2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus Oil Filter Housing Upgrade (Plastic to Aluminum) in Nashville, TN – Real Mobile Mechanic Experience
Recently, I completed an oil filter housing replacement and upgrade on a 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus in Nashville, Tennessee. Instead of installing another plastic housing, the customer chose to upgrade to a more durable aluminum oil filter housing assembly.
This repair is becoming increasingly common on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 because the original plastic oil filter housing is known to develop cracks over time, leading to engine oil leaks.
Customer's Concern
The customer contacted Mobile Mechanic Co because they had noticed:
Engine oil leaking underneath the vehicle
Burning oil smell after driving
Oil collecting around the top of the engine
Concern about the leak becoming worse over time
Oil leaks can start small but often become more severe if left unrepaired, especially when oil begins dripping onto hot engine components.
On-Site Diagnosis in Nashville, TN
After inspecting the vehicle, I confirmed the source of the leak was the factory plastic oil filter housing assembly.
On the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus (3.6L Pentastar V6), the original plastic housing is located in the engine valley between the cylinder heads. Over years of repeated heating and cooling cycles, the plastic can:
Develop small cracks
Warp around the sealing surfaces
Leak engine oil
Occasionally leak coolant, depending on where the housing fails
Because the leak was coming directly from the housing assembly, replacing the entire unit was the most reliable long-term repair.
Why Upgrade to an Aluminum Oil Filter Housing?
Rather than installing another plastic housing, the customer chose an aluminum replacement housing.
Benefits of the aluminum upgrade include:
Greater resistance to heat
Reduced chance of cracking
Improved long-term durability
Better reliability compared to the original plastic design
This upgrade has become a popular solution among owners of vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine.
The Repair
For this repair, I:
Removed the leaking plastic oil filter housing assembly
Cleaned all oil-contaminated sealing surfaces
Installed a new aluminum oil filter housing assembly
Installed new seals and gaskets
Refilled engine fluids as needed
Verified there were no remaining oil leaks
Performed a final inspection after the engine reached operating temperature
Once completed:
✅ Oil leak eliminated
✅ Engine remained clean and dry
✅ Burning oil smell resolved
✅ Durable aluminum housing installed for improved long-term reliability
Common Signs of a Failing Oil Filter Housing
A leaking oil filter housing often produces symptoms such as:
Oil leaking underneath the vehicle
Burning oil smell
Oil pooling on top of the engine
Low engine oil level
Smoke from the engine compartment in severe cases
Ignoring an oil leak can eventually lead to:
Low engine oil level
Damage to nearby components
Increased repair costs
Potential engine damage if oil becomes critically low
Common Problems on the 2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus (3.6L Pentastar)
While servicing Dodge Challenger models equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine, these are some repairs I commonly perform:
Oil filter housing leaks (plastic housing failures)
Oil cooler housing replacement
Spark plug replacement
Ignition coil replacement
Thermostat and cooling system repairs
Alternator replacement
Brake pad and rotor replacement
Suspension component replacement
Battery and starter replacement
Routine inspections can catch these common issues before they become larger repairs.
Mobile Mechanic Service in Nashville, TN
For this repair, the customer avoided the inconvenience of taking the vehicle to a repair shop. The oil filter housing upgrade was completed right at their location in Nashville.
That's what I provide at Mobile Mechanic Co:
Mobile oil leak diagnostics
Professional on-site repairs
Honest recommendations
Convenient service at your home or workplace
📞 Need Oil Leak Repair in Nashville, TN?
If your vehicle is leaking oil, producing a burning oil smell, or showing signs of an engine oil leak, having the problem diagnosed early can help prevent more expensive repairs.
Mobile Mechanic Co
📞 615-795-1347
📱 Facebook: @MobileMechanicCo
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