Project M54 Engine: Oil Filter Housing

Oil filter housing

Links to other parts of the project
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=899347

Lets look at the filter cover that you would be removing when changing the filter.
Nothing too special here, but what's important to see is where the oil flows. From the pump it flows in the holes at the bottom of the shaft, and up through the middle of the shaft and out the top. It then flows through the filter from outside to inside, and then back along the outside of the shaft to the engine.

Update: The thing to note here is the importance of the O Rings on the shaft. If they fail, they will allow oil to go straight back to the sump rather than into the oil gallery. They need to be replaced regularly.





Normally the only reason to remove the housing itself is because the gasket is leaking. It is pretty normal for the gasket to start leaking after a few years. It's a relatively simple fix, but takes a bit of time. The gasket itself costs peanuts. If either of the oil temp, or oil pressure sensors need replacing, just remove the alternator, and then replace the sensor required.

There are other DIYs posted that explain well what to do.

In a nutshell the process is:

1. Remove the fan (auto tx)
2. Remove the ribbed belts.
3. Remove the alternator.
4. Unbolt the power steering pump and move it to the side
5. Unbolt the power steering fluid reservoir and move it to the side.
6. Disconnect the banjo bolt connected to the housing.
7. Disconnect connectors for the oil temp and pressure sensors.
8. Unbolt the oil filter housing. The housing will still be stuck to the block, held there by two dowels that are used to align the housing to the block when you install it. Give it a gentle tap with a rubber mallet to get it off.

Installation is the reverse. Note the oil does not need to be drained from the engine to do this job.

Here are some pictures to show you what everything looks like and some of the components.

WOW, very nice!!!

I am really enjoying all of these these, great job, what is the little round spring loaded check valve? Is that the pressure relief? I have never seen it referenced anywhere.
Darrell

I can't tell you what the spring loaded valve is. I tried to get out the workings of the filter bypass valve, but it is put on with about 1000 Nm of torque, and I couldn't get it off. It was obvious that the spring loaded valve goes into the back of the filter bypass, and my guess is that it has something to do with that. Beyond that, I have no idea.

wow a very informative post! thanks for the contribution

Awesome. Extraordinary!!

Beautiful pics.


DIY for OFHG should have torque values for reinstall.