3.6L plastic oil filter housing problems?

[PhillyBoiP]

anyone have the notorious oil filter housing crack? looking to see if it's true and what causes it? over torquing when doing filter changes?

I always torque mine down when doing oil changes but wondering if I should have a shop near me swap it to the aluminum housing and if so what brand? couple different option out there.

 

[MboyRam]

Last week my daughter’s cracked they replaced it with aluminum housing one.
The guy told me this is normal for the plastic ones, they crack.
Did not ask if it was from over torquing.

I am sure others on here will have better answers / information.

 

[specs]

Philly, don't think I'd rush out and have it swapped if there's no evidence of it being cracked/leaking oil. From what I've read damage is primarily caused from over tightening filter cap, causing a crack in the housing itself. Discovered this on my previous Ram 1500 (2015 SLT 3.6) after purchasing it in 2017, replaced it myself with OEM part and it was fine until I sold that truck in early 2024....always paying attention to not overtightening cap (18 ft/lb) at oil change intervals! If this is ever a problem on my current truck, I'd definitely take a look at the Dorman product.

Usually shows up as oil making it's way over the back edge of engine after accumulating in the valley between cylinder heads, and running down the bellhousing of the transmission. If you aren't noticing this, and want some extra peace of mind, take a light and shine down into the recesses below the filter housing and you'll be able to tell if you have any unwanted oil there.

Al

 

[Cbty2050]

No reason to swap it unless it is leaking. The aluminum ones leak too, so many lube shops over tighten the filter cap, the gaskets can start to leak. Most of the plastic cooler/filter housing leaks are from the gasket/seals.

 

[PhillyBoiP]

No reason to swap it unless it is leaking. The aluminum ones leak too, so many lube shops over tighten the filter cap, the gaskets can start to leak. Most of the plastic cooler/filter housing leaks are from the gasket/seals.

how tight are they doing it to crack an aluminum housing??? Thats why I do everything myself, cant trust most shops now adays.

 

[Scram1500]

I just tighten the filter housing until it bottoms out, then back it off a quarter turn. Never had a leak on any of my in-laws multiple 3.6 mini vans/pacifica. The seated O-ring does all the work. It threads on easy then suddenly stops, some people just keep going I guess.

 

[Cbty2050]

how tight are they doing it to crack an aluminum housing??? Thats why I do everything myself, cant trust most shops now adays.

Most of these oil cooler/housing leaks are not cracks, it is the seals leaking. Under warranty the seals have to be replaced and retest for leaks. I

 

[Nstoolman1]

I am a victim of the oil cooler leaking. Got word this morning that it will be covered under my extended warrant minus $100. I am also going to have them put in new plugs, a PCV valve and tranny service. Truck has 70,000 + on it. Did not notice anything till I pulled into the daughters drive way. Went to back out and there was a large oil mess on the drive. Called the tow service and they took it to the dealer. The service guy said underneath looked like a jugular vein had been cut. They are going to pressure wash underneath a few times to clean it but he he said it may have a few drips for a while.

 

[Nstoolman1]

Got my truck back and all was covered under my extended warranty coverage. The dealer treated me great.

 

[SpikeMike]

My truck is at the dealers shop for this right now. Its covered under my extended warranty, but its been in the dealers shop for 2 weeks and wont be ready until at least next week. Really frustrating.

 

[Nstoolman1]

Mine was in and out in 3 days. I am sorry for your time lost.

 

[RAM2019tiny]

Most of these oil cooler/housing leaks are not cracks, it is the seals leaking. Under warranty the seals have to be replaced and retest for leaks. I

Thanks in advance. This is my first issue with new (used purchase for me) 2019 RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman - HEMI 5.7L V8. 80K - and it sounds like the Valvoline guys mentioned to me this same issue that several folks here are posting about too! (@Nstoolman1, @SpikeMike - How much $$ fix run you?, @PhillyBoiP, @MboyRam )
Wondering if anyone can confirm these symptoms below point to same oil filter housing crack issue?
Also - below, Does mechanic assess/ parts list, look like fixing the issue?
Thanks for any help.

Recently started seeing consistent leaking light oil-colored droplets - not green, under the front engine area, suspected by Valvoline Team (they looked under neath and confirmed substance all over) to be linked to a known extreme cold Mopar engine coolant system part failure / cold weather crack?. Valvoline didn't confirm oil leak or under engine area covered in substance. I checked oil later - not low.
Took to independent mechanic - here are results:
March Mechanic Assess= $1400.00
-Remove upper engine intake manifolds and replace oil filter housing and spark plugs
- Gasket set / 6 Champion Spark Plugs, Iridium Spark plug /Mopar w/o sensor Engine Oil Filter Housing / Antifreeze 50/50

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Dorman sells the Aluminum version and known issue with overtightening and seal leaks. My Grand Cherokee I replaced while I was in there doing the sparks plugs because I wasn't tearing it down again LOL