oil changes and air cleaners
 

I just read a thread where the gentleman changes oil between 5 and 7 hundred miles on his A. Not talking about the synthetic oils but your standard multi viscosity oils why is this necesary? Modern oils are so much better now than when these cars were new I do not understand the low mileage oil changes. My A has no air breather, does K&N make one for our cars, or what do you suggest? I do not like starting my car with out a filter, let alone driving it. Thank you in advance for your input...

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Do a search and read all the posts. This has been rehashed several times and there are those who do and those who do not run filters. Here is a partial list of past posts.


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216058

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211210

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209923

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205402

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142421

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142838

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119231

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119203

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108962

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95961

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

To make your job easier, search on eBay for Model A air filter and you should find one with a K&N filter for your car. I have one for each of my Model A's.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

here are two more threads.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81888

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77165

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

I bought a '59 Studebaker Lark, 6 cylinder, with a broken off air filter! It even had GRIT in the carb throat & a RIDGE this l---l HIGH, on the cylinders!!!
(Comprende' Vous?)
I re-ringed it & it STILL used oil.
Bill Clean

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

No oil filter, change oil every 500 miles. I use 20-50w HD oil, with STP. Everyone has their own opinion. Clean oil is cheap insurance. Air filter is also good idea. Suppliers all have them. Just my personal view, use HD oil no matter what was used before. HD oil along with Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas will make your valves very happy. Don't forget transmission, rear end, and important "u-joint". Also clean vent on shift tower for transmission.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Even the cheapest crummy lawn mower engines from China have air filters. With what it costs to have a Model A engine rebuilt I have never understood the attitude that "since they did not come with air filters they are not necessary."
What others do with their money is no one else's business but a little common sense goes a long way......

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

FWIW

Here is an economic analysis of changing oil for 4500 miles every 500 miles without an a K&N air cleaner and changing oil every 1500 miles with a K&N air filter.

W/O K&N air filter oil change every 500 miles
Air filter cost $0.0
9 oil changes @ 4 qts $2.55? qt = $91.80

W/ K&N Air Filter
Air Filter cost $48.99
Air maze filer housing $24.95
3 oil changes @ 4 qts $2.55? qt = $30.60
Total cost $104.54

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Michael, as you can see in my picture, I'm on the side that believes in filters, air, oil and fuel... :p:p

https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1587/2...19fac797fa.jpg

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Thank you!! I did not run all the numbers out, as at 1500 miles if you do not see the difference you will not recognize the benefit of running a good air filter to protect the engine life, and at a cost savings!!

I also feel that an air filter benefits engine life!!https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=36076

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

At 2-3K for a rebuild there is no such thing as saving a buck or two. Henry is no excuse here.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Your Model A Carburetor is jetted for no air cleaner restriction. Adding a air cleaner does restrict air flow. Your carburetor must be adjusted to compensate. I am in the process of changing to a Holly down draft with air cleaner.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

This IS the Reason you use a K & N Filter. The K & N Filter offers NO Restriction.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

Use an oil filter, change oil at 2-2500 mile intervals, works for me.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

FYI your forgetting the $15 K&N filter cleaning and oiling kit that once the purple fades or gets dirty it needs cleaned so there is a cost to the K&N. Thier website says 20-50K miles but ive found on my modern truck it needs it more (darn cottonwood seeds and danelion seeds clog them up bad and they stay stuck due to the oil - dry paper you can blow off with an air nozzle.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

One concern about the updraft air filters is potential of fire. My friend had a air maize with the paper filter. On a trip to Canada, his car backfired during startup and the paper filter had absorbed the excess gas from choking. The resulting fire almost reduced his car to ashes. By the time he realized what was happening the fire had caused significant damage to the engine compartment , hood and firewall. luckily the car was saved before the fuel tank caught fire. I would only use a filter mounted above the carb.

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

I recently installed an air filter on mine and was concerned about it's proximity to the exhaust pipe. Anyone have a picture of a setup that routs the air cleaner a different way?

Re: oil changes and air cleaners
 

I change my oil spring/fall . daily driver in town with filter .