90 degree oil filter adapter

[imean340]

Im getting a leak from there (around the big gasket) and I can't figure out why. I never had a leak with the old gasket (the old one I put on 5 years ago when I build the motor, it actually incorporated a ring in the middle so the bolt went through and assured it was lined up correctly, the new one I bought from Mopar performance wasn't like this). I kept tightening the bolt down a slight bit more every day to see if it helped, and it did but im finally at the point where I don't want to go any tighter and it still leaks a little seemingly only at WOT. Why can't I just use a little RTV on each side of the big gasket surface? Im worried there may be a few small nicks or scratches on the metal causing the leak and some RTV would fill it in nicely. I've heard not to use any but I don't know why though. Any advice?

[71chally416]

I have no idea why you can't use silicone on the adapter.  I'm sure I have it on mine. You can get new gaskets at Mancini.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mopoilfilads.html

[MEK-Dangerfield]

RTV is fine. You just can't use it around any gasoline gasket.

[imean340]

Sweet, I couldn't figure our why I couldn't use RTV for the life of me although more than one person has told me not to use it. Screw em LOL im going for it....no reason I can see not to and you all seem to agree. Thanks!

[LAA66]

 It's been quite a while but I seem to recall a gasket on both sides of the center bolt. Could it be leaking from there?

[mickey]

yes two gaskets on  both sides of centre bolt ,the cork type to block and inside adapter, and paper type to bolt and outside adapter and of course the larger for adapter to block. I had same problem tighten a little at a time and eventually stopped.

[Aussie Challenger]

  There was a thread on this about those gaskets some time back, Chryco will probably see this and give the definitive answer.
 Warning about using RTV or should I say tooo much, only a smear and make sure that it doesn't balloon out into the oil passage, bits break off and end blocking bearings etc., found several engines with RTV blocking oil hole on main bearing passage and fried bearings/crank.      

[71chally416]

  I should have mentioned this. When I use silicone but I put it on with my fingers to just coat gaskets lightly so I don't find strings of it laying in the motor that squeezed out from using too much.

As Chryco says, it can end up blocking oil passages or even get stuck in the oil pickup tube. A 1/4" thick bead of it is too much for ANY gasket, unless you're using it to MAKE the gasket, like on the ends of a small block Intake. It's also expensive stuff, so it makes no sense to use more than you need to fill the small imperfections in castings where you can get leaks.     

[ChallengerHK]

I had te same problem. I put a thin film of RTV around it and problem solved.

[rusty70cuda]

I am fixin to put a 318 in my 69 charger. (cuda isn't ready yet) I will be using headers and hence the need for an adapter. I bought the steel adapter off ebag for about 35$ and a new gasket set for 7.50$ shipped. What were theses adapters on originally? thanks for the Great Site. LOve the Tech. Stephen in Barnesville Georgia

[Alaskan_TA]

The adapters were used on small blocks over several years, including 273, 318  & 340 engines. I do not recall seing an original 360 with one. There may be some applications where they were not used as well.

I think I have an extra one here. If anyone needs one I can try & find it.

[imean340]

Thanks guys, if I used RTV i'd only use a tiny bit as im sure as Aussie mentioned it could really become a problem. I'd really only need enough to fill in the little nicks and scratches on the surface, probably just a little tiny film thin enough you could see through, that's all.

But I did crank it down maybe another 1/8th - 1/4 of a turn. Im sure its on way tighter than it should be, I use a pipe on the ratchet to turn it but it's hard to tell how tight it really is because im using a long, flimsy extension. I beat the holy hell out of the car the other day, last I looked under it was dry but im going to jack it up later and really get my head in there to see. Im hoping maybe that worked....this is surely as tight as im going to get it so if this doesn't work, it's RTV time.