Oil Filter

Colors

stevie_22847 1/18/02 7:21 am

What is the original color for the frame mounted oil filter lid and housing? Thanks

Jim_Bollman 1/18/02 9:26 pm

The oil filter is orange on the main can part with a black top. A decal is also on the side. Jim...

 

Oil Filter Options

for365nc 10/27/01 3:35 pm

What are my oil filter options on a '51 engine that currently has one of the old Fram filters on it that we all know is no longer available? Is there some sort of adapter available that allows the use of a different spin on other than the original Fram? Appreciate the help. John

Jim_Bollman 3/03/02 7:29 pm

Several people have made adapters to use modern filters, I don't know of any that are actively being marketed but you might try Service Motors. Jim...

Update 3/16/07 - Yankee Crosley also now have these adapters. 

Oil Lines

fred2e 12/23/01 5:51 pm

I would like to add an oil filter to my engine. Does the inlet side of the filter go into the front of the block by the pressure relief valve? thanx fred2e

johnniemann1999 12/24/01 10:54 am

Yes and the return goes to a plugged hole under the water pump

bltlar 12/24/01 1:15 pm

The return on my 48 was on drivers side near oil filler pipe. This was easier route for return. It was the Fram filter so think it was original filter and position. Filter was mounted on cross brace between radiator mount & frame rail. Larry

I have two engines to rebuild, one for use in my car, and the other for a friend who is helping me work on the car. I've already discussed the situation with him, and he doesn't care which one he receives. 

They are both Cast Iron Blocks, one an early crank case with the wick seals and remote oil filter, and a new crankcase with neoprene seals and "new style" spin on oil filter. Both appear to be in perfect shape, oil relief plunger, etc, is free and cleaned, etc.    I've heard some say the old "remote" filter will work better for oil pressure, increased oil flow, etc. 

However I've heard the same about the "new style".   I've also heard the new style may plug, and Lose ALL oil flow......

My question is:  If you had to choose one or the other, in a car that you plan to restore AND occasionally drive which crankcase (and oil filter) would you choose?

I would use the wick type. It is easier to prevent leaks if installed properly.

I would use the original remote filter engine , but first off i would run both to see which one runs better.

Concerning the oil filter choice, you didn't state whether you were building a restoration that will be judged and has to be "correct",or just a driver to enjoy. The spin-on filter was not introduced until almost the end,but does a better job of cleaning the oil. The spin -on element can sometimes be hard to find,but the good news is the adapter for it can be modified to take modern filters.

The remote filter was originally an option,used until replaced by the spin-on unit in late '50,early '51. Remote filter can be a little messy to change but supposedly has a long life. Either one will work fine,depending on what kind of a car you want to build.

With modern oils,and the good maintenance that you are likely to give,clogging will not be an issue with either one. Both will work fine.

The only down fall of the new style filter is if It gets blocked--byby rear main bearings--the oil passages can be enlarged--OR for Special HP engines you drill-- remove the plug in the oil galley--put a block off plate over the oil holes--use the good Fram canister filter--in some of the newer gov. engines--a plate was used to remove the small filter--than they installed the larger type--I like the newer type crankcase  because of the new style oil seals & no gasket behind the bell housing.

From every thing I have read, Crosley may have been the first production car to use a spin on oil filter.  Crosley was using them several years before the popular press says the first spin on was made (by a different filter company than Fram). These early spin on filters are nearly impossible to fine.

If you make or buy a spin on adapter be sure it was built properly and uses a filter without a check valve.  The oil flows the opposite way and you will starve the back bearings if it has a check valve.