Oil Cooler O-Ring Help

[jakewest209]

2002 wrx, stock everything

Ok, im ready to put in a new cooler o-ring, but I dont have a socket that fits the bolt/screw that is in the middle, anybody know what size I need to go and buy? also is there anything else i might need to know or any useful tips?

[psinuse]

I'm pretty sure it's a deep well 15/16" 6 point if I remember correctly...

[jakewest209]

OK, so i guess the o-ring wasnt the problem, its still leaking oil, dammit! i guess the next culprit is the cooler itself? or is there something else cheap i can try first? im not looking foward to this again, so if there is any info i can get my ears are open

[psinuse]

The last time the oil was changed did you replace the copper o ring on the bolt? Honestly try cleaning everything off the bottom really good, then let the car sit over night with a piece of cardboard under it. That will help you zero in on where the leak is coming from.

[jakewest209]

no i havent changed the copper o-ring, how would that cause it to leak since the bolt is internal within the cooler and the filter? and the only time it seems to leak is when i drive the car around, at idle or when the engine is off it doesnt leak at all. Im guessing it's the increase of pressure as the car is being driven??? This all started after a simple oil/filter change too, which seems so odd to me.

[psinuse]

No the copper o ring around the bolt on the oil pan...I bet that's where it's coming from.

[jakewest209]

dont think so, the oil is coming straight down onto the filter itself, the drain bolt isnt leaking at all, already checked that
good thought though

[psinuse]

Hmmmmm well poop. It's late, but tomorrow I will look on the motor I am building and see if I might have any other ideas...

[pzr2874]

And you checked the lines above the filter?

Degrease everything underneath and start it when under the car.

[jakewest209]

did you ever get a chance to look at your motor? ts been raining pretty much nonstop here, so i havent had a chance to get anything done on my part. i need a garage, haha

[psinuse]

I know this my sound like a bad idea, but undo your oil filter and see if you have it on right...make sure to wipe oil on the rubber seal ring at the top...

[jakewest209]

well. i resorted to taking the car into a mechanic i trust, but still i hate doing so... he looked it over, and only found that it seems to be leaking only from the filter.... this is the 3rd filter that has been put on (since the leak) and i have changed many a filter in my day and never had a problem like this. so my thoughts are maybe i need to get an actual "subaru" filter as a last (cheap) try? my only other thought is maybe there is a small crack or something in the cooler itself at the bottom???

[pzr2874]

Suby filters are your best bet for oil changes anyways.

[jakewest209]

but do you think a non-suby filter could cause an oil leaking problem??? the mechanic i took it too even put another filter on... still leaking...

[pzr2874]

Unless someone put on the incorrect filter (previous owner) I wouldn't think so.

What did the mechanic say?