Just as I was about to take my '99 STI V out for a burn just now I noticed the tell tale drips on the floor of a leak. On examining more closely with a torch, I noticed the oil leak is from around the oil filter. The filter hasnt been chnaged recently, however about a week ago i noticed some oil drips on the floor of my garage.

The oil leak is quite bad, dripping under pressure as soon as the engine is started.

My current plan is to purchase an oil filter tightener tool to tighten the filter enough to get it the 6 or 7 miles to the local ATS which is the only garage open on a sunday morning, keeping the oil topped up every few miles. Hopefully the ATS guy can check on the ramp that no more oil is leaking under highish revs. The oil is currently on about 3/4 of the way up the dipstick so hardly any has so far leaked out.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on something I should or should not do in this situation or has encountered a leaking oil filter themselves,

Cheers Tony

 

Tighten the filter. Had this happen to me a few times and it was okay for a few days. But I'd change the filter as soon as I could..

[Edited by Katana - 3/29/2003 9:36:22 PM]

 

Careful here don't overfill the engine with oil

Phill

 

Don't use a wrench to tighten the filter. These filters can back off after a few miles but they should only be put on hand tight.

 

The filter should only be tightened hand tight + 3/4 turn mate,
so I wouldnt go overtightening it with a wrench ,If I were you
I would drop all the oil (replace it with Mobil 1 Motorsport 15w50)
and put a new filter on it.Make sure the filter is primed with new
oil and smear oil on the seal.Hopefully your leak is due to the
breakdown of the seal.You should be replacing the oil every 3-3500
miles on these engines anyway so if it hasnt been changed recently
now may be a good time.If you cant get hold of a filter tommorrow
I`ve got a spare at home in Bridgend if you need it.
Give us a call if your desperate
Cheers Paul 07970 256632