oil leak around filter on coldest day of the year

[aseibel]

I drive a 2015 with the 5.3.

 

Yesterday and today it was about -25f here in the mornings. I had to drive my beater for work so I parked that in the garage Tuesday night. (It usually lives outside and my truck gets the covered parking.) Last night when I got home I started the truck to move it back into the garage, temp was about -10 at that time. After I moved it I saw an oil leak on the ground, no more than an ounce, maybe a spot 3" across on the driveway. I think it just happened when I started it. This morning about the same amount is on the floor of the garage. so it appears that not much more leaked after I parked it.

 

I'm waiting for everything to thaw out to do a good inspection, but i crawled under there last night and saw that the oil was dripping off of the filter. I couldn't turn it with my bare hand so I don't think it is loose. I'm hoping to get under there around lunchtime today.

 

Anybody know if there is any other cold related reason I would be losing oil? I did a google search and found some other sports cars with similar issues, people mentioned frozen PCV valves. But there is no clear answer. It seems like the problem goes away for most people when it warms up. Do I need the dealer to check this out while I'm under power train warranty?

[1SLOW1500]

Mine blew out oil from there also. I don't thi k this oil being as thin as water helps. Anyways I looking to have the seating area o ring Grove. 

[CDNSS]

Yes that has happened to me too only when very cold Especially with Wix filters they want to be tightened 3/4-1,turn after snug on alum blocks   Expansion / contraction rate of block and filter different in extreme cold 

Tighten your filter all good after that 

[L86 All Terrain]

Never have issues with oil filters in my area, -30 to -40f (-50f with wind factor this morn). Could have caused some expansion or contraction on the filter base by the O-ring as the hot oil went from hot to cold very fast, or vice versa. We often see coolant on the ground after letting our trucks sit over night, all the clamps, hoses, and connections contract in the cold and will drip a bit before the coolant warms it all up again, then it seals itself back off. Keep an eye on it if you cant tighten it by hand, if it keeps dripping when the weather warms up a bit, I would just change the filter to be sure the seal isn't cracked.

[1SLOW1500]

17 minutes ago, CDNSS said:

Yes that has happened to me too only when very cold Especially with Wix filters they want to be tightened 3/4-1,turn after snug on alum blocks   Expansion / contraction rate of block and filter different in extreme cold 

Tighten your filter all good after that 

This needs to be a highlighted post till the weather warms up. I had the wix. It is said it is the worst filer also do to the bypass being lower. Don't know if that is also a issue. You post is 100% correct thank you sir. 

[kickass audio]

I'm putting money on it being so cold that the gap had increased despite being fully tight and with the oil being really cold it does increase your pressure a little until it gets warm so you probably lost a few drops from that. I wouldn't be too worried but I would definitely do like you said and let it thaw out and make sure you aren't leaking anywhere above the filter. If it goes back to staying dry when it gets warmer I would just write it off and let it be.

[CDNSS]

Most oil change places don’t overtighten the filter just 1/4 turn past hand tight is the norm  and that is no problem on iron blocks   but with alum blocks some brands of filters like Wix need to be tightened as per their instruction 3/4 full turn past hand tight 

 

first time I thought bad o ring replaced filter same thing then I checked Wix website and used a filter wrench to tighten full 3/4 past snug no issue after that and I’m in a very cold climate and I suspect 0/20 don’t help. 

[sgrider3]

I had the same exact issue the last couple of days. I checked the driveway and the spots were a little bit bigger than I was expecting.

[aseibel]

35 minutes ago, sgrider3 said:

I had the same exact issue the last couple of days. I checked the driveway and the spots were a little bit bigger than I was expecting.

 

ha! that looks just like my driveway!

 

[1SLOW1500]

This is the best filter but in the short version because of my adapter plate. The top is double o ring but bottom is smooth. Thinking of taking it to the shop and mechineing a groove for the seal.

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[aseibel]

I got under the truck with a flashlight after lunch. It is bone dry above the filter gasket, so that's where it was leaking. I was able to turn it about 1/2 turn tighter by hand. I know I put it on snug last time. So I guess the engine block just contracts that much when its as cold as Antarctica.

[1SLOW1500]

Oh also I believe the old tip of preoil on the rubber. Should alow you to tighten up filter more and keep it protected some.

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[rah7777777]

I've always been a WIX fan, only filter i'll buy. But that is based off of research done probably 10 years ago. 

I remember a couple reports where they were the best at filtering, same reports had FRAM as the worst if I remember right. 

 

What makes them the worst here? Just the seal contracting when very cold?

I just want to make sure i'm still buying good filters haha. 

 

Also, just from personal curiosity, what are using the adapter plate for 1slow1500?

 

[rah7777777]

^^ Never mind! Just read your footer! I know why you have the adapter plate now HAHA

[CDNSS]

IMO WIX still a very good filter I used them on my race car for yrs. FYI I use the xP version for synthetic oil on my 6.2 truck now just tighten as per instructions I just think they should make that 3/4 turn info right on the filter