I'm installing long branch manifolds on my firebird. Has anyone else had trouble getting the oil filter housing adaptor oil tight? I've got a horrible oil leak and I can't figure out why. i think it's where the adaptor meets the block. The oil literally comes pouring out in a steady stream when the engine is running.

A common problem with that is having slightly too long bolts. You think you have it tight but the bolts are bottoming out.

Thanks Jim, I'll check.

Try setting the gaskets in place with a very thin film of silicone on all surfaces. Before you install the adaptor, let the silicone "set" so it's tacky or skinned over, but not completely dry, this will help the sealing issue, and also make sure the gasket stays in place while you are assembling it. Do it on both sides of the gasket material and sealing surfaces. First to the adaptor to block interface, then the adaptor to oil filter housing interface. The silicone will seal since the gaskets supplied are crap. Trust me on saying they are crap.

You can also go to Napa or other parts store, and buy gasket material (make sure it seals in oil) and duplicate the supplied gaskets using a scissors and punch set. the gasket material will be a better beater add sheet (that's the technical term) and seal better than the "crap" that is supplied with the adaptor.

I did it this way and it worked perfectly.

I forgot to mention that after it is tacky, to install but only snug. When fully cured then you can torque to specs.

I had the problem with too long bolts. I added an extra washer and no more leaking.

You should hone (use a sharpening stone) the adapter perfectly flat too.

- Jake

thanks for the responses, I'm gonna work on it tonight

For whatever reason, I did not encounter the bolts being too long. Also, did you get the piece of paper with the diagram showing the gasket, bolts etc.?

I think I have it figured out thanks to help from this board. I didn't know how to use the allen bolt (see the other thread) and consequently wasn't able to snug up the adaptor to the block.

It started raining as soon as I finished so I haven't even tried it, but I'm 99% sure that it will be good to go.

thanks for your help

Don't rely on just the allen bolt my friend, there are a few other bolts if I recall that should be tight as well...and do most of the "work"...that allen bolt is difficult to really get torqued up...

You're right David...the problem is that I wasn't even using the allen bolt at all. Everything is good now.

Thanks again.

I still have a leak. I have no idea what the problem is.

Not to keep harping, but the bolts don't have to be obviously too long to prevent proper tightening. My bolts were about the same length as the holes were deep the best I could measure. They must have been running out of thread at the bottom of the holes which made it feel like I was tightening it down. Mine leaked like crazy no matter what kind of sealant I used until I added washers.

Bob, I added an extra washer to all bolts and torqued the bolts to specs. The leak is now down to about a drop every 10 seconds or so.

let me know if you can think of anything else.

Nice car by the way!

Thanks

You sure it's coming from the adaptor joints and not the filter o-ring or sending unit threads?

You must be able to see where it is originating from? Did you clean and use gasket goo?

I'm gonna crawl back under it tonight to get a look.

good....just don't get "mud" in yer eye