So I just finished replacing the oil filter housing seals and I am still getting an oil leak. The current leak appears to be at the base of the oil filter cap itself at the top of the housing pipe (not the housing seals). The leak drips directly on to the auxiliary water pump, so it's not emanating from near the base of the housing at the block.. I've tried both a Mann and a Wix filter with a new 'O' ring but am still getting a leak. I've changed the oil on this car about 15 times in the past without this issue.

i've cleaned and inspected the cap thoroughly and did not find any cracks or obvious defects. Do the caps need to be replaced periodically..? I could order one and throw it on, but I don't want to keep throwing parts $ without a solution. Or any other ideas?

For all I know now, this might have been the original oil leak.

2007 Mini Cooper S R56

 

If leaking from plastic oil filter cap, make sure you have oil-filter cap o-ring in correct groove.

FYI - When I accidentality installed oil filter cap o-ring in the incorrect location, it was leaking a lot of oil. It was immediately noticeable when I started engine after oil & filter change, and checked for leaks.

Good luck,

W

 

I guess the housing could have warped or the seal is no longer adequately functioning. I use a magnifying glass for suspect areas such as this. The smallest defect is all you need. Of course, don’t over torque the filter housing. This I know from experience will lead to premature warp age and failure.

 

That is exactly what happened - like a doofus I put the o-ring just below the top flange, not in the proper groove just below there..

 

So I hate when the filter housing's are over tightened. However, I did my first oil change and tightened this finger plus a few turns which is what I am used to doing. Then I looked up the torgue spec. It was considerable. I set the torque wrench and I would say the housing went on at least another 5 full turns past what I would normally put it on with.

That whole oil filter housing was probably designed by the same guy that came up with the PCV valve on the valve cover. I'm quite sure he went to the German beer tent every lunch.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...que-specs.html
25NM is what I read. That is ALOT! 18.5Ft-lbs for those with feet.
I didn't want my first oil change to end up with any man-made leaks because I just got the car and I'm checking for leaks.
Still don't believe. https://stevendiver.com/2018/10/17/h...56-oil-change/