Oil filter massive leaks on startup

[MRMUSIC]

I have a Mercury 40hp 4-stroke 1999 model that has a massive leak in and around the oil filter on startup. The oil comes INTO the filter all right but it seems that something is blocking the oil from going back into the motor. The oil comes right out of the gasket.It can’t be the filter; I have already tried 3 of them. Can anyone please help me?

 

[Edchris177]

Long shot…but is there a gasket from a previous filter still stuck on the engine?
The only time I’ve ever had a filter leak (on a SBC 350), was due to that.

 

[angelacres]

Clean the surface where the oil filter seats on the motor.

 

[SoCalAngler]

@MRMUSIC....have you resolved the issue? If so, what was the issue?