Car Fix DIY Videos

Leaking oil filter on my Cadillac CT6, cause by a company that more than lightly hired
non-experience mechanics.
If your oil filter was improperly installed and is leaking, here are the steps to fix it:

### 1. **Stop the engine immediately**
– **Turn off the engine** if it’s still running to prevent any further oil leakage or engine damage.

### 2. **Lift the vehicle (if necessary)**
– If the oil filter is in a hard-to-reach area, you’ll need to raise the car using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure you’re working on a flat surface.

### 3. **Drain the oil (if needed)**
– If there’s significant oil loss, you may need to drain the oil before removing the filter. Have a container ready to catch any oil that spills.

### 4. **Remove the faulty oil filter**
– **Use an oil filter wrench** or strap wrench to loosen the oil filter. If it’s too tight to remove by hand, these tools will give you the leverage you need.
– **Inspect the filter gasket**: Sometimes, the gasket might not have seated properly, or the old gasket could have stuck to the engine, causing the leak. If there’s an old gasket left behind, carefully remove it before installing the new filter.

### 5. **Clean the mounting area**
– **Wipe down the oil filter mounting surface** on the engine block with a clean rag to ensure no debris or old oil is present. This helps ensure a proper seal when the new filter is installed.

### 6. **Install the new oil filter**
– **Lubricate the rubber gasket** on the new filter with a little bit of fresh oil (this helps with the seal and prevents it from sticking).
– **Install the new oil filter** by hand. Turn it clockwise until it’s snug. Avoid overtightening it, as this could damage the gasket or make future removal difficult.
– **Refer to the filter’s instructions** for any torque specifications, but generally, a hand-tightened filter should be sufficient.

### 7. **Check the oil level**
– After replacing the filter, refill the engine with the appropriate amount and type of oil.
– **Start the engine** and let it run for a few minutes, then shut it off and check for leaks around the oil filter. If there’s still a leak, it could be a sign that the filter isn’t seated properly or that there’s another issue (such as a damaged gasket).

### 8. **Clean up**
– Properly dispose of the old filter and any oil in an environmentally safe manner, and wipe up any spilled oil.

If the leak persists after you’ve reinstalled the filter, the problem could be due to a damaged oil filter housing, an incorrect filter, or an issue with the filter’s seal. In such cases, you may need to inspect further or consult a mechanic.