right on.

angela

Check the threads, if they are correct, then I would remove the threaded portion from the oil filter adapter. Check that side for sloppiness or wear. If everything is up to snuff, loctite the threaded piece into the adapter.

Or just buy a new oil filter adapter from NAPA to fit the filter. That should solve the problem. My adapter cam from cip1.com also, no problems. Filter is mounted vertically to a sturdy bracket, orientation shouldn't matter. How sturdy is your bracket?

Oh, and I would use the 1515R, which is designed for higher pressure than the regular 1515. We need the R model. The filter could be flexing because of too much pressure and then loosening up. Just a thought.

Everyone - thanks for the advice (once again). I'll check that thread...AND get a 1515R...and let you know how it goes.

1515R is a napa filter
51515R is a wix filter, wix makes both, they are identical in construction.

An along-the-way update...NAPA 1515R (according to my NAPA store) has been discontinued; I'm waiting for the Wix 5151R I ordered, to come in.
My problems so far with 1515 (NO "R", thank you, I wasn't paying attention) all seem to stem from ruptured gaskets. Guess they couldn't take the pressure. What the filters spin onto - threads were jes' fine. I'll keep you posted...