reproduction oil canister leaks

[Tim S.]

I am a little puzzled with the reproduction oil filter canister(s) I have purchased. 2 different cars with the same result. Both leak from the center bolt. I do not have the problem with any other cars I ever work on in this regard. For an added note, both of these cars got a reproduction bypass valve as well. My latest project leaks with only priming the engine. Is there something I am missing here?

Thanks,

Tim

[Brian M.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Why are you using reproductions when the originals are so available?

[Tim S.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Why are you using reproductions when the originals are so available?

When it comes to engine parts, I am reluctant to use what may be other peoples junk.

Tim

[Brian M.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Aren't those repro cannisters made in China?

[Dennis C.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Pick up an original at a swap meet and send it to Richard Fortier to be restored.

Dennis

[Gene M.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Tim,
I think you will find the repop is a thinner gage material than originals. This may cause less rim contact area with the seal thus a leak there too. I prefer to restore the originals or as phrased "someone else's junk". After all we are National Corvette RESTORERS Society not National Corvette REPLACEMENT Society.

[Michael H.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Are torquing the center bolt down ? I torque mine down and I don't have a problem. In the service manual it specifies 20 or 25 ft lbs, if I'm not mistaking.

Mike

[John F.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Is your copper crush washer under the bolt head still there? Over time with all the tightening they fall apart. I torque mine as above.

[Donald H.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

I bought a couple of used originals off EBay, and got rebuild kits from LIC. Very simple to rebuild, of course you end up with an applied decal for the label rather than the silk screen that the pros do. Not a single drip has leaked. I also used a new bypass. I converted my 66 back to canister from spin-on.

[Larry M.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Pick up an original at a swap meet and send it to Richard Fortier to be restored.

Dennis

Ken Hanson from OrinDales also does an excellent job. You can't go wrong with either source.

I had my original restored by Ken a few years ago, but prior to that I ran a repro oil can for many years on my 1967 car. Neither one leaked or had issues, although the repro was noticeably thinner gage metal. I think the key is to use a new rubber gasket each time, and torque to specs. I use 20 lb-ft.

Larry

[Gene M.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

Don,
I sent a few canisters out for silk screen labels, about $50 each. I think Paragon did them. But first I restored the can and powder coat it. After silk screening I assembled the bolt, seals, washers, copper washers, and spring. Be sure to use soft copper for washers as harder will not seal.

[Joel T.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

I had the same problem... Take the center bolt out and check the mating surfaces, particularly on the canister proper.. Sometimes their welding is not as neat as it could be. That plus get a thicker repalcement copper washer and you should be good to go. BTW, I have 1/4 mile raced with my repop with no ill effects... guess I'm just a lucky guy......

[Kenneth B.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

I put a repo on & didn't have a problem. Like others have said check all seals & torque to 25lbs. Repos are thinner than originals though.

[Carl D.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

I just went through the same problem with two repro cans. Called the vendor and told them and they said if there isn't a 18 inch puddle don't worry about it, its normal. That is BS. I took one of the two canisters apart and found that the center bolt diameter is smaller than the hole it fits through. My guess is that there is too much gap in the reproduction units and that the copper washer is not tight enough or soft enough to take up the extra spacing. I working to get a original rebuilt. Both units will be going back to the vendor that told me its normal.

[Christopher R.]

Re: reproduction oil canister leaks

I'm in the process of rebuilding mine. I've taken a few of them apart. In order to put them back together, you need a 1/2" self-locking external retaining ring. I had to buy them in a package of 100. I've got 99 left, and I intend to keep a few for spares.

If anybody wants a couple, send me a PM.