Thanks, NumberDummy

 

This topic has come up several times before. Which is better, paper or oil bath? I think that a lot of people "want" to believe that the old oil bath is better, but tests have shown that the "filtering" ability of paper is far superior as far as the size of matter that gets through.

Either way, your probably OK, but I stand by the paper pleated filter as the best alternative.

As far as converting to a paper insert, you will need to cut out the old mesh. The paper insert will need a flat surface to sit on and be squeezed between the top where the mesh used to be. Jag

 

^^^I am not a physics major, but I refuse to believe that a "solid" filter can filter smaller particles than a liquid.....It just doesn't make scientific sense.

Molecules traveling through a liquid will be slowed much faster and more efficiently than going around particles in a solid. Which means smaller particles would be more effectively prevented from exiting a liquid filtration.

Is any of that at all true?



People can have there preferences, I understand that. But you can't prefer to believe or not believe in physics.

 

Most ppl in today's world don't like the looks of an oil bath or going thru the trouble of cleaning them out...that's why they replace them.

Ford stopped offering oil bath's for one reason.

Since Ford (and all the other automakers) are really in the partsbiz, where over 80% of their profits come from, it didn't pay or make any sense to offer an air cleaner without a replaceable filter element.

 

The term "oil bath" is misleading. The air is not drawn through the oil. It is merely drawn close to the oil's top surface as it turns to make a 180* change in direction. Heavy debris, such as sand, leaves, and honey bees are collected when they hit the oil because they cannot make the turn when the air changes direction from down to up. Fine particles that are not "caught" on the surface of the oil are trapped in the mesh filter at the top. This mesh filter is coated in oil as it wicks up from the bottom when the oil sloshes from side to side as the truck drives down the road. The mesh is not very dense or tight. It reminds me of the same material as a brilo pad.

Both will work for you, but if your oil bath is like mine, it may be very much packed with 40 years of crud.

Good luck, Jag

 

I think i will try out the oil filter first. I have a parts truck with a paper filter on it so if i don't like the results i will switch over. Thanks to all for your input

 

The oil bath filter will work OK, just make sure that the metal mesh is clean. What I do (I have several pieces of equipment that have oil bath filters) is take the part of the filter that has the mesh in it and put it in a pail that is just big enough for it, and then pour in enough kerosene to completely cover it, making sure the filter is completely filled with kerosene. Depending how dirty it is, let it soak overnight or a few days. Then flush it out with some fresh kerosene, and shake it real good to get all of the kerosene out.

One thing to keep in mind, do not put too much oil in the filter cup, or it may spill over into the carb. If this happens, you leave a blue smoke trail. If you will be driving on steep slopes, you may have to fill to a little below the fill line to keep oil out of the carb - been there, done that.

 

Ford embossed FILL LINE on the inside the air cleaner, it's on the sides towards the bottom.