When I said oversized Wix filters don't fit everyone thought I was crazy, so I thought maybe I was, nope. I've tried Wix 51085, Wix 51515, and a Carquest R85085. I took off a Prime Guard POF 195 that a shop put on 3 years ago (less than 1k miles) then tried to fit all of those filters and had to settle for an ACDelco PF53. The filters hit the block before they can thread properly. Anyone else had this issue? How does this even happen, I'm assuming the oil filter adapter is crooked, but I have no idea how that happens.
Yellow=filter hitting block
Blue=slanted filter adapter

I have used nothing but Wix 51515 for years. I buy them by the 12 pack on Amazon. Never a problem. I'm guessing your oil filter adaptor is pointing the wrong direction or something like that.


Er, maybe, I dunno. Maybe you're just weird!

That's what I'm thinking, you think that's something that can be corrected when I replace the adapter seals? I sure don't wanna live with ACDelco filters.

There is a dowl pin on the block that fits into a hole in the adapter to keep it in the proper position. If it's not in the hole the adapter can't sit flush. Could be an issue with it.

Thank you, I'll be sure to investigate when I do the seals.

Have I read (on this forum) some people permanently remove the adaptor somehow ?

It is a weird problem, as I use a filter from a 4.0 Barra Ford engine, (one of the most common engines in older Oz cars)

the filter is about twice the size of an XJ filter, and less expensive, most Oz XJ owners fit them, no clearance issues at all

Can you take a picture from the top looking down at your oil filter? So we can see your oil filter adapter position, it is hard to see from the pictures you posted.

Eliminating the adapter is inviting disaster. Easy to puncture from engine movement.

Yeah, What a weirdo!!!!! Hahaha...

I use an oversized (longer) and have no problems... But I'm curious of the outcome in case I run into the issue one day...

Yeah, could be missing, in which case the adapter could be in any direction.

The Jeep is too high to get a good picture from above right now but it should be coming off jackstands today so I'll get a picture and post it then.

Yes, it looks like the adapter to facing forward 180* out of alignment. If someone tried screwing a filter directly into the block, that roll pin had to be removed, probably not replaced. That pin was put in so the weight of the filter doesn't cause it to unscrew the adapter bolt. I think I saw a picture where someone had the filter pointing straight up.

Any of these help?

I don't know if there are different oil filter adapters for the 4.0L engine but yours doesn't look like the one on my '96. Yours is closer to the engine block than mine is. I can grip all the way around my filter (NAPA 1515) without my hand touching the block.
This isn't mine but the same:

Dang, I didnt pick that up, and have 3 x '96 and pretty sure ur correct..its ****-pouring down with rain, so I aint gonna check or measure atm

@OP, a couple of measurements, length of boss on block and adaptor