Has anyone else had problems with the new Fleetguard oil filter (FL 9070) leaking? I've done many oil changes on my previous MH and three on this FT. No problems with the FL9000, but each of the two newer models leak at the gasket. I followed the instructions on the side of the filter, using a wrench that adapts to a 1/2" ratchet wrench/breaker bar. I did wet the gasket with oil. I need to do another oil change and am thinking about trying another brand filter.
Sven,
I had the same results as you describe. Last change I went to the Wix and no leaks. Time will tell.
Pamela & Mike
I use Baldwin filters on everything hand tight and about a 1/4 turn no leaks ever.
NAPA Gold........... made by WIX, use them on all my trucks and tractors, yet to have an issue with them.
We like Fleetguard and I assume you are referring to LF9070, and is this an update to LF9009? If not, is there an update to LF9009?
Is your filter leak at the O-ring top seal? Did the old O-ring get removed?
It is an update on the FL9000. I have a lot of experience doing this. I always check the old filter to ensure that the seal is there and I wipe off the old seat. I paid particular attention last time, because of the previous leak. I ordered a WIX 57745XD for this change.
My take : No filter should ever have a wrench applied to it to install it, Hand tight plus a quarter is gospel. Removal after someone cranks down on a filter with a strap or other wrench can be a bear and most often will result in having to destroy the filter to remove it. Add a dry o'ring or gasket and you can spend the day getting it off.
Just my two cents worth.
Gary B
Without an oil wrench, how do you turn it that extra 1/4 turn after hand tightening?
How do I get the 1/4 ???
Guestimate
Guesstimate?
one guesstimate or two?
Do not---NOT---use a filter wrench when putting on a new filter!!!!!!
Oil the mating threads and the rubber seal on the filter itself. Make sure the mating surface on the filter mount is CLEAN (it doesn't have to be dry) Pros & cons about pre-filling the filter with oil. Some say yes and others say no.
Put the filter on and hand spin it up until it comes to a snug stop. Now turn the filter 90 degrees more. This amounts to going from 12 to 3 on a clock face (not a digital clock by the way :)) ) If it helps you can put a mark on the bottom of the filter to help show you when you have gone 90 degrees, although it isn't that critical to be EXACTLY 90 degrees. A bit more is better. Too much will make the filter very difficult to remove.
Takes a very high-tech special tool: marksalot/sharpie. Make a mark and move it 90 degrees. A good idea to also mark the date and mileage on the filter.
I use Baldwin or Wix exclusively, depending where I happen to buy them (Fleetpride for baldwin, northern virginia supply sells Wix). I have never had a problem with them leaking or any other issues, whatsoever. I currently work on caterpillar engines with over 200,000 hours in prime power generation and these guys use baldwin filters on 1500hr changes and never have an issue. Puts my mind at ease on using non OEM filters.
After hand tight just turn it as much more as you can with your hands, I have never had one come loose and there is no reason to JAM it so tight that you cant get it off. This applies to all filters on cars , trucks, lawn mowers etc. The guys that want you to use their filter wench to tighten a filter are just selling wrenches. And by the way , when you go to remove that hand tightened filter nine times out of ten you can remove it with just your hand, once in a while the gasket will have been heated and adhere to the base or it will have been so long since a filter change that the filter base is corroded that it will be tough to get it off. In extreme cases I have jammed a long screwdriver thru the filter to get enough leverage to break it loose but this does not happen if not jammed on.
Gary B
Just a quick wipe of oil on the gasket and a quarter turn after the gasket makes contact does the trick like the others have said. I've never seen one that leaks.
We used Baldwin filters on all the apparatus at SBFD. I like Wix too.
One of our mechanics had a BMW that used cartridge filters. He got tired of changing them so bought an adapter for spin-on filters. His BMW blew the spin-on up like a puffer fish. He then had to go to a thick walled NASCAR spec filter.
Pierce
I think the confusion comes from our interpretation of "hand tight". I've always considered that it meant as tight as you can get it with your hand (silly me), then continue to turn it 1/4 turn using a wrench (what else). I've done this for years on my cars and previous RVs without any issue. From what I am reading here, I should turn it to where it makes contact (not hand tight), then continue to turn it 1/4 rotation by hand.
After it makes contact, I just use my hand to tighten it firmly. Sometimes less, sometimes more than a quarter turn depending on how it feels. After I warm the engine the next time for the oil change, I put a rag around the filter and apply constant pressure CCW and it usually comes off after 30 seconds or so. Depends if you can get a good angle on it with your hand.
Don't think your extra quarter turn with a wrench will harm anything, just not necessary. Like I said, I've never seen one come loose.
Pierce
"After I warm the engine the next time for the oil change, I put a rag around the filter and apply constant pressure CCW and it usually comes off after 30 seconds or so." And if you forget the rag you are quickly reminded! <grin>
Since I don't have any place where I can change oil I have to have others do it for me. I don't know if it has just happened this way, but it seems that the skinniest guy is the one assigned to my coach. Just had the oil changed last week, and the tech that did the work nearly disappeared when he turned sideways.
Rvtrlv,that's close to 30 years service,have also worked on cats and waukesau engines and one thing I can tell you is the cat brand
filters are way better then any brand out there,especially the oil filters.
I just returned from a two month trip and have been plagued with the continuing oil leak. During the last change, I tried a Wix filter. I'm considering changing out the "oil lubricating head" on advise from a Cummins tech which I reached by phone. His thought was that if this happened on three successive filters, the head may be damaged or warped.
Maybe a slight gouge in the sealing face. That will leak regardless of filter .
Not trying to push the Amsoil but they do make oil filters probably as good as Fleetgard.
Are there two center rubber gaskets? Your symptoms are also caused by forgetting to remove old gasket before adding a new one.
Although, our current oil filter does not use a center gasket.
Make sure the threaded nipple in the filter head isn't loose. Loosening the filter has been known to loose the nipple in the head leading to pesky leaks. Make sure you use a rag and not bare hands it can be sharp. Detroit diesel had a bulletin on it but have seen all brands do it.
Anyone with a Cat should be using a Cat brand filter,not sure if any will cross reference for a Cummins but they are much better
made then anything out there,way above Baldwin.Yes they cost more but well worth it.
I would agree. Volkswagen had a problem with the first 1976 diesel Rabbits, they would instantly blow the filters off right after the first oil change and destroy the engine. After blaming all the filter mfgs, they finally accepted responsibility by offering a self mandated program to replace the mounting surface for the oil filter.
We used Baldwin filters on all of our heavy equipment (inc Cats) including hyd systems never a problem. IMHO if one is having problem with leaks, blowing up filters ect, the issue is deeper than the brand of filter.
Swen,if problem is not fixed before your next filter change try and have someone else install it,may eliminate one scenario.
If you purchase a NAPA Gold filter (WIX), the instructions are right on the side of the filter. No wrench ever required, just lube the gasket and follow the instructions. Each quarter turn is marked on the side of the filter. Check instruction #4 I've never had one leak this way. 3/4 turn, no more, no less.
If it still leaks, it must be the housing.
Pierce