The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 283 Oil Leak At Filter Issue

Today after I primed the oil pump on my 283 (using a long screwdriver) I noticed a large oil spot on the garage floor under the oil filter. I had the guy who (half-azzed) rebuilt the engine put a spin on filter adapter. Any ideas why the filter overflowed? The oil filter has the gasket on it and was tight. Thanks for any help.

there may be an old gasket from the canister filter still attached to the block, remove the filter unscrew the two bolts holding the filter adapter to the block . Then check the surface where the two match up for old rubber ring, if it is there remove it and reassemble the adapter and filter.

I had a 1967 Impala convertible with a 283, powerglide. It left the factory with the replaceable cartridge oil filter. I remember counter people at the parts store asking if he wanted an adapter to switch over to a spin on filter and he always would tell them no. I do not remember actually changing that type of filter for it was so long ago and was the only car I ever had that did not have a spin on filter.

Nor did I ever put an adapter on to convert filter types.

Though I have seen old spin on filter gaskets stick to the engine and not be noticed. Thus the new filter will not seat properly and the oil leaks out pretty fast.

So as said check for a double gasket and then check if the adapter was put on correctly.

A man in California got frustrated and GAVE me a really well-prepared 327 racing engine once because he could not stop an oil leak. I found that it had come from the factory with a canister-type oil filter and someone had overtightened the center bolt and put a hairline crack in the casting above the threaded hole for the bolt. It was leaking oil into the bellhousing area. A quick rethreading to 1/4" pipe and an Allen plug stopped the leak.
Jerry

I think Tommy may be on to something. I converted to a spin on filter on my '62 & the directions with it said specifically to make sure the old gasket for the canister is removed. If the fellow didn't do that it can be an issue.

Thanks guys....I was tired from working several hours on a few engines as well as getting this engine ready to put in. After the oil puddle deal, I put my tools away and turned out the lights in my garage. I should have waited until when I could get back to it and taken a look at the obvious possibilities before posting. Tomorrow I'll get a look at it and go from there. I guess I should have left the original oil canister on, but the thought of non-availability of the filter not being there persuaded me to go with the adapter. Heck, I may go that way anyway. I appreciate your responses.

The problem I have encountered with the spin on adaptors is that they come with a one of a kind mounting gasket. After a few years the gasket dries out and you have a leak. I have not been able to find a replacement. I have one of the adaptors I will donate to someone that can find a gasket for it.
I have however been able to purchase the original canister type filters from Napa, Truck Shop, swap meets and others.
Fred

All that I have ever done, was just take one off of a late 60's early 70's small block. Don't recall the factory ones having a gasket.
















n

Today I removed the spin on adapter and found the gasket that came with the adapter had been rolled. I also found that the factory bypass valve assembly wasn't on and the felt gasket that comes with the adapter wasn't there either. I picked up a new adapter yesterday, opened the box , read the instructions and noticed a felt gasket. I remembered seeing a similar felt gasket in the box the engine gasket set came in that I have kept. I unrolled the gasket and after checking for any damage, put it back in, reinstalled the bypass valve assy and adapter WITH the felt gasket between the bypass valve and adapter. Now, if I can just get enough rpm to push oil I can leak check the engine again. If it leaks again, it's coming off and the canister is going back on.