PONTIAC FACT:
Untitled Document
National Parts Depot
Oil filter for a 1949 straight 8.

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Early Years: 1926 - 1954
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
willdrex



Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 7




PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:22 pm    Post subject: Oil filter for a 1949 straight 8. Reply with quote

Can a oil filter unit be put on a 1949 straight 8? I see them for sale on e-bay from time-to-time but have not seen one mounted, or how to do it if it can be done. The only filter unit that's on the straight 8 Confused is the fine screen in the pan. Any help on this out there?
_________________
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:57 am    Post subject: Oil Filter Reply with quote

Over the years (early ones, that is) there were a ton of aftermarket, externally mounted oil filter assemblies marketed. There were even the ones that used a roll of toilet paper as the filter element.

I have seen a lot of discussion about these units, especially in Old Cars Weekly columns, and there are mixed reviews of their quality/benefit.

Depending on just where the oil is tapped from to enter the filter can, there are two potential problems. One is that there will only be a small quantity of oil actually getting filtered, and two, there is the potential of cutting down on oil pressure.

All the assemblies came with instructions, so I sure wouln't buy one that did not have them. But I would also (like Packard used to say "Ask the man that owns one" before buying and installing.

Much current comment involves the lack of a real need for adding the filter. Old oils really gunked up (technical talk) a lot, so filtering wasn't a bad idea. However, with today's great improvements in oil, and the rather limited use in collector cars, regular changing at 2,000 mile intervals or so will easily remove any dangerous materials.

That being said, make sure the pan screen is very clean (tube, everything). And if the engine has been rebuilt or is to be rebuilt, make sure all passages are super clean.

A clean engine without a filter, and that has had oil changed a couple of times at short intervals following bearing break-in, etc. should stay quite clean.

I would like to hear if anyone has actual experience with add-on filter assemblies or their opinions on my thoughts.

_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
willdrex



Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 7




PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 11:06 am    Post subject: Oil Filter: Reply with quote

Thanks Larry,
I think your right in that changing the oil every 2K or so is just as good or better then having a filter on the old cars. I'm just about finished with my 49 Streamliner Deluxe 4DR. The body and engine Has been redone. I will not be putting a lot of miles on it, so I will change the oil at least every 2K miles. Thanks for your help.

Bill

_________________
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:33 pm    Post subject: Pontiac Oil Cleaner Reply with quote

I did some more checking and had forgotten how clever Pontiac had gotten with their "oil cleaner." It was so "exclusive" to Pontiac that it was called "The Pontiac Oil Cleaner." I don't know if it was patented as such, but they sure were proud of it.

It made a big size increase from a"cup" that would hold less than a pint of oil in 1941 to one that would hold a quart in 1942. That is how it stayed through 1954 with the end of the flathead.

The 1942 Shop Manual actually boasts that this Oil Cleaner cleaned 100 to 200% better than any cartridge-type filter assembly. One very interesting point is that if your car went into some undesirable stance (ie: in a steep ditch, rolled over... you get the picture), you beter drop the pan and clean everything out because all the crud that had been settling into the "cup" would have spilled out into your oil pan again.

See a picture and part of the 1949-54 Shop Manual description of this oil cleaner. To read all about it, and the entire lubrication system, be sure to check our On-Line Pontiac Shop Manual Reference Library. The entire 1949-54 manual is posted.

_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
willdrex



Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 7




PostPosted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 7:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That is what I have. When I removed the pan, it had about 1/2" of sludge in the bottom. The filter screen unit was plugged. It's now nice and clean. I hope I can keep it that way. Thanks again Larry.

Bill

_________________
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Early Years: 1926 - 1954 All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum
Untitled Document

PontiacRegistry.com, the ALL Pontiac Club for ALL Pontiac Lovers– dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of all years, models, and types of Pontiacs. Enjoy your Pontiac hobby at the only 24-7 Pontiac Club that brings you Pontiac News, Pontiac Information, and Pontiac Entertainment at the speed of light. Join today and help support and build the best of all Pontiac Clubs in the world. Clubs are for people too, not just cars. If you do not yet have a Pontiac, or just enjoy sharing information and learning about them....welcome!





 All Rights Reserved © 2012-2024 PontiacRegistry.com, LLC PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US
Michael J. Gifford, Web Developer