Hello all,
I have a 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood. I would like to know the correct way the oil canister filter is installed and where the pressure and drain line connect. I have searched the forum and there are conflicting ways of doing this.
First: Where does the top hat/spacer go on the top or bottom of the filter if it's on the bottom and the flat side is down the tube of the top hat does not go in the Wix filter. Maybe wrong size o rings in the filter I have a couple of spares and they are all the same.
Second: Does the pressure line go to the side fitting on the canister and the return line on the bottom?
Thanks,
Bob
Bob,
Quote from: Bob Kielar on February 27, 2025, 05:40:49 PMFirst: Where does the top hat/spacer go on the top or bottom of the filter if it's on the bottom and the flat side is down the tube of the top hat does not go in the Wix filter. Maybe wrong size o rings in the filter I have a couple of spares and they are all the same.
The spacer aka top hat goes down same way as you show on the pictures, the spring on the cap large diameter goes towards the filter.
Quote from: Bob Kielar on February 27, 2025, 05:40:49 PMSecond: Does the pressure line go to the side fitting on the canister and the return line on the bottom?
I believe the 331 layout is the same as the 390 the fitting on the top of the head (pressure side) goes on the top side, the return is the bottom. The oil will drained down the center tube via a small hole at this tube (around a few inches from the top) but the canister will retained oil up to the hole level.
Hope this helps.
Quote from: J. Gomez on February 27, 2025, 07:36:05 PMThe spacer aka top hat goes down same way as you show on the pictures
So I think I'm confused about the "top hat" spacer. In Cadillac Jack 82's thread on a 1950 Cad, response #18 from 59-In-Pieces shows the spacer at the bottom of the canister. Cadillac Jacks Thread (https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/index.php?topic=176383.0). That response has a picture with the spacer at the bottom of the cannister but the picture is ambiguous about whether the spacer is up or down. Bob's picture above has the spacer at the top of the filter. So is J Gomez saying it goes down but below the filter, not above it?
I ask because I don't have a spacer. I haven't been able to find a source for the spacer. Any ideas on where to find one or what can be used to replace it?
Thanks,
Terry
Quote from: tluke on February 27, 2025, 08:33:23 PMSo I think I'm confused about the "top hat" spacer. In Cadillac Jack 82's thread on a 1950 Cad, response #18 from 59-In-Pieces shows the spacer at the bottom of the canister. Cadillac Jacks Thread (https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/index.php?topic=176383.0). That response has a picture with the spacer at the bottom of the cannister but the picture is ambiguous about whether the spacer is up or down. Bob's picture above has the spacer at the top of the filter. So is J Gomez saying it goes down but below the filter, not above it?
I ask because I don't have a spacer. I haven't been able to find a source for the spacer. Any ideas on where to find one or what can be used to replace it?
Thanks,
Terry
Terry,
The post with the picture of the placement of the spacer/top hat from Steve is correct it goes below the filter. This spacer is required for two reasons one to keep the filter above the pressure line (input) fitting, so when oil pressure fills the canister it will filter through, the filter oil goes out on the center tube via the holes down to the center fitting, and two it keeps the filter in tension (via the cap spring) to performed the filtration from above.
If you do not have this spacer/top hat the filter seats way too low below the pressure line input bypassing the filtration so oil just fills the filter. You still have the flow down the center tube with no filtration.
Frankly you may be able to make one with a metal tube that would fit inside the canister tube and a thin washer on top to seat the filter any type of welding/solder/epoxy should do the trick depending on the metal type you use. You would need the correct dimensions for the bottom tube as well as for the size of the washer.
Hope this helps.
So is the tube part of the top hat supposed to go in the filter? If so the wix filters I have the tube won't go in the filter.
Thanks,
Bob
I install the top hat on the bottom of the filter cannister (underneath the cartridge) with the wide part of the top hat facing up.
José, is that correct?
Quote from: Jay Friedman on February 27, 2025, 11:01:51 PMI install the top hat on the bottom of the filter cannister (underneath the cartridge) with the wide part of the top hat facing up.
José, is that correct?
I'm not José, but it's the correct way! I'm always amazed when this question is coming on a regular basis. How did people before Internet?
Quote from: Roger Zimmermann on February 28, 2025, 03:08:03 AMI'm not José, but it's the correct way! I'm always amazed when this question is coming on a regular basis. How did people before Internet?
Roger,
Thanks for chiming in, the timing of Jay's post was during my regular "rem sleep" time frame. ;D
Quote from: Jay Friedman on February 27, 2025, 11:01:51 PMI install the top hat on the bottom of the filter cannister (underneath the cartridge) with the wide part of the top hat facing up.
José, is that correct?
Jay,
Roger is correct as always ;) , that is the correct installation for the spacer/top hat.
Quote from: Bob Kielar on February 27, 2025, 10:27:13 PMSo is the tube part of the top hat supposed to go in the filter? If so the wix filters I have the tube won't go in the filter.
Thanks,
Bob
Bob,
No the filter seat a top of the spacer/top hat washer as Jay and Roger states above, the other side (tube side) seat at the bottom of the canister.
Hope this helps
If I'm not mistaken, that spacer should also be present on a '59, but my '59 doesn't have it.
It doesn't seem that difficult to make such a spacer myself, but does anyone happen to have the correct dimensions for it?
Total length, internal diameter and wall thickness of the tube, and the diameter and thickness of the large disk?
Feiko, as somebody suggested: take a piece of tube, slide it on the central tube and put a flat washer on the tube you inserted.
Of course, the question is: which length for the tube? That's the question I cannot answer for the moment as with inside temperatures near to °C, I'm not in a position to check that. I hope somebody else has an empty and complete oil filter and can measure that distance. The thickness of the tube is not important. It must be about 0.3 to 0.5 mm thick; with the suggestion above, you can take what you have on hand.
The spacer goes over the pipe and into the bottom of the canister first with the wide part intended to face "up" in order to hold the filter up. It acts as a spacer. If you don't have one, you don't have to go crazy to make one unless you want it to look "correct". You can just stack some washers on the bottom of the can until the filter is up high enough that it surrounds the hole that is in the upper portion of the vertical pipe. You may even have wear marks on the pipe showing how high up it is supposed to be after all the years of prior use.
If you don't raise the filter up, the hole in the vertical pipe is exposed: the oil comes out of the inlet hole in the side of the canister and goes right back into the oil return hole in that pipe without going through the filter.
It wasn't the best design and some of the oil is bypassed anyway, but anything is better than nothing.
Quote from: dn010 on February 28, 2025, 10:35:04 AMThe spacer goes over the pipe and into the bottom of the canister first with the wide part intended to face "up" in order to hold the filter up.
That is also my understanding. Clay/Lexi
Quote from: Bob Kielar on February 27, 2025, 10:27:13 PMSo is the tube part of the top hat supposed to go in the filter? If so the wix filters I have the tube won't go in the filter.
So here is how it should all go. The space slides down to the bottom of the canister then the filter on top of it. The "brim" keeps the spacer from going in the filter so it stays high enough to cover the pressure input line.
55CadOilCanister.jpg
I need to make the top hat spacer. Anyone know how long the tube part is? I guess I can just measure to see how long it needs to be to make sure it covers the input fitting but the oil still goes down that center exit/return tube; but if any one has access to measure one I would appreciate it.
Here is the spacer/top hat dimensions.
Keep Cruzin
Bob
Bob, I was just wondering when someone was going to do that, (my car is not accessible right now). Good idea and good photos. BTW I got the same e calipers by Mitutoyo. Very reliable. Clay/Lexi
Here are the spring dimensions although the spring is used and has a little bend to it.
Here are some other measurements I took. Reading left to right.
Top of filter to top of canister spacer installed,top of spacer installed to top of center pipe, no spacer installed to top of pipe, top of center pipe to small hole in center pipe.
Keep Cruzin,
Bob
Here is the oil filter canister installed. Top fitting on side of canister is the feed pressure line bottom of canister is the return line. The reason for the loop on the return line is that the canister would empty itself. Now that the canister components are properly installed I might try to remove this return line and put the original back in place.
On another note in 1955 some of the return lines went to the oil filler tube the later serial number blocks the return line went directly into the front left side of the block.
Keep Cruzin,
Bob
Thanks Clay. Hopefully this thread will be of help to future Cadillac enthusiasts.
I have had my Mitutoyo calipers for at least 20 years and have never failed me.
Regards,
Bob
Quote from: Bob Kielar on February 28, 2025, 10:12:40 PMThanks Clay. Hopefully this thread will be of help to future Cadillac enthusiasts.
I have had my Mitutoyo calipers for at least 20 years and have never failed me.
Regards,
Bob
You are welcome. I bought my Mitutoyo calipers probably in the 1990s, used, at an auto swap meet. They have been fantastic and very reliable. Clay/Lexi
Thank you Bob! Your response to my request for measurements was more than I could have ever expected!
Terry
Thank you Bob for the acurate measurements!
Came across this post I didn't even realize I was missing that bottom spacer. Does anyone know where you can find one or one very similar?
Makes me think of a flanged bushing. They are available in various materials. I would think the only somewhat critical dimension is the overall height so should not be too hard to find some standard part that would work. If you could not find the right height you could likely go longer and trim it down with basic tools if you had to. McMaster Carr would be where I would start my search since their search and catalog is probably one of the better ones. Once you find what the closest standard size is you may then be able to search that and find different suppliers or materials.
After reading this post, I think I also need assistance on the oil filter assembly on my 49. I don't see a top hat on my filter assembly but I do see a shoulder on the center tube. I have included pictures showing the empty canister and that shoulder on the tub.
My question is shoulder should be there?
I can make a top hat but I am concerned my assembly is modified and it may not work.
Note: I know the engine color is wrong, it is on my list of things to do.
Thank you for your help.
Joe
As far as I remember, this is correct. The hat will rest on this shoulder.
Quote from: Joe Jensen on March 09, 2025, 10:26:02 PMAfter reading this post, I think I also need assistance on the oil filter assembly on my 49. I don't see a top hat on my filter assembly but I do see a shoulder on the center tube. I have included pictures showing the empty canister and that shoulder on the tub.
My question is shoulder should be there?
I can make a top hat but I am concerned my assembly is modified and it may not work.
Note: I know the engine color is wrong, it is on my list of things to do.
Thank you for your help.
Joe
yea mine looks exactly like yours with that "shoulder" on the bottom. I was hoping you were gonna say if you have this you dont need the top hat, oh well, please let me know how making a top hat for the filter goes id love to see it
@Joshua, @Joe,
If we take that the oil filter canister for 1949-1953 has a part # 5572952 OF-82 type versus the 1954-1956 part # 5573332 OF-92 type the differences between could be the spacer/top hat was used on the OF-92 style "only" since the canister is taller versus the OF-82.
Although the oil filter is the same on these models, the canister is not thus the OF-82 has the shoulder to seat the filter at the bottom.
Not sure the logic on changing the size of the oil filter canister for the later models and adding that spacer/top-hat ??? possible was to keep the gunk at the bottom below the oil filter and not touching or at the same level as the oil filter. ???
Any one has a time machine to go back and investigate. ;D ;D
Quote from: J. Gomez on March 10, 2025, 08:10:16 PM@Joshua, @Joe,
If we take that the oil filter canister for 1949-1953 has a part # 5572952 OF-82 type versus the 1954-1956 part # 5573332 OF-92 type the differences between could be the spacer/top hat was used on the OF-92 style "only" since the canister is taller versus the OF-82.
Although the oil filter is the same on these models, the canister is not thus the OF-82 has the shoulder to seat the filter at the bottom...
So what I'm understanding from this is me and
@Joe Jensen have a model of filter that doesn't need that "top hat"? Would I be correct in that. And my car is a 1950
Quote from: Daffer on March 10, 2025, 09:34:02 PMSo what I'm understanding from this is me and @Joe Jensen have a model of filter that doesn't need that "top hat"? Would I be correct in that. And my car is a 1950
Joshua,
It would be extremely hard to accurately provide an answer in your case. Assuming you have the correct oil filter canister installed (same as Joe's picture) you see from his post pictures above the filter seats above the main feed opening, so that would be correct, there is no need for the spacer on this style.
FYI just for reference the later type (in my case 1956 OF-92) the canister is about 5 1/2" from the top of the cover to up to the bend (bowl tip), and about 7 ¼" from the outlet fitting to the top of the top of the cover.
I believe the older style OF-82 has a less pronounce bowl depth versus the later ones. ???
Hope this helps.
Quote from: J. Gomez on March 11, 2025, 08:17:05 AMJoshua,
It would be extremely hard to accurately provide an answer in your case. Assuming you have the correct oil filter canister installed (same as Joe's picture) you see from his post pictures above the filter seats above the main feed opening, so that would be correct, there is no need for the spacer on this style.
FYI just for reference the later type (in my case 1956 OF-92) the canister is about 5 1/2" from the top of the cover to up to the bend (bowl tip), and about 7 ¼" from the outlet fitting to the top of the top of the cover.
I believe the older style OF-82 has a less pronounce bowl depth versus the later ones. ???
Hope this helps.
I appreciate the help! I do have to same exact filter canister as Joe's. This saves me alot of time trying to find something to raise it up. Thank you for that information
Quote from: Daffer on March 11, 2025, 09:43:11 AMI appreciate the help! I do have to same exact filter canister as Joes. This saves me alot of time trying to find something to raise it up. Thank you for that information
Joshua,
Unfortunately I do not, I have a 1956 so the ones I took was externally, maybe Joe or someone with the early model can provide the measurement.
Good luck
I checked my original 1952 Cadillac Master Parts list and as I suspected, there is no exploded diagram there, showing Type OF-82 (1949 - 1953) oil filter assembly. I thought that my going back in time, there might be some additional information on this topic. I also checked my 1956 Master Parts List, and it also failed to provide any diagrams. As Jose reported it did note Type OF-92 (1954-1956) oil filter assemblies, as well as Type OF-93 for 1954 cars without power steering. I then checked my 1957 Master Parts List which notes that OF-92 was replaced with Type OF-229, but again no diagrams or pictures.
Unfortunately, the precise part assemblies in each of these units is unknown, as the Parts source material does not itemize such. Most notably is that the "Top Hat" is not referenced. So when you ordered a replacement "Oil Filter Assembly" from MPL Group number 8.2952, it included whatever was also inside the assembly. So it is difficult to say when the Top Hat spacer, or a variant if used earlier, comprised part of the oil filter assembly.
An answer may be found in one of the old Cadillac Serviceman issues. My Serviceman collection is incomplete from 1954 back, and quite hit and miss back to 1949. Perhaps a member with these publications could take a look to see what may have been mentioned with respect to Oil Filter Assemblies, (think even those early Serviceman issues had an index). Maybe something there, but did not see anything in the 1956 Servicemans. I also don't recall seeing any bulletins on this matter.
I no longer have any spare "Top Hat" spacers, and sadly my experience is that they are usually missing and tough to find. Clay/Lexi
That top hat spacer seemed to be a fairly common thing in that era. I remember seeing them on tractors and such, same as here I don't recall them being noted in the diagrams. Did it have to do with the elements being used? Did they figure out that they were making a dozen different elements for different applications that were only slightly different heights? Did the spacers maybe come with the elements or from the element manufacturer? That could explain why they are not in the engine manuals?
Quote from: TJ Hopland on March 11, 2025, 11:08:19 AMDid the spacers maybe come with the elements or from the element manufacturer? That could explain why they are not in the engine manuals?
Interesting point as always TJ. Never saw one with NOS filters though. I doubt they came with the filter cartridge as the internals of the cannister is also comprised of a heavy duty compression spring with a hold down threaded bolt. That is also not listed in the parts manuals. There is a listing for the cartridge, but there is no mention of a spacer being included. ??? Clay/Lexi
Quote from: J. Gomez on March 11, 2025, 10:00:22 AMJoshua,
Unfortunately I do not, I have a 1956 so the ones I took was externally, maybe Joe or someone with the early model can provide the measurement.
Good luck
Yea possibly,I have a 1950 but by whats been said on here to me it sounds as though 1949-1953 should have a OF-82 canister the one that
@Joe Jensen provided photos for. So with that I'm guessing it's safe to say that 1949-53 should have (if not replaced) have a OF-82 canister that wouldn't need that "top hat" right?
Are issues like this perhaps why they went to spin on filters? Less variables and parts to loose? If they thread on and don't leak you are good vs the other way where there are extra parts to get lost or mixed up and maybe lots of different filters that are pretty similar but don't seal up right?
Makes sense TJ. If as I suspect that these spacers did not come with the filter, I envision them being misplaced during an oil and filter change; as one is supposed to wipe out the cannister to get any sludge or particulate matter out. That means having to remove the spacer 1st for proper access. It is possible that over the life of the engine, someone will eventually forget to put that spacer back in. Especially later on when these items became more infrequently seen and dealt with. On my '56 which has a spacer, when removed, I noted that the compression spring still is activated as the bolt is torqued down so it still makes contact with the top of filter element. So in that event during a filter change, it might give the impression that the spacer is there, (when in fact it is not), thus further enforcing the oversight, with the tech not re-installing it. With spin ons I am told that the oil flow through rate was also much improved, so all in all, a better system. Clay/Lexi
Folks,
I found this article posted a few years back that may be of help, although it is related to Chevrolet vehicles it may shade some light on others oil filters canisters used in GM vehicles.
https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/engines/oil%20filters/index.html
Enjoy it.
@Clay, @TJ,
The issue is you guys have yet to fix your time machine to get back and get to the bottom of this, having way too much fun playing with your Cadillac's. ;D ;D
Clay,
Yes I was on the same boat there is no details on any of the MPL's I have that would show the inside or even list a part #. So most of the time you have to go outside the box (of Cadillac) to get some details. >:(
I have nothing of substance more to contribute, but I'm just absolutely amazed (and amused) that two weeks and 39 posts later we are still discussing how to install an oil filter in a 50 something Cadillac. You never know which posts are going to just take off. What a great forum and members we have!
With the filter down as far as it goes on my oil filter assembly, it is 9/16" from the top of the canister.
See attached picture.
Thanks,
Joe
Quote from: tluke on March 11, 2025, 07:21:26 PMI have nothing of substance more to contribute, but I'm just absolutely amazed (and amused) that two weeks and 39 posts later we are still discussing how to install an oil filter in a 50 something Cadillac. You never know which posts are going to just take off. What a great forum and members we have!
Hey Terry! Wait until we start discussing something complicated, like Relativity. Clay/Lexi
This thread helped me figure out the setup for the bypass filter on my 1954 Chevrolet 210 (basically the same). Thank you.