Oil bath air cleaners

[craig]

Would there be any harm in replacing an oil bath air cleaner with a set up using the now typical paper element type filter?  Other than authenticity would there be any harm done?  It seems to me that the oil bath type are quite restrictive and some benefit in better breathing could be had with the paper element type.  I imagine that the oil bath type does a better job of filtering out small impurities not really sure what else.

Any thoughts?

Craig

[Bill Ingler #7799]

I run paper filters in both my 41 and 47. Several years ago and just before I drove a tour through Colorado, over may passes including Loveland Pass at 12,000ft, I changed to the paper filter. In my opinion, the car`s performance at the higher alltitudes was greatly helped by changing from wire mesh to paper. The paper filter sure beats the mess of trying to clean the wire mesh. Go for it.

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

Craig,

I converted my 37 Lasalle to the new filter and liked it so much I converted my 56 to the new filter. I will be changing the 53 when I get to stay home.

John Washburn
CLC #1067
Elizabeth, Colorado

[walt chomosh #23510]

John,
  Are you installing paper filters in the "batwing" style air cleaner?(single 4-barrel) If so,what mods are required to the air cleaner to accept the paper element?.....walt #23510

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

Walt,

Yep that is what I did. Just took the old element out, cleaned it, stuck it in a nice bag and set it aside in case I ever need it again.

Cleaned everything up, installed a new Napa Gold 2098 filter then carefully tighten the nut down since there is not as much support as with the old element housing. There might be a taller filter that will provide more support, but have not found one yet. But it tightened down fine so am a happy fat boy.

Runs great. But when you stomp on the gas you can hear the sucking noise, so there a downside for some, but I like the sound.

John Washburn
CLC #1067
Elizabeth, Colorado

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

  Anyone know the paper filter part number for a 1939 LaSalle?

Fred

[Virgil Perkins #19943]

Anyone know the paper filter part number for a 1939 LaSalle?

Fred

If the air cleaner is the same as what is on the 346 engines, try a Fram CA-148, no muss, no fuss.

[Whit Otis, 1188]

In case your parts store doesn't have the FRAM CA-148, the Wix crossover number is 42055.  I replaced the oil bath unit on my 40-75 and there's no way I would ever go back to the old style.  Of course, if you have a show car, that would be a different story, but if your car is a driver, this is the only way to fly.... no more spending 30 minutes cleaning out old oil and debris every time you need to service it.  -Whit

[Dave Leger CLC #19256]

I'm using the CA-148 in my 47 as well, and it does seem to help, and as Whit said, it's a heck of a lot easier to service.  I picked mine up at the local Autozone store, they had them right there out on the shelf.

[baxterculver]

I'm using the CA-148 in my 47 as well, and it does seem to help, and as Whit said, it's a heck of a lot easier to service.  I picked mine up at the local Autozone store, they had them right there out on the shelf.

Using the CA-148 is shown in the attached picture.  You can see the paper filter.  I used the CA-146, which is smaller in diameter, and modified the oil bath element.  That resulted in an air filter that looks very much like the oil bath, but has the visual qualities and convenience of a paper filter--because it is hidden inside.  E-mail me for explanation and instructions.

[dirkdaddy]

Thanks for posting.
on what I would assume is a 37 air cleaner case (oil bath), I can't get the mesh out of the canister. Its possible it was sort of painted in place, but before I start hammering on it just thought Id post this out there. It seems like the center part Im pointing to would come off and the whole inside would come out, but Ive been hammering from backside and trying light prying without luck. Is this one-peice or should I use more force? I sprayed this junction with PB blaster FYI. Thanks.

[Bob Schuman]

Scott,
When I converted my 41 to a paper air filter, the mesh element came out of the oil bowl easily. When I helped a friend do the same on his 41, the mesh was very difficult to get out of the oil bowl. I held the assembly in the air, holding the mesh by the ring above it(use gloves, its edges are sharp), and he whacked the edges of the oil bowl with a plastic face hammer. Eventually it came apart. If your 37 is like that, the mesh is probably just very tightly stuck in the oil bowl from many years without being serviced.
Bill Ingler(see his post above) converted to paper several years ago. Based on his experience, that is when I converted my 41 to paper. At altitudes of no more than 1000 feet my experience is that it had no effect on performance or sound, but, as others have said, is the way to go to avoid the mess of servicing the oil bath. The Fram C-148 filter is Fram Orange color, quite noticeable. Mine is an equivalent Carquest part that has black top and bottom surfaces and is not so noticeable. Sorry, I don't have the Carquest part number.
Bob Schuman,CLC#254

[Jeff Hansen]

You can also pick one up at NAPA.  Their number is 22055 and it is also black in color.

HTH,
Jeff

[Chasmann]

GUYS. How about for a 1949

[dirkdaddy]

For my 37 (which may have a 38 engine) parts store (O'Reilly's) crossed it over to a Micro Guard MGA148. FYI.  This is also a black gasketed for better appearance. Made in Canada, eh?
Also, guys I was making it WAY too hard. This air filter drops in place of the entire oil bath screen part I posted a picture of earlier. Duh! Looks good. You can see a bit of the filter, not a big deal, maybe better flow!

[48ragtop]

I've wanted to make this conversion on my 48.  Will this same procedure apply?   

I know that some vendors make a conversion kit but it is very expensive.  I'd like to be able to do the conversion myself with a readily available paper filter.  Just want to be sure I've got the correct paper filter to avoid debris and dust entering the engine.

Thanks,

Ed Wisniewski
CLC No. 26482

[Dan Koser]

Craig,

I converted my 37 Lasalle to the new filter and liked it so much I converted my 56 to the new filter. I will be changing the 53 when I get to stay home.

John Washburn
CLC #1067
Elizabeth, Colorado

John - Presuming my '57 oil bath is about the same as your '56, what paper element did you use to convert yours?  Regards,   Dan

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

Dan,

I believe your assumption is incorrect. The air filter changed in 1957 and is not as tall.

jw

[Dan Koser]

Has anyone tried this on a 1957 and if so, what element was used?  Regards,  Dan

[Walter Youshock]

I converted my '57.  You have to break the spot welds between the lid and the element, obviously.

I used an STP SA3588 element.