Oil Leak

[Dan D.]

Has anyone experienced an oil leak around the nut and bushing on the bottom of the PF141 filter canister? Mine is, and I can't seem to fix it.
It also seems that the bolt may bottom out in the block before the canister actually presses into the gasket.
This is an OE canister, probably 1962 or 63. Good size leak also - not just a drip. -Dan-

[Timothy B.]

Re: Oil Leak

Dan,

I can't answer the bolt question except to say remove everything and see if the taping in the block is clear and measure to see if there are enough threads to compress the gasket. If there is interference in the bolt threads and the can is not tightened up to the block I could see it leaking at the bolt like you post.

There is a small brass washer under the bolt to prevent this. If it's grooved and wore out that could also be the problem with the leak at the bolt.

[Richard M.]

Re: Oil Leak

Yep Timothy hit it right on the head IMO.......I had the same leak on a '63 and fixed it with a repair kit.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?Parta~ShowPicTxt~Z5Z5Z50000370a~Z5Z5Z5AACMN ~Z5Z5Z51

Rich

[Dan D.]

Re: Oil Leak

Okay, thanks guys. Rich, I can't seem to figure out how this kit works. I see seals, lock washers, and, I think, a pin. Don't know how you get the bolt out as it is clinched on the inside of the can.
I found it on the LI site ($10). Can you tell me a little about this kit? Thanks. -Dan-

[Richard M.]

Re: Oil Leak

Dan, I recall the instruction sheet showed it was pretty simple. I think you knock out the big beveled washer above the spring somehow, and after assembly you use the long tube as a tool to install the circular spring washer over the original beveled washer. If I can find a copy of the instructions in the "parts dept" I'll scan it for you. This kit definitely solved my problem on the '63 canister.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: Oil Leak

Couldn't find the instruction sheet but I had another kit so I opened it. Here's the info.......Rich

[Dan D.]

Re: Oil Leak

Okay Rich. I see how it works now, and how you remove the bolt. I will buy this from LI Corvette. Thanks so much. -Dan-

[Dan D.]

Re: Oil Leak

Still not out of the woods on this one. I bought the kit from LIC, but it does not show the large washer on the bottom of the can. And unless this washer is suppose to be welded on or something, I don't see how it can seal. Can you guys take a look at my pics? Thanks -Dan-

[Tom R.]

Re: Oil Leak

You need to have the large copper washer externally between the bolt head and the bottom of the canister to stop leaking. Ask me how I know.

[Dan D.]

Re: Oil Leak

Then what you are saying Tom is the large metal washer is not used? I know the copper washer goes right against the head of the bolt, and that will seal that juncture fine. But that metal washer was on it originally, and I don't see how it can seal unless it was welded on or something. Otherwise oil will leak right around it. Still confused. -Dan-

[Tom R.]

Re: Oil Leak

Dan, mine doesn't have a washer that looks like the one in your photo.

Just the copper one externally.

[Michael H.]

Re: Oil Leak

Chassis manual says to torque it to 25 foot lbs. that may help stop the leak it did on mine.

Mike

[Richard M.]

Re: Oil Leak

Hmmmm, this one is the original from my '63, and it has the big steel washer. It appears to be welded on, or possibly brazed around the edge, not sure. I think yours broke off somehow Dan. I tried banging this one off with a hammer and it didn't budge. The canister was no good that's why I tried to break it off.

The last photo is my '59 canister on the car and it has the big washer too.

Dan, I think if you weld it around the circumference you'll fix your leak. Either way you needed that kit.

Rich

[Dan D.]

Re: Oil Leak

Thanks Rich, That is the only thing that makes sense. I'll look tomorrow with a magnification glass and see if there is any resemblance of a weld. My initial opinion was no, but there may be. Anyhow, I will braze it and that should stop the leak. Your right, I needed the kit. The copper washer was in bad shape. -Dan-