VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Frantz Oil Cleaner on 216?

Hello everyone,

After dropping the oil pan on my "new" 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe and noticing all the bits that were dumped out, I'm giving a bit of thought to installing some additional defence against oil contaminants/particles.

I'll note here that my '41, like a lot of them, does not have an oil filter, and my understanding is that adding one properly might be quite a lot of work, and without proper installation, it might not do a whole lot.

A relative suggested something: A Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter. They just happened to have an older model and are offering it to me for free.

This filter/cleaner was previously unknown to me, but apparently, it's been around for quite some time. For those that don't know, it uses a roll of toilet paper as a filter media, relying on the extreme thickness of the roll to filter out tiny particles. A lot of reviews swear by it, even though it's meant only as a trickle filter. My understanding is that without the "proper" installation of an oil filter, ANY oil filter on a 216 is essentially going to be a trickle filter and therefore something with more media, like the Frantz, might be more effective.

I do have some background in water filtration, and I am familiar with the same material used to make toilet paper actually being considered quite effective, but I am not familiar with such filters in an automotive setting. Anyone had experience with these filters, and is the ideal time to try one on a car that has no filter at all?

If someone here is very "Pro-Frantz", maybe they could also suggest the correct way to install one?

It goes without saying that my first line of defence will be regular oil changes. 1500 miles or so, I've heard, is quite efficient. No filter could replace the value of that, but maybe this can enhance the results?

I have used Franz style oil filters for about 25 years. I no longer use on engine oil (it too easy to just change dirty oil) but use them for automatic transmissions and they work very well as the toilet paper is a very dense media - removes particles around 1/10 micron I believe. I have had oil analysis done on dirty oil and then ran a TP filter and compared results and it's astounding how clean it keeps the oil. Diesel guys like these. The funny thing I found with these filters is that Canadian TP was not tall enough. Seems the American TP has wider sheets so I had to order a CASE of TP from the US lol.

You can plumb a Franz filter in as a bypass filter just like the optional GM filters. You want the oil to go through slowly and 100% of the oil goes through in about 5 minutes so it does keep clean oil very clean as it removes the small particles that cause the big particles in your oil. The optional GM filters worked very well too due to the slow speed filtration. The TP also absorbs a pile of moisture from condensation.

If you change your oil on these engines regularly, you can do just fine without a filter. I am a huge fan of TP filters but likely won't bother on my 216. So easy to just change the oil. The biggest drawback with adding a filter is the potential for a hose to burst or leak. Dirty oil is unpleasant for we particular types, but a blown engine from a burst line will really make your day.

Oh yes, that's strange. Canadian TP appears to be 3 7/8". Not going to hazard a guess as to why, but I will admit that measuring TP is the last thing I thought I'd be doing on this forum.

If anyone has info on the min/max sizes for the TP, please feel free to add.

I have changed a couple of TP filters in 40 odd years but not had any fitted to my own vehicles. I dont remember if they were set as full flow or bypass they certainly collected some rubbish out of the oil. Another type I came accross is the centrifugal (spinner type mainly fitted to trucks possibley Volvo), more work to service but collects the rubbish.
Tony

Yep I remember going through stores with a measuring tape lol!
I have heard Costco Kirkland brand will work. Search TP, Franz and Motorguard on BITOG forum (Bob Is The Oil Guy).