After thoroughly researching best options for oil and filters for my 5.7L Crew, I chose Mobil 1 EP 5W-30 and the Mobil 1 oil filter. After fighting the factory installed filter off with a screw driver through it (another story) I put on the Mobil 1 filter, test drove around the block, pulled back into the garage and the next morning found a fair sized puddle under the front. Started it up and took a look and saw the filter was slowly leaking. Pulled it off and found out the factory filter was still stuck on (my fault). I removed it, re-installed the new filter and only hand tightened. Snugged it on then gave another 1/2 turn.

Now this morning I'm noticing a small leak on the garage again, but much smaller, and in an altogether different spot on the floor. Any suggestions? My wife keeps nagging to just take it to the dealer for the oil changes, but I want to run the synthetic and the non-Mopar filter.

 

Auto supply store sells a cap that fits over the oil filter. The cap is compatible with a socket wrench. Makes it very easy to remove the filter.



The leaking oil may have run off of an exhaust pipe, framing etc. and collected at a different location on the garage floor.

 

The old seal that was stuck may have damaged the seal on the new filter.

One thing though, for the MDS to operate properly you have to run 5w-20. 5w-30 will slow down the operation.

The dealership (in Rapid City anyway) uses Mobil 1 for all my oil changes under the Maintenance Plus package at no charge.

 

Running your finger with a coat of oil around the oil filter O-Ring before installing helps to prevent it from sticking to the block.

 

The original oil leak (mess) may have got oil over all the under carriage parts and may now be dripping on the floor. idk.. a thought

 

Thanks all for the responses. I know about putting a bead of oil on the new o-ring and definitely do that. The cap looks like a great option for the next oil change. Interesting about the 5W-20 for MDS (I assume multi-displacement system). I wanted a slightly heavier oil than what's recommended as I understand most manufacturers recommend it because of the mileage ratings - thinner oil helps with improved fuel efficiency. ??

Either way, think I am OK as I have not seen any more drips or puddles. I'm guessing it was excess run off from the protective cover when I was horsing the original filter off and oil was dripping everywhere, as marine 142 suggested. I think I even swallowed some during that wrestling match!

I will check with the dealer to see if they offer the Mobil 1 and let them mess with it next time! Thanks again for the insights.

 

+1 ZCR1, good catch.

OP, I would consider it "warranty critical" that you get the wrong oil out, replace with the right oil and use a new filter in case there was any hidden damage to the old one.

What exactly does, "Pulled it (the new filter) off and found out the factory filter was still stuck on" mean?

IndyDurango

 

in this case i can't even say "should've taken to a shop" because i have had them screw up my oil changes in the past lol.. be glad you caught it in time and next time you know what to look for. As for the "2nd" leak, you need to get a can of brake cleaner and soak the hell out the area on the durango that had oil leaking on it and then you can assess the filter's integrity. it may have been too loose, oil from the first screw up, etc. that's how i would narrow it down.

 

The factory filter is always the tightest thing on earth! Your first oil change is free. I would let the dealer do it at least once anyway to let them struggle with the factory installed filter. After that you'll have a much easier time.

And while I used to change my own oil all the time, considering what a pain it usually is on these new engines, 30-40 dollars is well worth saving me the pain in my **** and the scraped knuckles.

 

+1 JRRF.

Back in the day, Wifey had a Dodge Neon and that first factory filter was nearly impossible to get off. What a PITA.

IndyD