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oil leak

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SteveT

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OK, changed the oil today on my TR6; what a nightmare. Who ever said (Haynes manual) that it was an easy task. . . I have a filter canister leak; used the Fram filter and new seal. The canister did not leak before and it is now a steady drip. I suppose this means draining the oil and resealing the canister, or does this mean get the spin on adapter and make the change soon? Any suggestions as to where to get the adapter? Don't know if it is OK to name names, but. . .

I did this first thing with my Sprite over 15 years ago and should have learned. Anyway I'll watch my oil level and make the change soon.

Steve
 
They are suppose to leak...

Seriously, the rubber gasket is known to slip out of place while the canister is tightened. As mentioned in the previous post loosen things up and take a look at the rubber gasket. If it is not galled or cut, try and re-seat it. You may have to resort to using the old one. Also just prior to cinching the canister, check that the gasket is still properly placed.
 
OK, how do you check to see if the seal is in contact without removing the entire canister, which I am sure you know is a bi#th getting back on. I'll try to turn the canister a bit; should be a messy job or does most of the oil drain into the sump?

Thanks -- Steve
 
Yes it is a pain in the rear. Most of the oil should drain back into the sump, but enough remains to make a mess. I should have been a little clearer in the check to see comment. There is a point when the canister is still outside the block with enough gap that you can tell if the seal is in place. I then push the canister tight against the block and tighten the bolt. Just before applying the final torque I twist the canister and by feel have a last chance to see if the seal is still properly set.

Now you know why many of these cars seldom had the oil filter changed. I still dread doing it.
 
Thanks Ray. I really think I'll change to a spin on next time around, but in the meantime I'll do what you suggest. BTW, since it is Mother's Day tomorrow and she is getting flowers and presents, do you think it is OK to work on the TR?

Steve
 
Yes, get a spin-on adapter and change your oil often.

No, do not work on your car on Mother's Day, unless your wife is your chief mechanic.
 
If the mother you are referring to is the wife. That's a big no! Besides, if you treat her right there might be a spin on oil filter on your father days list.

If the mother is your mother, and you do not live at home. Then go for it.
 
I love original TRs but even I succumbed to the ease of a spin-on filter. No more Cap'n Hazelwood oil changes for me.

Paint the filters a suitable shade to resemble the original canister if that orange/yellow/whatever looks out of place down there. I paint 'em 4 or 5 at a time and let them dry for a year or more so the paint is fairly oil & fuel proof by the time they are used.
 
A final thought. Are you sure that the previous gasket was removed entirely before inserting the new gasket? If it broke apart when removed, perhaps there is something left behind causing an uneven fit and the leak.
 
The leak is no more. BTW, the leak was so bad that the entire contents of the canister was on my mother-in-laws garage floor; happy mother's day?!

Had to resort to using the old gasket, but it worked. For some reason, I could not get enough compression on the new filter gasket; I was afraid of stripping the bolt???

However, I am ordering the spin-on tomorrow; if I have to go through what i just did for an oil change. . . Only one more time to put on the adapter.

Thanks for all the help/advice.

Steve
 
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