​Oil Filter Housing Replacement Costs: Everything You Need to Know

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The oil filter is key to keeping your oil supply clean. But what about the oil filter housing? This small part keeps the oil filter mounted in place, but it isn’t foolproof. It can form a leak due to a blown gasket or crack due to excess fuel pressure. You’ll need to replace the filter housing in this case, but what does the job entail? Use this guide to learn how to replace your oil filter housing to keep the oil flowing.

What Is the Oil Filter Housing?

The oil filter housing is a small piece of metal that secures the oil filter in place. It is usually made from cast aluminum or iron. You will find the housing underneath or next to the oil filter on most diesel engines. There is also a gasket in between the engine assembly and the oil filter housing. Open up the hood and locate this part using the information in your owner’s manual. Check for leaks, cracks, or warping on the surface of the housing.

What Causes the Oil Filter Housing to Go Bad?

Oil leaks are usually the first sign that something is wrong with the oil system. This can lead to smoke coming out of the exhaust or under the hood as the engine burns off the excess oil. If there is an oil leak, that usually means there is something wrong with the gasket next to the housing, not the oil filter housing itself.

Low oil pressure can also be a red flag. This is usually caused by oil leaking into the engine. If the oil pressure is lower than usual, there could also be a problem with the high-pressure oil pump (HPOP), which sends oil to the various components of the engine. Replace the HPOP if oil pressure remains low after replacing the oil filter housing. Test the various components of your engine’s oil system if the problem persists and shop for replacement oil system components online to save money on parts. The low oil pressure will reduce fuel efficiency. The diesel fuel injectors need a steady supply of high-pressure oil to fire. Use the best fuel injector cleaners to keep injectors clean.

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How to Replace the Oil Filter Housing

If the oil filter housing turns out to be the culprit, follow these steps to have it replaced:

1. Locate the oil filter housing.
2. Drain all the oil from the engine by emptying it into an oil pan.
3. Remove the oil filter housing by unbolting it from the mounting location. The vehicle may have to be lifted to access the part. Other oil parts may have to be removed as well so you have enough room to take out the housing.
4. Put a new oil filter housing in place. Bolt it in the same location as the old one and test it to make sure it is securely in place.
5. Add all removed parts back in their proper place and lower the car if necessary.
6. Refill the oil tank with high-quality oil and run the engine to make sure the leak has been fixed.
7. Remember to inspect and replace the oil filter gasket before replacing the oil filter housing. If the entire housing needs to be replaced, change out the oil filter as well to prevent any future issues.

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If you fail to replace the housing component when there is a leak, you risk damaging the other components of your engine. There will be less oil circulating in the engine, which means less lubrication for the fuel injectors and the rest of the parts. This could lead to the engine overheating or misfiring as well as poor fuel efficiency.

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How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Oil Filter Housing?

Replacing the oil filter housing will cost anywhere from $171 to $655 depending on the type of vehicle. The larger the make and model, the more expensive it will be. You can save money by shopping for replacement parts online. Shop around to find the best price on parts and repairs. Use these tips to maintain your engine’s oil system to keep the engine in peak form.