Model A Engine Oil Filter

[Ron/IA]

I am planning on build a touring engine with as many bells and whistles as I can put on it.

One item is an engine oil filter. I know there are full-flow and partial-flow systems. I don't understand why one would want a partial-flow system, but maybe I am missing something (but if you know an advantage regarding the partial-flow system, please let me know). So, right now I am leaning towards a flow-full system.

I have no experience with Model A engine oil filters; nor do I know any A'ers that use one. With that, I would like to hear from A'ers that are using an oil filter on their A engine, and what their experiences have been (good, bad, what works, what doesn't work, and any tips).

Thanks,

[PC/SR]

I use the MIke's Afordable, with the 90* adapter. Love it.

[Ron/IA]

PC/SR - I knew of the 90-degree adapter, but was on able to find one and thought they might not be available anymore. I have sense found one on Mac's web site.

Are there any other vendors that sell this adapter?

Thanks,

[boomerusmc]

Snyder's has a full flow kit and the 90 degree adapter:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/se...ilter&x=81&y=5

I see the full flow kit on Bratton's as well (couldn't find the adapter):

http://www.brattons.com/prodtype.asp...SearchCriteria=

[CarlG]

The 90 degree adapter is available from Ford, or most aftermarket racing suppliers like Summit, Jeggs, etc. Ford part # is M-6880-A50

[Ron/IA]

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I have thought of another question. Using the full-flow system; would the filter now put pressure on the oil pump, and said pressure would be higher?

Has anyone put on an oil pressure gauge while using an oil filter system, and if so, what pressure did you see?

Thanks,

[Vic in E-TN]

Ron:
I have filters on all of my engines and have had them for years. When cold the pressure build up can be above the 10 psi on my gage with heavier oil. After the engine warms up I see 2-3 psi.
The oil pump is a positive displacement pump that is capable of putting out a lot of pressure - much more than you need. There is enough pressure available to put oil through all of the passages that are available and are not plugged by sludge.
Vic

[Vic in E-TN]

Ron:
My thoughts on "partial flow" oil filters. If you figure that partial flow means 50 percent then you can run some math to show you that eventually all of the oil gets filtered eventually. It just takes some time.
There is a cost difference and a time difference in the installation. I am partial to the full flow filters.
Vic

[Chris Haynes]

For years I ran a Frantz Oil Cleaner on my stock '30 AA engine. The oil was always the color of honey and clean. It is a by pass system that keep oil clean. If your oil is clean you don't need a full flow filter.
I will certainly be running one on my new engine too.
http://www.frantzfilters.com/

[Vic in E-TN]

Chris:
I have heard about the Frantz filters. The price scares me - it is more that twice the Mike's or Snyder's price.
There are several ways to measure filtration efficiency, etc. One is absolute and the other one is kind of an average.
They don't say what their 2 micron means.
The tolerances in Model A engines are not the same as in a modern engine. A model a can tolerate particles much larger than 2 microns. This is not to say that the better the filter then the better off you are. I would buy a good filter and one of the regular vendor's filter assembly. I would look into the adaptor also. I believe that you need a shorter filter if you have the engine pans. The horizontal filter makes a small mess when you change it.
Vic

[johnneilson]

As with everything on the web, opinions will vary and usually without any data to support them.

Years ago I read some articles about the auto industry, specifically regarding the expected life of engines. The short story was that since the Full Flow Filtration systems became mainstream, MTBF and the re-build interval on average became much longer.

IMHO, I will not put a motor together that does not have a full pressure system and full filter oiling. Yes, this does require modification, yes, it does cost money to make a sound installation.

On another note, I use Fram filters only to indicate that a motor does not have oil in it. That is the only use I have found they are good for.

Merry Christmas, hope Santa visits and the reindeer don't poop on the roof.

[PC/SR]

My experience is the same as Vics. Pegged at 10 psi when cold, 2-3 when warm. The only restriction needed to be overcome is the filter resistance and that gets easier as the oil thins out.

[Chris Haynes]

The difference is what you are looking at are oil filters, or oil strainers. The Frantz is an Oil Cleaner. They are not something new. I have been using them since the early 1960's.

[ericr]

have any of you guys ever cut open a used filter, out of curiousity, to see what debris it removed from the oil?

[Farmer j]

We cut the filter apart every time we change oil in my plane. So far all I've found is small carbon particles. If any kind of metal is found then I've got a big problem.

[gwhite]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

For years I ran a Frantz Oil Cleaner on my stock '30 AA engine. The oil was always the color of honey and clean. It is a by pass system that keep oil clean. If your oil is clean you don't need a full flow filter.
I will certainly be running one on my new engine too.
http://www.frantzfilters.com/

How did you plumb your Frantz?

[b.j.]

how often is oil changed? 2 microns would be about the size of one particle of baby powder. inbedability (sp). of babbit bearings??
i would imagine the time/miles on most model a engines oil changes is a lot less than what is recommended. we are all guilty of "busy work,

brings back the old saying "it's mine and i can wash it as long as i want to"

[JohnLaVoy]

This is the one we run on the sedan. It is the Ford 90 degree adapter and the Bratton's oil filter kit. Works very nice!

[Ron/IA]

Everyone - Thank you very much for the info and included photos.

Very helpful,

[Dick Deegan]

Yup, mine is the same with a full flow filter.