1956 Oil Bath Air Cleaner

[McCoupe]

For years I have been trying to solve a slight engine stumble, just off idle, usually as you gently accelerate after turning a corner, or coming out of a round-a-bout etc.
Had changed everything, New Holley 600 vac sec, Alloy heads & Inlet, ignition, camshaft, but although it improved, was still noticeable. I had cleaned the oil bath filter out, socked it in solvents, rinsed it, dried it, so thought nothing of it being a cause. The other day I took it off & drove the car, something I would not normally do, as an apprentice mechanic 50 years ago, you were taught never to risk an engine back firing & the carburetor catching on fire, by the time you'd stopped the car & got the bonnet up, it was to late. But I did it anyway & the car preformed perfectly, no stumble, no hesitation.
I will now convert to Paper element, but need to ask, who is the most affordable to purchase from? or does someone have a spare they would part with?
Thks
Peter Mc

 

[55blacktie]

You would have to modify/ruin the oil-bath air cleaner assembly to accommodate a paper element. The wire-mesh filtration element would have to be separated/cut off of the lid, and the paper element would take its place. Shelve the oil-bath air cleaner and buy an aftermarket air cleaner/w paper element. Actually, the oil-bath air cleaner is quite efficient; but it can be an inconvenient/messy.

 

[McCoupe]

You would have to modify/ruin the oil-bath air cleaner assembly to accommodate a paper element. The wire-mesh filtration element would have to be separated/cut off of the lid, and the paper element would take its place. Shelve the oil-bath air cleaner and buy an aftermarket air cleaner/w paper element. Actually, the oil-bath air cleaner is quite efficient; but it can be an inconvenient/messy.

Thks, I had no intention of destroying the original air cleaner, was hoping someone had a spare paper element aftermarket conversion they no longer wanted, or could advise , who currently has the best price on a new one.

 

[biddle]

Thks, I had no intention of destroying the original air cleaner, was hoping someone had a spare paper element aftermarket conversion they no longer wanted, or could advise , who currently has the best price on a new one.

Please type without italics for your entire paragraphs on future posts. I've edited your post.

 

[jimntempe]

You would have to modify/ruin the oil-bath air cleaner assembly to accommodate a paper element. The wire-mesh filtration element would have to be separated/cut off of the lid, and the paper element would take its place. Shelve the oil-bath air cleaner and buy an aftermarket air cleaner/w paper element. Actually, the oil-bath air cleaner is quite efficient; but it can be an inconvenient/messy.

They switched to paper because it was better breathing and filtered better.

 

[doug7740]

Beow is a variation of the dry filter installation. All that is required to convert your oil bath air filter to use a dry element is the purchase of a polished stainless air cleaner cover (#9600B) available from CASCO and a dry element (NAPA 6161 or K&N E-1447).


doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[55blacktie]

I don't agree that a paper element has superior filtration qualities. However, would you rather replace a paper element, or clean an oil-bath? For convenience sake, I will use a paper element. I only wish I had known about the previous post's conversion before selling my original, but poorly modified, dress-up, oil-bath air cleaner. I could have used the intact base and purchased the stainless lid and paper element.

 

[OneOldSeaDog]

For years I have been trying to solve a slight engine stumble, just off idle, usually as you gently accelerate after turning a corner, or coming out of a round-a-bout etc.
Had changed everything, New Holley 600 vac sec, Alloy heads & Inlet, ignition, camshaft, but although it improved, was still noticeable. I had cleaned the oil bath filter out, socked it in solvents, rinsed it, dried it, so thought nothing of it being a cause. The other day I took it off & drove the car, something I would not normally do, as an apprentice mechanic 50 years ago, you were taught never to risk an engine back firing & the carburetor catching on fire, by the time you'd stopped the car & got the bonnet up, it was to late. But I did it anyway & the car preformed perfectly, no stumble, no hesitation.
I will now convert to Paper element, but need to ask, who is the most affordable to purchase from? or does someone have a spare they would part with?
Thks
Peter Mc

I bought the paper air cleaner that looks just like the original from CASCO. $400 is a little pricey but the previous owner had damaged the oil filter so I had to get a new one.