K&N oil filter leaking?

[markgws6]

I have the SS 1LE in my Sig.

I had an oil change done on my car, and I had bought a K&N oil filter for it. After it was installed and oil filled, the car was okay for about 4-5 days. Then I started noticing a smell like burned oil. I looked under and on the engine and did not see any leaks.

Then 2 days ago I noticed an oil puddle under my car, but I live in an apartment and just though someone else parked there. Yesterday the puddle was bigger and when I looked underneath again I noticed oil leaking from the filter. So I went back to the place and had the guy tighten it 1 more turn with a wrench. I've never had this many problems with them in the past...Agh.

Anyway after adding some more oil, I now still smell it but I don't see as much oil coming out (if any). Since I'm going to the track in less than 2 weeks though, I want to be sure this is fixed. Anyone else had this experience with a K&N filter? Does this sound like a defect or installation issue?

[markgws6]

BTW, it's cool on the 1LE and probably ZL1, you can see the filter through the front wheel.

[giant_g2]

I use K&N too but never had a problem. Maybe the guy screwed up the gasket.

[Dimitrim]

Two things come to mind
1. When he removed your old filter did he make sure the old filter gasket was not still stuck on the block and did he wipe it clean with a rag.
2. Did he put engine oil on the new filter gasket tightening it to 3/4 of a turn past of when it first touches.

K&N make great products.

[sycraft]

I would only use a OE filter, an aftermarket filter and oil problem will be denied at the dealer level. Nothing wrong with aftermarket, but OE filters are tested for flow an filtration for the application.

[giant_g2]

Hmm, now you have me wondering what the difference in flow between the two are. I think OE filters to 30 microns and the K&N is at 10. I wonder how that effects flow.

[markgws6]

I went to the dealer and had them take off the K&N and put on a stock filter and refill with full synthetic. They saw the leak and said they thought it was coming from the filter but did not say anything else... So I guess I'll never know now. If Ihad some ramps or better way to get my car in the air, I would do it myself.

[giant_g2]

Originally Posted by markgws6

If Ihad some ramps or better way to get my car in the air, I would do it myself.

2x10s

[Dimitrim]

ramps are awesome

[AF440]

I just had the same problem with K&N. Changed oil at 1k miles and put on K&N. Leaked like the OP said. No previous gasket residue and hand tightened like I always have on every other car I've had.

I tightened it down with a wrench and the K&N nut but I don't think this should be necessary. We'll see how that works.

Any more advice?

[Andy-AMSOIL]

Heard of to many leaks with those filters. Purolator is a good brand also.

We AMSOIL have a synthetic media filters that is very heavy duty, part number is EAA15k50

[shibbs]

Originally Posted by sycraft

an aftermarket filter and oil problem will be denied at the dealer level.

According to the Magnuson-Moss act, you're wrong. Only if they can PROVE that particular part CAUSED the failure can your warranty be denied.

And yes, the Purolator Pure-1 is an awesome filter. It's all I use now.

[sycraft]

Guess I should have been more specific, if the oil problem is related to a flow problem with the filer, it can be denied. If the internal part of a OE filter failed, it would still be covered. Does not matter to me either way, just easier not to have to deal with that.

Originally Posted by shibbs

According to the Magnuson-Moss act, you're wrong. Only if they can PROVE that particular part CAUSED the failure can your warranty be denied.

And yes, the Purolator Pure-1 is an awesome filter. It's all I use now.

[rotwiler]

reviving old post, but I just changed my oil last week, wasn't my ss, but my wife's turbo optima, I put a k&n on and a few days later saw oil line in driveway, looked under car and oil was leaking from the k&n filter safety strap hole, then I went online and seen many issues with these filters. I was always a fan of everything k&n, not anymore. I will never buy a oil filter made by k&n after this incident and reading reviews on amazon and seen many have had same issue. The racing safety strap hole is on that nut built into the bottom of the filter for easy removal, not sure how k&n is messing these up, but is either bad welds inside or when the safety strap hole is drilled, they drill too far into the filter. I rarely complain, but if I didn't see the oil line in my driveway I could have had a blown motor, low oil and turbos don't mix.