1947 Cadillac Air Filter, Generator Lubrication Oil, Door Detent

[bill_boos]

Am sorting out minor issues and maintenance items on recently bought  '47 Sedanette (Club Coupe).

1. Oil bath air cleaner has been replaced with paper filter that apparently is too thick as top cover rises too high exposing parts of paper filter. Are any substitutes available for original metal mesh filters or a paper filter of the same size. I'd rather have the original oil bath unless paper ones are better.

2. I'm trying to oil all the places required like the generator and starter, hood and door hinges, etc.  The shop manual specifies engine oil. Is this still the best lubricant for this purpose?

3. The driver's door will not stay open like the passenger door. There is a small lever connecting the door to the jamb that is intact. Is there a detent or something that wears out. Has anyone experienced or fixed this issue?

Thanks for any knowledge you can share.

Added one more question:

4. Fan belt making some noise. It is a wide (maybe 1 inch) belt with cog like teeth. Is this original for a '47? I recall all my older cars were of the V belt type. Anyone with '40's Cadillac have any insight?

Bill

[Cadman-iac]

Bill,
I don't know if the '47 uses the same design door check/spring as the '54 to '56 models do, but there's a thread in the parts wanted section for the same thing on a '56. You might check that out for reference.

Hope this helps. Rick

[Jeff Hansen]

Bill,

Let me try to answer your questions in the order you asked them:

1) You can put a proper fitting paper element in your original oil bath housing.  Go to your local NAPA and get NAPA filter 22055 or NAPA Gold Filter 2055.  Fram CA-148 will also fit.  A good discussion on paper replacements is at http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=155428

2) I still use 30 weight engine oil for the lubrication points you mention.  A little goes a long way.

3) The door check link you are referring to which connects the door and the jamb keeps the door from opening too far.  The detent mechanism that holds the door at various degrees of openness is built into the door hinge.  The check link may help in holding the door when it is wide open.  There is a rubber block on the inside of the door that the link either passes through or is attached to depending on the model.

4) The cog belts are modern replacements.  Originals were solid V-belts.  Replacements of either type are no longer made.  You will occasionally find a Gates 44411 fan belt (v-belt) for your '47 on eBay.  One is available now:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/133288910854

I hope this helps you!
Jeff

[bill_boos]

Jeff, thanks for the clear reply and especially the specific references that are always helpful.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

If those filter numbers don't work then go to napa online. They have a chart with all the various filter dimensions.  If what you have works other than the height then match the numbers and just get one a half inch shorter.
Have fun and post pictures.
Jeff