Wix Oil Filter Gasket Solution

[trumpetguy]

I have been using Wix oil filters since I bought my bike three years ago.  Each of the gaskets has been a little of an odd fit, and I have been using a small amount of wheel bearing grease to hold the gasket in the slot.  Until recently, it has worked just fine.

The last couple that I have bought have seemed a worse fit than the ones before.  It may be the way the gasket has to bend to fit in the box, but two of the sides will fit and the third one pops out of place because it seems too short.  I thought perhaps that the cover isn't symmetrical, but I tried the gasket in every position and there was no difference. 

At my last oil change in the late fall, the gasket apparently popped out before I got the cover secured on the engine.  I had a significant oil leak that was getting oil from the underside of the engine EVERYWHERE, including on the rear tire (NOT GOOD!).  After pulling the cover, I found a pinched spot on the gasket.

As I replaced the errant gasket today, I happened on a technique that seems to work.  I inserted the gasket into the groove on the cover.  As usual, one side popped out.  I held the gasket down in the groove at the two "V" curves and pulled to stretch the gasket on the short side.  I had to do this twice until it would stay in the groove.  I then let it sit and observed to see if it would stay (I didn't want a repeat of it jumping out as I put the cover in place).  It stayed and I replaced the cover.  I cleaned the engine and ran it to see if the leak was gone.  It seems to be holding tight.  My ride tomorrow will tell!

[GeeP]

Yep!  I've had that problem before myself.  I left a hell of a trail down the road before it sealed up.  I made it another 20! miles before I noticed.  The rear was covered in oil and I'd scraped the pegs twice that morning.   

Another trick is to grab your hairdryer and heat the gasket up, then stretch it and hold it in the stretched position until cool.

I haven't had a problem with the Fram CH6000 gaskets, so I now use the Fram filter exclusively.   

[trumpetguy]

I haven't had a problem with the Fram CH6000 gaskets, so I now use the Fram filter exclusively.   

That may be the ultimate "solution" to the Wix problem!  I had chosen Wix based on reviews of Fram vs. Wix automotive filters.  However, losing oil isn't a good thing no matter how good the filter material.

Thanks for the tip! 

[ohgood]

Toyota FGIP (Form a Gasket In Place) or, black rtv whichever you have laying around.

I started putting a drop in the groove next to each bolt hole, as soon as the cover is off clean and dried. By the time all the oil is drained, you clean up the mess, and are ready to install the new filter, it's cured enough to push the new o-ring into the grove and hold tight.

Stuff comes right out with a finger nail next time you change the oil, without being annoying.

I thought about using regular felt gasket material, but didn't think it would make a good enough seal.

[GeeP]

Here we go, my oil trail:



If it hadn't sealed, I suspect the engine would have pumped the sump dry before I reached the end of the road, 1 mile further on.  As it was, I found my problem 20 miles from home when I went back to the bike and found a puddle underneath it.

Moral of this story:  Always do a leake check before riding off into the sunset!  I got lazy.