Oil leak repair Options

[FJ1200]

Greetings,

Fairly new to the forums and owner of a 1972 teener. I bought the car last spring with a slightly hot rodded 2.0 and a side shift conversion. The true upside is ZERO rust, I have a lift and have inspected every inch of the car.

The issue I have is that the oil filter flange is leaking badly (1qt/20 miles). Upon inspection it appears that the upper nut can not be removed without removing the oil cooler. I have new oil cooler seals and the oil filter flange gasket coming from Auto Atlanta. Question is, has anyone ever removed the filter flange in the car? I really would rather not perform an engine drop this week, but I will if needed.

Just a little background, until 5 yrs ago I was an Audi dealer shop foreman for 25 years. As a result the nuts and bolts don't bother me at all. It is more current time constraints and the want to drive the car.

Thanks,

Daniel

[FJ1200]

Thanks, for the response.

I know, there has to be some rust somewhere. Lets just say there are no holes I can find anywhere.

As far as dropping the engine, i have no issues doing it. I would just rather not if I don't have to. It looks like you can remove the three oil cooler nuts in situ and and slide the cooler away to change the seals, but it appears it will still overhang the upper edge of the filter flange and not allow removal. As far as the oil pressure sender (switch?) I assume you are referring to the unit on top of the case just behind the distributor. I will head to the shop and check it and report.

Thanks,

Daniel

[Superhawk996]

Thanks, for the response.

I know, there has to be some rust somewhere. Lets just say there are no holes I can find anywhere.

As far as dropping the engine, i have no issues doing it. I would just rather not if I don't have to. It looks like you can remove the three oil cooler nuts in situ and and slide the cooler away to change the seals, but it appears it will still overhang the upper edge of the filter flange and not allow removal. As far as the oil pressure sender (switch?) I assume you are referring to the unit on top of the case just behind the distributor. I will head to the shop and check it and report.

Thanks,

Daniel

Yes, the oil pressure swich.

There are most certainly people that have replaced the cooler and seals with the engine in the car.

However, dropping the engine makes it a much easier job and then allows you access for inspection of other things (leaks, mouse nests inside tin, etc.) and helps ensure that when you reinstall the oil cooler that the seals are in the proper position.

Once you've done a engine drop or two, it literally is a couple hours of work. Trying to remove fan housing tin, the fan housing, pulleys, etc. with engine in the car is more work in my opinion.

All mid engine cars (Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo, Fiat X/19's, etc.) are all more of less this way. Just easier to drop the engine.