>an old time once told me, "if your pontiac ain't leaking, then you're out of oil" <

Must not known a lot about Pontiacs, the driest v8's ever made. Mine doesn't leak a single drop.

If the filter is leaking, it could be too tight, distorting the o-ring. Start with a new filter, tighten by hand until it bottoms, then snug 1/4 to 3/8 turn.