Oil filter can leaking. 3-litre.

[djm16]

Now that the greater part of the engine oil leak has been curtailed by using a closed-cell foam sump gasket, I can now distinguish other mere trickles. One of them is from the base of the oil filter can. You may remember that unlike early P4 models, the base of the can is sealed and a threaded centre post attaches to a bolt on top of the oil filter housing to pull the can against a seal.

Does anyone know if this can comes apart?

Before anyone says "it is leaking from the O-ring at the top", no it isn't. The outside of the can is dry whereas the case of the can has a drip of oil coming from it.

I have to change the oil tomorrow, and it would be nice to get one tiny irritation fixed.

[djm16]

It is not unusual for me to answer my own questions!

The oil filter canister is not meant to come apart. The end cap with central pipe attached is just soft soldered to the bottom of the canister. How do I know? Because it fell apart with only a little encouragement.

Repairing it effectively would have meant brazing it. a) I don't have oxy, and a plumbers torch would not get it hot enough and b) it would spoil the powder coating.

So it is together again with silicon sealant. Not ideal, but at least it is not leaking. At some point I may be able to source another one.