93 camry v6 oil filter adapter leak

[brian long]

Hello, I have a 3VZFE in my 93 Camry, and it has a bad oil leak where the oil filter adapter meets the block. I have read that the front exhaust pipe does not need to be disconnected/moved to get the adapter off.

I can't even get a box end wrench over the stud that is closest to the pipe, which makes me think I'll never get the housing off the stud.

Considering cutting the last 1/2" of the stud, but what a tight spot to work in!

I may luck out and an open end wrench will break the nut loose.

Has anyone done this on a 93 V6 to know if the housing will clear the exhaust pipe and stud to remove it? Thank you

[BMR]

I've done it. I didn't see a way to get that nut off without disconnecting the front pipe from the exhaust manifold. It flexes enough that you don't need to disassemble the exhaust any more than that. Also, as you said, getting the adaptor off looked impossible without taking apart that joint.

FYI: There's a gasket at that joint; save yourself the headache of doing the job twice and install a new one when you put it back together. They're about $5. Nothing makes a good car sound like a POS like an exhaust leak.