Oil Leak Situation

[Ralph Pearce]

Hey Guys,

 

     Well, just a week or so shy of the truck's two year anniversary, I got her up and down the street on a trial run.  The steering could be better, but otherwise pretty happy.  One problem though, is a serious oil leak from an oil filter return fitting into the block. 

 

     There's a brass fitting that mounts directly into the block, and then a compression fitting line from the filter to the brass fitting.  I replaced both of these, snugged them up and....as if I'd done nothing.  I'm wondering if these parts really don't work together in the first place (did the guy before me screw up?).  Thoughts, suggestions?

 

 

[Jeff Balazs]

Ralph;

It does sound like you have a mismatch in the fittings. I struggled with this on my engine a couple of years ago. If you can remove them and post some close up photos perhaps one of us can make a suggestion for a fix. There are or can be at least 3 similar thread patterns here that will seem to fit but certain combinations will not seal......no matter how you tighten them.

 

Jeff

[Dave72dt]

It looks like you have a mismatch of parts to me.  Compression fittings and inverted flare fittings may thread in but they seat differently.

[Ralph Pearce]

Good thoughts guys, thanks. I'll take the fittings in together tomorrow and try and get something that translates to success.

[Don Coatney]

Also the internal threads in the engine are tapered pipe threads and require a pipe dope sealant.

[4852dodge]

It looks like the tubing to angle fitting are not aligned.  The threads may be cross threaded and not sealing properly.  The angle fitting may have to be replaced to correct the problem.

[Ralph Pearce]

Thanks Don & Mr. 4852,

 

     The threads may in fact have been crossed.  I've got new fittings and will put a little sealant on the engine threads, thread carefully, and not over-tighten (they say hand tight, then 1/4 turn).  Will report back.

 

Thanks!

[John-T-53]

Thanks Don & Mr. 4852,

 

     The threads may in fact have been crossed.  I've got new fittings and will put a little sealant on the engine threads, thread carefully, and not over-tighten (they say hand tight, then 1/4 turn).  Will report back.

 

Thanks!

Ralph,

 

I'd cinch that fitting into the block a little more. That might be your problem now. You don't have to lean on it, but use a wrench and give it a couple turns past hand tight. The flare fitting also should be very snug. Pipe dope is great like Don mentioned, even PTFE tape works good.

[ggdad1951]

Make sure you have a nut in place when cinching it down so you don't distort the brass

[TodFitch]

Make sure you have a nut in place when cinching it down so you don't distort the brass

Boy did it ruin a bunch of brass fittings until I learned that one. I can be a slow learner.

[Don Coatney]

Also when possible use a box end wrench. If not possible use a flare nut wrench as pictured. 

 

 

 

If not possible use a quality open end wrench. If not possible use an adjustable wrench. If not possible use water pump pliers or a pipe wrench. If you are at the point that you must use any of the tools highlighted in red I suggest you invest in some quality tools or sell the car

[Ralph Pearce]

Thanks you guys.

Following all of your suggestions, I started over with a fresh brass fitting (evidence of cross-threading), sealant, and a more cautious approach. Have kept an eye on it (as well as a small fuel leak with which I took the same approach using PTFE sealent), and all appears to be well. Good learning experience.