The Ford Barn

michael a · 05-29-2017, 03:12 PM

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...

160B · 05-29-2017, 03:40 PM

mhsprecher · 05-29-2017, 04:15 PM

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.

160B · 05-29-2017, 04:28 PM

here are two more threads.

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

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

BILL WILLIAMSON · 05-29-2017, 04:46 PM

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

WHN · 05-29-2017, 06:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

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.

Utopia Texas · 05-29-2017, 09:48 PM

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......

160B · 05-29-2017, 10:57 PM

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

Y-Blockhead · 05-29-2017, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 160B

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

Nice try. But then the next 4500 miles you spend the same $91.80 on oil changes every 500 miles for a total of $183.60 for 9000 miles vs 3 more oil changes with filter (because you don't have to replace a K&N filter and Air Maze housing) for $30.60 for a total of $135.14 for 9000 miles.

Y-Blockhead · 05-29-2017, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael a

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...

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

160B · 05-29-2017, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Nice try. But then the next 4500 miles you spend the same $91.80 on oil changes every 500 miles for a total of $183.60 for 9000 miles vs 3 more oil changes with filter (because you don't have to replace a K&N filter and Air Maze housing) for $30.60 for a total of $135.14 for 9000 miles.

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!!

captndan · 05-30-2017, 10:12 AM

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

Chris Haynes · 05-30-2017, 10:57 AM

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.

Fullraceflathead · 05-30-2017, 01:27 PM

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

Jim Brierley · 05-31-2017, 11:39 AM

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

SeaSlugs · 05-31-2017, 12:11 PM

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.

midgetracer · 05-31-2017, 10:57 PM

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.

Hoovercw · 06-02-2017, 07:53 AM

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?

V4F · 06-02-2017, 08:03 AM

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

05-29-2017, 03:12 PM	#1
michael a Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Lone Jack Missouri Posts: 381	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...

05-29-2017, 03:40 PM	#2
160B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 1,498	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 __________________ 1931 160B & 1931 68B If you don't have time to do it right the 1st time, how do you have time to do it the 2nd time?

05-29-2017, 04:15 PM	#3
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 3,025	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.

05-29-2017, 04:28 PM	#4
160B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 1,498	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 __________________ 1931 160B & 1931 68B If you don't have time to do it right the 1st time, how do you have time to do it the 2nd time?

05-29-2017, 04:46 PM	#5
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	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 __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Last edited by BILL WILLIAMSON; 05-29-2017 at 08:37 PM.

05-29-2017, 06:10 PM	#6
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 2,067	Re: oil changes and air cleaners Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 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.

05-29-2017, 09:48 PM	#7
Utopia Texas Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Brookshire & Cat Spring,Texas Posts: 222	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......

05-29-2017, 10:57 PM	#8
160B Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 1,498	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 __________________ 1931 160B & 1931 68B If you don't have time to do it right the 1st time, how do you have time to do it the 2nd time?

05-30-2017, 10:12 AM	#12
captndan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Posts: 714	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.

05-30-2017, 10:57 AM	#13
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 3,017	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. __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

05-30-2017, 01:27 PM	#14
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,851	Re: oil changes and air cleaners This IS the Reason you use a K & N Filter. The K & N Filter offers NO Restriction. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

05-31-2017, 11:39 AM	#15
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,321	Re: oil changes and air cleaners Use an oil filter, change oil at 2-2500 mile intervals, works for me.

05-31-2017, 12:11 PM	#16
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	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. __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

05-31-2017, 10:57 PM	#17
midgetracer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bismarck ND Posts: 1,295	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.

06-02-2017, 07:53 AM	#18
Hoovercw Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 63	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?

06-02-2017, 08:03 AM	#19
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,524	Re: oil changes and air cleaners I change my oil spring/fall . daily driver in town with filter . __________________ V4f