Oil Leak Above Oil Filter on 5.3 Engine

[EddieC]

I seem to have an oil leak from above our '08 Tahoe 5.3 oil filter.
There is a housing or casting above that the filter screws into that has a closure plate with gasket on the outer edge.
Assuming the gasket is the problem does anyone know the name of that assembly so I can try to find a replacement gasket?

 

[mikez71]

Engine oil cooler block-off (bypass?) cover.

If that doesn't fix it, its probably oilpan gasket.

 

[Fless]

See if this link is informative:

Is this just an oil filter gasket leak or is there something else that would pool oil around the oil filter?

Developed a bit of an oil leak, some days I get a drop on the ground other days I do not. To me it looks like the oil filter gasket is the source of the leak, I don’t see any wetness above or next to the area. What do you think?

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[LsHart]

As said above. Oil filter cooler adapter relocation plate.

 

[EddieC]

As said above. Oil filter cooler adapter relocation plate.

Different looking gaskets. Does it matter which inner shape?

 

[SpareParts]

It does matter. You need to match the gasket to the part that bolts on.

 

[EddieC]

Thanks guys.
Right, I was referring to the Oil Cooler Block Off Plate. My seeping is definitely above the filter and has done it for a couple filter changes so I am confident it's not the filter.
Looks like another of those "Can't get there from here" things. The driveshaft yoke on the differential does a pretty good job of blocking hands. If the driveshaft could tilt out of the way it might b helpful but it has never been off so it might be inviting trouble messing with the bolts.

 

[SpareParts]

It can be done with the drive shaft in place. Tight but it is doable.

 

[EddieC]

It does matter. You need to match the gasket to the part that bolts on.

So all I have connected is a flat block off plate that bolts on, so the large oblong circumference gasket might do it?

The gaskets shown appear to have a raised seal which I assume would not need sealant.
The one with two holes in the middle looks like what RA calls GM Genuine that also has rubber seals arounf the bolt holes.

There is a FelPro paper or fiber gasket (attached picture) that I would assume would benefit from sealant.

 

[SpareParts]

Yes the open one is for a non oil cooler plate.

 

[SpareParts]

The best way i have found to keep a new one from leaking is to coat each side with a thin film of "The Right Stuff"

Amazon.com

 

[LsHart]

I just googled 08 5.3 oil cooler block off plate gasket. Then took a pic of what came up.

 

[LsHart]

I like using this.inplace of rtv.

 

[SpareParts]

I use that a lot also but i feel like that gasket needs something a little more substantial. Never had that gasket leak when i have used The Right Stuff.

 

[EddieC]

The best way i have found to keep a new one from leaking is to coat each side with a thin film of "The Right Stuff"

Amazon.com

Thanks,
I don't know The Right Stuff but there is some Three Bond and Hylomar on the shelf.

Edit: Saw The Right Stuff on Advance Auto Parts for $3.45 marked down from $34.99! Guess they are trying to move it.

 

[West 1]

The gasket shown in Post 9 is the right one for you and yes they have a bump pressed into the gasket around the sealing ports. When you tighten your bolts that crushes and gives you a seal. I have a couple that are hard to seal and kept leaking. Now when I do one I take 2 of the gaskets and use them, have the bumps opposing each other so it doubles the amount of crush. Then as Spare Parts already said coat them very lightly with The Right Stuff and install. It will never leak again.

Some guys buy the new thicker block off plate to cure this leak. You don't have to if you if you try the fix above. DO NOT USE EXCESS The Right Stuff, all you need is a thin film, any extra might form clumps that end up in your oiling system where they can cause trouble.

 

[LsHart]

I'm the type of guy that only uses RTV on must use situations. Like rear end covers or must use applications. If u clean the surface good and tighten it down properly, then u wouldn't need it. Factory doesn't use it!

 

[West 1]

But the Factory installation leaks on many of them I have worked. on?

I hate leaks and try and chase them down when I find them.

I always clean the gasket surfaces as well as I can and have tried both he steel shim gasket on this application and the fiber gasket and they still leaked until I modified my repair procedure. I never have purchased the aftermarket block off plate, that alone with a new gasket may fix these also. If they did not leak no company would tool up for that improved part.

 

[SpareParts]

I'm the type of guy that only uses RTV on must use situations. Like rear end covers or must use applications. If u clean the surface good and tighten it down properly, then u wouldn't need it. Factory doesn't use it!

So you never surface a block or head, you just depend on what the manufacturer did 200k miles ago?

 

[LsHart]

No sir! I'm just saying that when all engines are built or assembled, they don't use RTV. Maybe where head meets block or the lower timing cover hits the oil pan. When ur gasket leaks for the first time, u find a worn out gasket not a gasket covered in RTV. RTV is a gap filler. U must surface heads and block. U miss understood what I was saying.