Key Takeaways
Keep an eye on your oil filter housing for indications of cracking. Keep an eye out for cracks or leaks to help prevent expensive engine damage. Early detection avoids this hassle and expense.
Keep an eye on your oil levels and check for oil puddles under your vehicle, so you can catch a leak early on. Running an engine with low oil levels will ultimately overheat the engine and result in catastrophic failure.
Choose high-quality replacement parts including long-lasting gaskets and OEM filters. This will ensure a proper fit and reduce the risk of future leaks or damage.
Follow our detailed instructions to replace the oil filter housing step-by-step. Double-check that all mating surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and that you have the proper torque specifications to avoid deadly installation mistakes.
Buy an easy-to-use diagnostic tool like an OBD-II scanner or fuel pressure gauge. These tools are critical for identifying true oil filter housing failures and confidently making quality repairs.
Regular maintenance, including inspections during oil changes and using quality oil filters, can prevent recurring problems and extend the life of your engine.
Repairing the oil filter housing on a Chrysler means preventing those typical oil leaks or breaks that can harm your engine’s performance. The housing connects the filter itself to the engine and protects the oil from circulating improperly. Prompt repairs can prevent further wear and costly engine damage.
On older Chrysler models, the first thing technicians do is check the housing for cracks. When appropriate, they install new gaskets or even replace the whole unit. Proper equipment and tools, including a torque wrench, help ensure that all parts are tightened down to the manufacturer’s specifications.
It’s not only necessary to inspect for oil accumulation around the housing since this can indicate larger issues. Our trusted oil filter housing replacement will ensure that your engine will continue to perform efficiently, saving you time and money on future repair bills.
What is Oil Filter Housing?
The oil filter housing is essential for protecting your engine and making sure it stays well-lubricated and cooled. It provides a home base for securely mounting the oil filter and, in many cases, the oil cooler. This design helps make a smaller system overall while more efficiently controlling the circulation of oil in the engine.
Preventing additional impurities, such as metal flakes and other debris, from mixing in the oil keeps it clean. This prevents dirty oil from circulating while allowing clean oil to flow back into the engine. Pure oil minimizes friction and heat build-up between components, allowing the engine to run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
This part functions hand in hand with the oil cooler, an apparatus created to keep the oil within the appropriate thermal range. The housing links these different parts together, allowing oil to flow through them, and to your engine, effortlessly.
On most Chrysler models, the housing mates directly to the engine block. This design greatly reduces areas of leakage and provides even oil pressure. This exacting engineering helps to keep the oil at the right temperature, so it doesn’t overheat and cause the engine to perform poorly.
A malfunctioning oil filter housing can pose severe dangers, such as leaking or mixing oil. Leaks will cause your oil levels to drop, leading to a lack of lubrication. Typically, this contamination brings dangerous particles into the engine, leading to premature wear or even catastrophic failure.
Predictable materials mixed metals, like aluminum or aluminum and plastic used in these housings, provide tough structural integrity but there are weaknesses. Plastic housings can develop cracks due to heat stress, while aluminum is subject to corrosion with time.
Consistent inspection prevents wear from worsening, so you can keep your engine protection dependable.
Recognize Symptoms of Failing Housing
Being able to recognize the symptoms of a deteriorating oil filter housing is key to keeping your Chrysler’s engine running strong for years to come. It all begins with recognizing symptoms of failing housing—such as seeing oil stains on your driveway. These spots might be hard to see—they’re frequently small, dark patches where oil has dripped, typically from directly underneath the engine bay.
At first glance, these leaks may not seem so bad. However, they indicate an impending failure in the housing or seals, which would allow oil to leak out. After some time, this can result in a loss of oil, which is directly related to an engine’s lubrication.
Performance problems usually aren’t far behind when the oil filter housing is broken. You may experience decreased engine performance, delayed acceleration response, or even weird sounds when you’re driving. This leads to damage that occurs from improper oil circulation.
The housing is very important; it filters the oil and keeps the oil pressure. For example, a clogged or leaking housing can inhibit oil flow, significantly degrading the engine’s performance.
A final, major red flag is engine overheating. The oil filter housing is responsible for distributing oil through the engine, regulating engine temperature. A failing housing can throw off that balance, making the engine run hotter than normal.
You can see the same thing on a temperature gauge rising, or even dashboard warning lights indicating that the engine is failing. Failing to address this risk can result in catastrophic damage, such as deformed parts or complete engine failure.
A quick diagnosis is critical in preventing serious engine damage. Addressing these symptoms early can save you from costly repairs and ensure your Chrysler continues running smoothly without unexpected breakdowns.
Pinpoint Oil Leak Sources
Getting to the bottom of an oil leak in your cherished Chrysler can be tricky. This step is crucial for preventing engine damage and preventing expensive repairs down the line. A step-by-step method promotes thoroughness and expediency.
Outlined below are step-by-step procedures to proficiently pinpoint oil leaks and deal with common problems leaking from the oil filter housing.
1. Check Engine Oil Level Regularly
Keeping your oil topped off helps your engines operate smoothly and reduces chances of expensive engine failures. Check oil levels with your dipstick at least once a week, if not more! Insufficient oil can cause an engine to overheat or fail, making it important to periodically check and top off oil levels.
Given that even minor decreases in oil levels can indicate an oil leak, regular monitoring is essential.
2. Look for Visible Oil Leaks
Check the entire engine bay for residual oil. Be sure to look carefully at the oil filter housing area and surrounding seals. Using a flashlight is a good way to ensure you find every leak, especially in dark spaces.
Larson suggests documenting any visible leaks to help identify patterns or worsening conditions for more effective diagnostics.
3. Inspect Underneath for Oil Puddles
Check for oil spots on the ground beneath your car, particularly after it has been parked overnight. Pay particular attention to high risk areas such as oil filter housing and the drain plug.
Just by placing a piece of cardboard under your vehicle, you can catch drips and identify their location. Monitor puddle size or frequency to determine which leaks are most severe.
4. Examine the Bell Housing Area
Oil leaking at the filter housing can migrate down to the bell housing. Remove all oil and dirt from this area to identify new leaks. A small dental-style mirror can assist in inspecting hard-to-reach spaces, making sure no corner goes unchecked.
5. Note Specific Leak Locations
To help inform repairs, mark all leak spots with chalk or tape. Before and after photos can document these changes with clear evidence, showcasing successful restoration or ongoing problem spots.
Tools Needed for Oil Filter Housing Fix
Before you begin removing the oil filter housing, make sure you have the proper tools on hand. This will help you have a smooth and efficient process. Whether it’s simple hand tools or more specialized machinery, being fully prepared and set up can help you save valuable time and prevent aggravation from wasting effort.
1. Gather Essential Tools
The foundation of any successful repair is knowing exactly what tools you’ll need. Begin with a full set of wrenches, but you will regularly use a 10mm socket wrench, which is frequently needed on Chrysler models.
Add a ratchet set with up to 10 extensions to reach tightly spaced areas and a flathead screwdriver for prying loose components. An oil catch pan is vital for collecting oil during removal, while rags and degreasers help clean up spills and ensure a tidy workspace.
Have pliers and a pick set on hand to remove clips and seals. Stage every tool and part within arm’s reach to maximize efficiency, and check tools in advance to make sure they’re in good working order.
2. Prepare Safety Equipment
Flexibility and adaptability are critical, but safety should never take a back seat. Use heavy-duty gloves to keep your hands free of oil and other contaminants, as well as sharp corners.
Wear appropriate safety goggles to protect your eyes against airborne particles. Knee pads help make crawling around under the vehicle more comfortable.
Store a first aid kit within arm’s reach of the work area to treat minor injuries. Bright lighting, like a hanging LED work light, is key for clear visibility in dark areas.
3. Consider Diagnostic Tools
Aftermarket diagnostic tools make it easy to determine if an oil filter housing is faulty. An OBD-II scanner will help you read reset engine codes which will help you pinpoint any potential problems.
A pressure gauge is the best way to find a suspected leak and a multimeter will come in handy for any necessary electrical component checks. These are the tools to use that will give you the needed precision and clarity to get the repair right.
Step-by-Step Chrysler Oil Filter Housing Fix
Changing your Chrysler oil filter housing requires focus and a careful step-by-step approach. If you take these steps into consideration, you’re setting yourself up for a successful repair without getting stuck in common pitfalls. A checklist isn’t just a solid reference tool to help you monitor your progress through every phase. It can be an essential guide.
1. Prepare the Vehicle
Park your vehicle on a stationery, level surface. Park your car on a solid, flat surface and set the parking brake. This is to avoid any unforeseen electrical shorts while working through the process.
Use the engine coolant drain plug to drain the engine coolant to prevent undesired coolant spillage. You may need to remove other obstructive components, depending on your vehicle model. It may involve removing the air intake or other adjacent hoses to access the housing.
2. Remove the Old Housing
Gently extract the older oil filter housing after unbolting it thoroughly. Remove hoses and electrical connectors carefully to prevent breaking.
For stubborn bolts, use penetrating oil to help remove the bolts easier. Store every part, including bolts, clamps, etc., in a container marked with the component they will go back into for easy reinstallation.
3. Clean Mating Surfaces
Remove the old gasket material and debris from the mating surfaces with a scraper. Use a solvent to clean the area and make sure that it’s completely oil free and clean.
This is one step no one skips 101, so you have a great seal and no leaks.
4. Install New Oil Filter Housing
Position the new housing over the bolt holes and bolt it down. Install a new gasket or sealant as necessary, and reposition hoses and connectors firmly.
5. Torque Bolts Correctly
Tighten with a torque wrench, according to the bolt manufacturer’s specification. Usually, start in a crisscross pattern to provide uniform pressure.
6. Refill Engine Oil
Refill with the oil type and amount specified in your owner’s manual. To prevent spillage, use a funnel and once filled, run the engine briefly to circulate the oil then recheck levels.
7. Start Engine and Check for Leaks
Oh, and don’t forget to start the engine and check for leaks around the housing and all connections! Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and recheck.
Be sure to check the oil level again in a few days.
Common Chrysler Oil Filter Housing Issues
Due to the design flaws with Chrysler oil filter housings, they are prone to failure, leading to poor engine performance and premature wear. These problems usually result from natural deterioration, design flaws, and lack of upkeep. Taking care of them as soon as possible not only protects from any additional damage, but it makes for a dependable vehicle.
Here are some of the most frequent complaints and workable solutions.
1. Gasket Deterioration Problems
As time goes by, the gaskets that are located inside the oil filter housing can deteriorate, causing oil leaks. As these gaskets age, they can begin to form visible cracks or even become brittle, which renders them ineffective at keeping a proper seal.
A common sign of wear is finding oil leaking around the housing or underneath the car. When making these repairs, using better grade gaskets is important for long-term reliability. High quality gaskets create a superior seal to eliminate further leakage possibilities.
2. Housing Cracks and Damage
Cracks incidentally through the oil filter housing are typically visible after years of wear and tear from engine vibration and heat cycles.
Plastic housings are especially susceptible to breakage in these situations. Only through routine inspections will you be able to identify the first indications of damage, like minor cracks or oil leaking through the filter housing.
To improve durability, we suggest replacing the weakened housing with aftermarket replacements made of aluminum or other durable materials.
3. Warping from Overheating
Engine overheating can cause the housing to warp, preventing a proper seal and resulting in oil leakage. Warped housings ruin the fitment of both gaskets and filters.
Keeping an eye on engine temperatures and making sure your cooling system is operating as it should be can stop this from happening. Heat-resistant replacement parts provide improved performance in high-temperature applications.
4. Issues with Filter Fitment
Incorrectly mounted oil filters can lead to various issues, including oil leaks and decreased filter performance. It is very important to make sure the filter and housing will work together.
Generally, OEM filters give you the optimal filter for a guaranteed fit. However, proper installation practices prevent mistakes and help guarantee a smooth-running engine.
DIY vs. Professional Repair Costs
When you repair an oil filter housing on a Chrysler, don’t take it on the chin. Knowing the cost difference between DIY and pro repair is an important first step. Each approach comes with distinct costs, benefits, and long-term consequences that call for a more thorough analysis before making a decision.
1. Evaluate DIY Repair Expenses
For DIY repairs, the costs can vary based on several factors:
Replacement oil filter housings typically cost between $50 and $150, depending on the model and brand.
Basic tools like socket wrenches may already be available, but specialized tools like a torque wrench ($30–$70) or oil filter removal tool ($10–$20) might be necessary.
Things such as engine oil ($25–$50), gaskets, or sealants may bring the total up.
Mistakes: Errors during installation might require extra parts or professional intervention, which could increase expenses.
Putting together a budget that includes all of these factors can save you from incurring surprise expenses.
2. Understand Professional Service Costs
Professional repair costs for an oil filter housing replacement run between $250 and $600. The cost is based on a few important factors.
Actual labor rates vary in all markets from $80 to $150 per hour, and the quality of replacement parts is a major factor as well. Getting more than one quote helps make sure you get a fair price.
In fact, many reputable repair shops provide warranties on their work, which means quality and value are on your side as well.
3. Factor in Long-Term Reliability
DIY repairs are cheaper in the short term, but if done improperly can end up costing more in the long run due to repeat problems.
When installed by professionals, you can rest assured of quality and installation includes warranties protecting you from further issues down the road.
When making your decision, weigh upfront costs with the eventual peace of mind knowing that the repair will last.
Preventing Future Oil Filter Housing Problems
Preventative maintenance is key to breaking this cycle. With mindful practices and a watchful eye, you can prevent critical damage to your engine and avoid expensive repairs.
1. Use Quality Oil Filters
Aside from being a visible point of failure, high-quality oil filters are important to maintaining engine health. Properly designed and manufactured, a filter stops contaminants from circulating through the engine.
The cheaper, low-quality filters can fail to seal properly, which can cause leaking or even internal engine damage over time. Names you may know, such as Wix and Mobil 1, are associated with heavy-duty oil filter reliability and filtration.
Always do your research and invest in a brand you trust to ensure the filter works with your vehicle’s design to deliver maximum performance and efficiency.
2. Follow Recommended Oil Change Intervals
Frequent oil changes, done per your owner’s manual, help avoid sludge accumulation and keep harmful stress off the housing. For the majority of Chryslers, this is basically 5,000-7,500 miles based on driving conditions.
Clean oil lubricates the engine components properly, lessening wear and tear and avoiding dangerous leaks caused by excess pressure buildup. Creating reminders for regular oil changes ensures you’re better prepared and less likely to skip an important maintenance window.
3. Avoid Over-Tightening the Filter
The most typical oil filter housing blunder is over-tightening filters, which leads to cracking of the housing or blowing out the gasket. Hand-tightening often is enough to develop a tight seal.
Be sure to use Chrysler’s torque specs, or you may be putting undue stress on components.
4. Inspect Housing During Oil Changes
Check every oil change. Visually inspect the oil filter housing for any cracks, leaks, or worn gaskets. Keep the area clean to help visually identify future leaks.
Log any observations to monitor them for future concern, providing an early warning for corrective action to be taken.
Conclusion
Repairing the oil filter housing on your Chrysler can seem like a daunting task. With the right tools, clear steps, and some patience, you can handle it yourself or know what to expect from a professional. When you catch signs early, such as leaks or a drop in oil pressure, you save yourself a much larger headache later on. Routine screenings and quality repairs protect your engine’s performance and your bank account from harm.
Speak up as soon as you see cracks in the facade. No matter if you pick up a wrench or take your rig to a professional shop, being proactive with maintenance goes the longest way! Your car is worth the love and so are you. By getting smart and staying one step ahead, you’ll get right back on the road where you belong in no time. Until next time, go learn, go fix, and go build something amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oil filter housing in a Chrysler?
It ensures proper oil flow and seals to prevent leaks.
What are common symptoms of a bad oil filter housing?
Common symptoms include oil leaking underneath the vehicle, low oil pressure, burning oil odor, or noticeable cracks on the housing itself.
How can I locate an oil leak in my Chrysler?
Look closely at surroundings near the oil filter housing, oil pan, and valve cover gaskets. With the aid of a flashlight, look for any signs of oil dribbling down or pooling at the bottom.
What tools do I need to fix a Chrysler oil filter housing?
Get your socket wrench set and torque wrench. Remember to pick up an oil drain pan, gasket scraper, and replacement parts—gasks or a new housing unit!
Can I fix a Chrysler oil filter housing myself?
Correct, provided you have some advanced know-how on auto repairs under your belt. Work through a step-by-step process and utilize the right equipment. If not, you should think about seeking a professional’s assistance.
How much does it cost to replace an oil filter housing in a Chrysler?
The cost of DIY repairs is only about $50–$150 on the parts end. Professional repairs can cost $200–$500 due to local labor rates.
How do I prevent oil filter housing issues in the future?
Regular oil changes, using quality parts, and inspecting the housing for wear can help prevent leaks and damage.