Sponsored

Is the OE filter housing prone to failing?

XraytecH

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bernie
Joined
Jan 14, 2021
Threads
170
Messages
1,523
Reaction score
2,102
Location
South San Francisco
Vehicle(s)
2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport
Occupation
Xraytech
Vehicle Showcase
1
Saw this come up on my FaceBook feed.

Is the OE filter housing that prone to failing?

Jeep Gladiator Is the OE filter housing prone to failing? 9284B804-A6BC-4602-9ABF-9E29C7247B4D

Jeep Gladiator Is the OE filter housing prone to failing? FE6DCA56-D273-4EC3-BB81-FFECDD5D4986

Jeep Gladiator Is the OE filter housing prone to failing? E928CC09-FAE0-4E86-A07B-BFE6AF20D219
Sponsored

 

Mac

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2017
Threads
33
Messages
2,156
Reaction score
2,301
Location
MA
Vehicle(s)
2020 JT Hydro Blue Max Tow
It is plastic so if you crank it down too hard it can break, I have had 3 Pentastar engines and never had an issue, I always put grease on the threads when I replace the O-ring and then just snug it down with a 3/8” ratchet.
 

jac04

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jeff
Joined
Apr 20, 2021
Threads
25
Messages
1,224
Reaction score
1,736
Location
CT
Vehicle(s)
2021 Mojave, 2014 JKRX SWB
They are prone to leaking on the JK 3.6. Some say they crack due to over-tightening the filter cap, some say the o-rings start to leak. I have done every oil change on my 2014 JK and I use 120 in-lbs torque on the filter cap instead of the 18 ft-lbs specified. When I replaced my cooler because my coolant temp sensor failed, all the attachment bolts were barely tighter than hand-tight, and some of the o-rings had some very light seepage. Not a failure, but I can see how eventually it could start to leak.

Anyhow, the 3.6 in the JT/JL has a different part number oil filter/cooler housing than the JK 3.6, so I don't know if they will suffer the same fate as the JK.
 

whiteglad

Well-Known Member
First Name
Joe
Joined
Feb 12, 2020
Threads
13
Messages
1,149
Reaction score
1,003
Location
Vegas
Vehicle(s)
2022 Gladiator Mojave
The issue was first reported on another forum way back in 2014:

2014 cracked oil cooler housings - looks like a serious issue | Page 118 | Jeep Wrangler Forum

but seems to be mostly for early pentastars and is partly the early material o-rings between the housing and the engine block.
As above, I lightly grease the threads and o-ring of the cap, and don't tighten it a lot, not to the full 18 ft-lb. I also use a 6-point 15/16" socket.
The oem part number has been revised around 6 times so is hopefully pretty rugged by now, I haven't had any issue with two 2015s, 1=2017, 1-2019, 1-2020 pentastar.
 

TroutFishingInAmerica

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2020
Threads
18
Messages
759
Reaction score
1,215
Location
The Great Pacific Northwest
Vehicle(s)
Mojave
I have a extra housing I carry in the Jeep just in case. It was recommended by a buddy of mine to have a extra one. 3 oil changes and it looks just fine, doesn't hurt to have a backup though.
 

Sponsored

oldhp3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
102
Reaction score
135
Location
Southern Illinois
Vehicle(s)
2021 Galdiator 80th Anniversary
Occupation
Retired
The O-ring on the cap is what holds the cap from unscrewing. I painted a mark on the cap and housing. I screw the cap back on to the mark. You don't torque plastic. Dumbest thing I've ever heard of.
 

cecaa850

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2020
Threads
3
Messages
702
Reaction score
565
Location
South East TX.
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator 2019 Porsche Macan S 2018 BMW M2
Biggest problem is an oil leak at the base which can be repaired with an o ring kit but most just replace the entire thing.
 

KevinC

Well-Known Member
First Name
Kevin
Joined
Feb 6, 2021
Threads
15
Messages
472
Reaction score
844
Location
Central Florida
Vehicle(s)
2023 JT Mojave Sarge
Occupation
Gunsmith
The Dorman kit is good insurance if you are concerned. They make good products.

I personally read all the issues on the JK before I bought my 2013 JK and made sure to never over tighten the cap. Never had a problem.

KevinC
 

Benbean66

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ben
Joined
Apr 29, 2019
Threads
13
Messages
1,207
Reaction score
1,748
Location
PA
Vehicle(s)
1973 Honda CB350, '88 RHD YJ, '88 YJ, 2020 JT Spor
Occupation
Railroad Equipment Operator
Vehicle Showcase
1
I developed an oil leak near my rear main and when I took it in to the dealer to have it looked at, the first thing the service advisor did was open the hood and look on top of the engine to see if the oil cooler/filter housing was cracked/leaking. He said these engines are known for that to happen to them. Mine was not, so they ordered a rear main seal kit, and I have yet to schedule the repair.
 

Sponsored

ShadowsPapa

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Oct 12, 2019
Threads
178
Messages
29,091
Reaction score
34,572
Location
Runnells, Iowa
Vehicle(s)
'22 JTO, '23 JLU, '82 SX4, '73 P. Cardin Javelin
Occupation
Retired auto mechanic, frmr gov't ntwrk security admin
Vehicle Showcase
3
Never had a 3.6 that leaked - and we've had a few.
 

Hootbro

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2019
Threads
33
Messages
6,226
Reaction score
10,313
Location
Delaware
Vehicle(s)
2022 Gladiator Rubicon

ShadowsPapa

Well-Known Member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Oct 12, 2019
Threads
178
Messages
29,091
Reaction score
34,572
Location
Runnells, Iowa
Vehicle(s)
'22 JTO, '23 JLU, '82 SX4, '73 P. Cardin Javelin
Occupation
Retired auto mechanic, frmr gov't ntwrk security admin
Vehicle Showcase
3
That article was written for the oil change monkeys to feel better about themselves and have a mental out that it is not their fault when it is their fault.
I laugh - but then know there's likely a bit of truth to your statement. Like the plastic valve covers AMC used on the 258 in the early 80s - snug is good, tight is better. CRACK, BULGE, oops. Well, it's those damned cheap valve covers.
The problem is I saw a survivor Eagle wagon last weekend - ALL ORIGINAL 100% and it had the plastic valve cover, not leaking.
 

Hootbro

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2019
Threads
33
Messages
6,226
Reaction score
10,313
Location
Delaware
Vehicle(s)
2022 Gladiator Rubicon
I laugh - but then know there's likely a bit of truth to your statement. Like the plastic valve covers AMC used on the 258 in the early 80s - snug is good, tight is better. CRACK, BULGE, oops. Well, it's those damned cheap valve covers.
The problem is I saw a survivor Eagle wagon last weekend - ALL ORIGINAL 100% and it had the plastic valve cover, not leaking.
I will be the first to admit the design could be better. That being said, I have been observing various threads mainly in the Wrangler forums on the so called leaking problems with the Pentastar and the plastic filter house.

Invariably most common threads complaining about a leak of the oil filter/cooler housing had a more common denominator of having their oil changed at the dealer and/or quickie lube place. Very little complaints of those that changed their own oil and actually follow the correct cap torque spec and not German Torque it.

The design to 2013 and prior was less forgiving and when the 2014+ redesign came into production, oil leak complaints went way down even for those who still had it done at the dealership or oil lube places.

It's a anecdotal observation but noticeable one at that.
 

jac04

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jeff
Joined
Apr 20, 2021
Threads
25
Messages
1,224
Reaction score
1,736
Location
CT
Vehicle(s)
2021 Mojave, 2014 JKRX SWB
So, are there widespread reports of oil filter housing leaks on the JT (or JL)? I know this is a fairly common issue on the JK, but the 3.6 in the JT/JL has a different part number oil filter/cooler housing than the JK 3.6.
Sponsored

 
 



Top