VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Oil filter

In what years did Chevrolet have engine oil filters as standard from the factory for the early six cylinder engines (29-54).

The 1962 235 was the first year to have an oil filter as standard equipment. It was the common AC clamped to the manifold and was painted black as were the factory OPTION filters prior to that.

To be correct the 1960 Corvair and 1961 Chevy II 4&6 cylinder engines came with a standard full flow oil filter..

Thanks Gene, that's a lot later than I had thought.

Wow, who'd have thought. 1960?

As usual Gene is correct about oil filters on Chevy inline 6 cylinder engines.

Based on what I have read (and can remember) there were 2 major changes in automotive oil filters during the 50's. The first was the use of "full flow" or pressurized filters instead of the by-pass design. The second was the introduction of the spin-on cartridge type filter. From what I can determine those were always full flow filters. I do not remember ever seeing a spin-on bypass filter.

It is also interesting that European manufacturers still use full-flow canister filters on many engines today. You replace the filtration element within the canister when you change the oil. Some are very easy to change (BMW) and some are a real pain (VW).

Actually full flow filters were available in the '40's.

Do not underestimate the filteering of the by pass type. They filter better than you thk.
I have never seen any difference years ago between a filtered engine and one with no flter. There is no substitute for changing oil.

Do not expect any significent filtering of the by-pass type. They filter less than you think.

On engines that are not full pressure to the filter there is no substitute for changing the oil.

Gene, the above is my take on the use of old bolt to the manifold by-pass filters.

Respectively,

Charlie

My opinion is from my experance. When these filters were common the element would be changed every 5 or 6000 miles. It was common to find about two inches of sludge on the bottom of the canister, not counting was was stuck to the filtering media it self.

I agree! When I worked at several gas stations in the 50's & early 60's the filters of this type always had sludge in the canister.

dick

Yeah, they will have some sludge after way beyond a regular oil change. No one has recommended slapping a oil filter one a 216 and then never changinng it but every 6K miles.

How much ßludge would be found in the canister if the oil was changed every time the owners manual or factory recommended?

How about the fact that the sludge would collect in the bottom of the pan and never interfer with anything?

I believe that the filters were a smoke and mirror gimmic to sell filters to the uneducated and/or guilable public with false expectations in order to up the money flow to the dealers. Nothing more.

Oh, the filters would filters would in fact filter some sludge but the amount was dissapointing and not nearly as effective as promoted and expected.

Best,

Charlie