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