C1 Oil Filter Cannister Question

[coves4me]

Howdy!! When I purchased my 62 C1, it had a spin-on filter adaptor and filter. I wanted to convert to the original canister so I removed the adaptor and bolts, added a new oil filter bypass adaptor, a new carefully installed O-ring gasket, new PF-141 oil filter and a new oil filter canister I purchased from Corvette America. After filling the canister 3/4 full, I tightened the center bolt until the canister was snug against the gasket all around and then tightened it tight so that it would not spin. Before starting the engine for the first time after a tune-up and carb rebuild, I spun the starter to pre-lube the engine top end and internals. Immediately, the filter canister began leaking at the center bolt. About 3 to 4 tablespoonfuls of oil dripped for a period of about 2 hours with the engine not yet started. As I had to go out of town for a week on business, I left the car on the lift as is. After a weeks absence, about 3/4 to 1 cup of oil was in the pan underneath the canister. Huh? What gives? Anybody ever run into this problem? What am I doing wrong on the install? Is this just a bad canister? Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[SebringBill]

There may be a gasket at the center bolt that's missing. Since my 57 has a 65 block it has the same PF141 canister - but it's not a repro - and since it's doing its job at the moment I can't tell you for sure. I'll try to look next time I change oil.

 

[JohnZ]

I've had five or six Corvettes with canister filters, and have never had one leak; there's supposed to be a soft copper washer between the bottom of the bolt head and the canister surface to seal it - if it's missing or damaged, it'll leak. 25 ft-lbs. should seal it with no problem, tighter than that will usually damage the copper washer. LICS has a repair kit with a new seal and washer for about ten bucks.

 

[coves4me]

Thanks John Z!! I was impressed with Paragon's reply when I mentioned this problem to them. They have offered to rebuild it for about $20 and $20 labor. I don't believe it came from there, but they were good enough to help. I'll look up Long Island and see if that washer kit will work. Thanks for the tip.