It looks like I have a pretty massive leak from around the oil filter adapter.

I've read online where some have just removed the oil filter adapter, and gone to using a different size filter, screwed straight to the engine.

Is there any downside?

 

Only downside I've heard is that there's chance the filter can get crushed against the "frame". Not sure if you need to use a smaller filter but that would be a negative right there.

 

Tight space and oil gets on the block when you remove it.

 

Agreed. I've see posted it can hit the frame. No personal experience though.

Here's a couple of links about the O rings

> OIL FILTER ADAPRER O RINGS http://www.myjeepxj.com/cherokee-rep...filter-adapter And a link with torx.. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/oi...o-ring-127359/

 

The O-Ring is very easy to replace and cheap plus they last a long time.

 

I deleted it 10k miles ago. Its my daily driver and the smaller filter is the same part number as the wife's Pacifica.

Yes it is a bit messy when changing it out but so is changing out the stock filter.

 

My cat already came with the oil filter adapter removed. I haven't had any problems yet and I just use a Toyota 22re motor size oil filter