I hope someone can offer me some advice!
I have a my97 wrx - later 276 bhp model.
I have just had a 40k service and cam belt change including the tensioner.
Since the sevice I have noticed that a small amount of oil is leaking from the filter-so I tightened the filter a bit.Still leaking though!It only seems to leak when the engine is running!!which is a bit alarming!!I dont know weather the oil is right or not ??also getting a smell of burning when I stop after a hard drive!
Again i have checked all the hoses etc and seem to be no probs-car performs fine and actual oil level is still okay
any body got any ideas???
please help as I am rather worried!!

 

If the filter is leaking after you've tightened it more, then it sounds like the seal is no good. When fitting a new oil filter you should always coat the rubber seal with a layer of oil just enough to wet it before screwing it on. Dont know about the burning smell....did they clean the engine at the service????Left over detergents can cause a minor burning smell after an engine clean that will go after a while....but a filter leaking after a service?????take it back and get em to fix it.

 

I also get a smell of oil after a blast. I've got no leaks, I've checked the air filter and induction hoses etc. and can find no residual oil anywhere. My engine is so clean you can eat your dinner off it. It's a bit puzzling as to why my scoob has a case of B.O.

 

The Uk manual states that the filter should be turned approximatly two-thirds of a turn after the seal makes contact with the underside of the crankcase, then goes on to give a large "caution" message saying; 'Never over tighten the oil filter because that can result in an oil leak!'
Its good idea to know what oil your running, as even the wrong kind of oil shouldent leak out of a properly fitted filter.
In my experience an over tightened filter cant be loosned as the seal has defomed, but youll never know unless you try. Unfotunatly a new filter means a new load of oil, which would be a shame if it was changed at the service.(at least youll know what oil your running)
Once youve eliminated this oil leak you will know if it was responsible for the burning smell, and if not, youll be in a better position to moniter everywhere else for the offending leak.
Cheers,
Alex.

 

thanks guys - I took it to see a specialist @ the weekend - it was a badly fitted filter which had just been over tightened!he fitted a new filter and just topped up the oil- so no probs there.
the burning smell was oil on the exhaust!!
he showed me on the ramp - you could'nt see properly from just kooing under the car, but oil was pi**ing out!
I have bee told though that if you detect burning smells after a belt change that it could mean the belts have been over tensioned
and are being over stressed-hence the worry!
andy - have you checked your belt??
thanks for your advice
cheers
rallyenut