Pro tip: A dab of grease on the oil filter gasket really does stop leaks

I had a 2015 Civic that kept weeping oil from the new filter, even after I hand-tightened it. After the third try, I smeared a thin coat of fresh oil on the rubber gasket before installing, and it sealed up perfectly. Anyone else have a different trick for stubborn filter leaks?

2 comments

2 Comments

adam_thomas2d ago

Oh man, that trick is a lifesaver. Had the same headache with an old Corolla, a slow drip that drove me nuts. Cleaned the filter mating surface on the block with brake cleaner too, just in case there was some grit. Putting a thin film of oil on the gasket lets it slide and seat properly without bunching up. It's one of those simple things that makes you feel silly for not doing it the first time.

patricia_chen672d ago

Honestly I used to think that oil trick was pointless until @adam_thomas saved me from another leak.