Oil filter bolt

[Athame57]

Is there actually a torque setting for the oil filter bolt? I know it shouldn't be tightened as much as other bolts, but I always seem to get a mess start to develop over time between the housing and the lower part of the crankcase ...too loose? 

[taysidedragon]

I just do it up gently, a bit more than hand tight and never have a problem.  Make sure the joint faces are spotlessly clean and always use a new oring.

[Bryanj]

There is anecdotal evidence in US that some pattern oil filter O rings are smaller in cross section so tend to leak

[Athame57]

There is anecdotal evidence in US that some pattern oil filter O rings are smaller in cross section so tend to leak

That might be the answer Bryan, as I've tended to do like Tay said. The new oil filter I have here is HIFLO FILTRO HF401. I've been using these a while now. Looks good, I hope it is.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

I have used the hiflo filters for the last 3 years and no leaks. Just tighten the bolt until you feel the oring is being compressed and you then feel the housing bottom out on  the engine then nip it up a little, probably <1/8 turn.  I would guess 6 ft/lb at the most.

The OEM bolt that had a small hex was prone to rounding off when folk overtightened them.

For me, 6ft/lb is a short ring spanner, thumb on the nut and two fingers  half way along the
spanner.

Regards
Dave

[Skoti]

I have used the hiflo filters for the last 3 years and no leaks. Just tighten the bolt until you feel the oring is being compressed and you then feel the housing bottom out on  the engine then nip it up a little, probably <1/8 turn.  I would guess 6 ft/lb at the most.

The OEM bolt that had a small hex was prone to rounding off when folk overtightened them.

For me, 6ft/lb is a short ring spanner, thumb on the nut and two fingers  half way along the
spanner.

Regards
Dave

I've heard it said that the OEM filter bolt was deliberately designed with a smaller head to help prevent over tightening.

Been also using HiFlo filters, I note they now have German TUV approval which seems fairly a stringent quality test.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

Yes people did round off the bolt, then used mole grips to complete the rounding off.

George, if you have had leakage it might be worth checking the filter housing on a flat surface or on the engine to verify it sits flat and hasn't been distorted.  Bit of a long shot, I know but it costs nothing to check next time you do a filter change.

Regards
Dave

[Bryanj]

Yes Honda only had a 12mm head to stop overtightening and yes they got rounded off because people usd cheap 12 point sockets, all you needed was a whitworth socket to hammer onto the hex and they undid no problem

[Athame57]

George, if you have had leakage it might be worth checking the filter housing on a flat surface or on the engine to verify it sits flat and hasn't been distorted.

Good idea Dave. I'll also check for anything on the contact surfaces that may be compromising oil tightness. This is a mega slow leak though, not even any drops on the parking spot, it's just an eye sore mucky surface.

[Oddjob]

Oil filter bolt torque is 19.5 - 23.8 ft lbs.

[Athame57]

Oil filter bolt torque is 19.5 - 23.8 ft lbs.

That's it then, time to get a torque wrench!