Oil leak on a 318

[Dusty74]

Hey, I am new to this forum and I am need of assistance...I have a 74 duster with a 318 and the leak is coming from a screw right next to the oil filter and don't know what the next step is to fix it and what to fix it with? The screw is about a half to three quarters of an inch?

 

[fishy68]

The only screw/bolt next to the oil filter I can think of is a bellhousing bolt. Their's no oil that goes through it so I'd bet the oil filter is leaking and running down and dripping from it. I had that happen on my 360 once. Tightened the oil filter 1/4-1/2 turn and fixed it.

 

[fishy68]

BTW: Welcome to the board

 

[Dusty74]

Thanks! haha well I never tried tightening the filter itself idk why but i'll try that and if that doesn't work then i'll have to look further and scope out that leak...Thanks for the fast response!

 

[fishy68]

No problem man. Good luck with it.

 

[3404spdvaliant]

If it has the 90* filter adapter it could be that big bolt that mounts the adapter
also.

 

[Dusty74]

Yes! that's what it is! How can I fix that?

 

[340sFastback]

Get the gasket kit from Mopar Performance, part # 5249320. That comes with all the gaskets to seal up that oil filter adapter.

 

[Dusty74]

Thanks a bunch!...I'm just lucky that's the only thing leaking :toothy10:

 

[Dusty74]

Is there any draining oil involved?

 

[69 Valiant Kid]

maybe a little will run out.

 

[Dusty74]

haha I hope that's the case and that I don't get showered

 

[69 Valiant Kid]

wont be any worse than taking off an oil filter

 

[Dusty74]

Ah ok I have an idea now

 

[fishy68]

Before you take it apart and replace the gaskets make sure the bolt just don't need tightening. You may get lucky and that'll fix it. Shortly after I assembled my new engine it started leaking and all I had to do was re-torque the bolt. I torqued it when I assembled it. I guess the gaskets shrunk from heat causing it to need re-torqueing. After I re-torqued it it never leaked again.

 

[Dusty74]

I was going to try that first and hope for the best lol...If not then i'll be investing in some gaskets!