Acura says that the oil filter on some 2014 MDX trucks may leak or be extremely difficult to remove. One likely cause, the car maker said, is that the filter was cross-threaded to the oil feed pipe by a dealer or repair shop after an oil change.
Replacing the feed pipe, part No. 90015-PH1-013, is the only remedy.
Begin the job by getting the truck on a lift and removing the engine splash shield. Now, try to remove the filter.
Either the filter will come out with the feed pipe attached or the filter will come out alone, with much difficulty.
If the filter comes out alone, grab a Vise Grip out of your tool box, lock it securely around the feed pipe threads and remove the pipe from the engine block.
To install the new oil feed pipe get two 20 x 1.5 millimeter jam nuts, part No. 90326A145. Now install both jam nuts onto the feed pipe, as shown in the illustration, and lock them together using a 30 millimeter wrench and socket.
Apply a little engine oil to the threads of the new pipe, then install it into the block and tighten to 26 ft.-lbs.
To complete the fix, remove the jam nuts, install a new oil filter, fill the crankcase with oil, start the engine and check for leaks.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].