Wix Oil Filters Leaking

[01WHTRNGR]

Has anybody been having trouble with Wix oil filters leaking after ~2000 miles? My last 2 have been leaking. They’re on a 1992 Buick Roadmaster, so the 350 TBI sbc. I have them hand tight plus 1/4 turn. Not double gasketed, clean mating surface

 

[MISWFL]

How can it be leaking? Is the gasket or metal case bad? You've removed the filter to inspect it and replaced it, right? I wouldn't keep a questionable filter on the vehicle, unless I wasn't using it. I haven't bought Wix for a long time. Aren't they Chinese made now like everything else? Where did you buy it from? A lot of parts on Amazon are fakes.

 

[pentode]

Making sure I'm on the same page - my rule of thumb is gasket contact + ~3/4-1 turn... How does that compare to hand tight + 1/4 turn? Sounds similar. I'm also curious where it's leaking from.

I just had my first filter in 40 years find a way to back its way off enough to start leaking around the gasket. No Wheaties that day I guess

 

[SenorNoob]

I heard a coworker the other day talking about having changed his oil with an O'Reilly's MasterPro (supposedly made by Wix) branded filter and having it leak at the gasket. When he showed me the filter afterwards, the gasket was visible wavy, but not so much that it should've been a problem if it was tight. I couldn't help but wonder if he didn't have the gasket from the old filter still on the block. I've done it. Made a hell of a mess.

I just used a different one my truck and no problems so far.

 

[MISWFL]

While it makes for a fun removal, I usually tighten filters far more than most people do. I like to use a cap style filter "wrench" that fits tightly to the flutes of the filter. I'd rather have to fight the old filter off then have one loosen and fall off. I tend to only use factory OEM filters as well.

 

[pentode]

I always look for the old gasket on the old filter. I forget most everything else, but that's burned into my brain. I've also developed the habit of making a scratch or mark on the filter just as it makes contact so it's easy to see when I've at least reached 3/4 of a turn. I still use common sense though... I try to err on the tight side.

The fluted filter wrenches definitely make life easier and easier to see how far you've actually cranked it down. My understanding is that if you go too far the gaskets also wrinkle and you get leaks. That's why I'm a 7/8 turn guy.

 

[SenorNoob]

I always go one hand tight as I can. That makes them fun to get back off later, but at they don't fall off.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Wix got sold off a few years ago so they're not the gold standard they used to be... also aligns with when oil filters doubled in price... so it's all a mixed bag anymore and I don't trust anything that used to make sense...

 

[holyford86]

Wix got sold off a few years ago so they're not the gold standard they used to be... also aligns with when oil filters doubled in price... so it's all a mixed bag anymore and I don't trust anything that used to make sense...

I've seen the downward spiral in Wix quality since they were bought out by Mann-Hummel. Lots of filters made in all different parts of the world, quality all over the place, different designs for filters that had been the same as far back as I can remember.

I've switched to Oreilly house brand Microguard Select, they're made in Vietnam and seem to be of good quality. I belive NAPA gold filters are made by the same company as well.

 

[19Walt93]

Napa Gold filters used to be made by Wix. Last time I bought one it said "Made in China" so I returned it and got a Motorcraft.

 

[97RangerXLT]

not sure why yours is leaking. out of curiosity, how is the surface contact under the gasket on the filter itself?

But honestly, 2 or more filters with the same issue, I would be done. get a different brand and see if that fixes the issue. if they cant make quality, then don't buy them.

Life is too short to be quality control tester for no pay or incentives for a crappy manufacturer.

AJ