Hello.

The oil filter on my 98 F-150 with the 4.6 V8 seems to be leaking slightly from the gasket. I have been changing my own oil for 15 years and have never had this problem before. It is definitely tight enough, and I even replaced the oil filter, only to have the leak come back with the new filter. I am not 100% sure it's leaking from the filter gasket. Could it be leaking from somewhere else? It's a very minor leak - no oil even ends up on the driveway. Has anyone else experience this issue? The oil filter is located in the left hand wheel well just behind the bumper. I'm not sure if the remote filter is stock or after market. Either way, it's very handy to get at!

Thank you

 

Are you sure there isn't an old gasket still on the truck. If when removing the old filter, the gasket stays behind, when you put on the new filter, it will leak. Take of the filter and make sure that:
a. there is not an old filter gasket stuck there
b. the sealing surface is not damaged or have dirt there.

Not saying that is the problem, but that would be the first thing I look for.

 

The remote filter was installed by the factory so you can get dealer parts. The leak may be coming from the hose fittings going into the filter housing. Use some engine dye that pours into the oil and a black light to see exactly were its coming from.

 

I have been changing oil in my dad's trucks and mine for close to 25 years and had one stick on me a few years ago. I just happen to spot it when I was replacing the first filter that I thought had a bad gasket. Most filter location are not very easy to see the gasket surface to begin with. Now when I pull the filter I check to make sure it still has the gasket on it.