Oil Filter - Paper, Felt or Convert?

[gonzo]

I plan to change the oil / filter in my Healey 3000 BJ-7 and although I’ve done this many times before, I’ve always questioned a couple things.

I’ve read that the Paper Cartridge is a “better” filter than Felt – this may have something to do with pleat design and more surface (filtration) area. By comparison the Felt Filter is approximately 30% longer than the Paper filter and denser, which would suggest a larger filtration capacity. Which is the better filter? (I’ve considered the Spin-on filter conversion and agree that they may be far more convenient to change; however, I’m not convinced that spin-ons are any more efficient.)

Any suggestions on a good replacement oil sump Drain Plug crush washer that could be sourced from any auto parts store? The originals appear to be little more than a loose fitting copper washer. Thanks in advance. GONZO

 

[nevets]

gonzo
can't sy whether felt is better than paper, though my gut tells my felt, since that is what was used originally.

regarding spin-on filters. aside from the "correctness" factor, it's interesting to note that the new MINI uses a filter element, not a spin-on. the reason for this is that a filter element, such as what is currently on your Healey, if more earth-friendly.

 

[Tullamore]

Interesting... (about the MINI comment)

 

[Dave Russell]

[ QUOTE ]

I’ve read that the Paper Cartridge is a “better” filter than Felt - Which is the better filter? (I’ve considered the Spin-on filter conversion and agree that they may be far more convenient to change; however, I’m not convinced that spin-ons are any more efficient.)

Any suggestions on a good replacement oil sump Drain Plug crush washer that could be sourced from any auto parts store? The originals appear to be little more than a loose fitting copper washer. Thanks in advance. GONZO

[/ QUOTE ]
I suggest that you use whatever filter makes you feel good. The pros & cons could go on forever.

Take your old washer or the plug to a parts store & check around for something that fits. OR
I got four drain plug washers from British Car Specialists, they fit & I consider it a life time supply.
D

 

[gonzo]

Thank you for sharing your impressions and suggestions. They were much appreciated.

Since I have both Felt and Paper Filter elements, I’ll install the Felt this time.

Oil changes are so infrequent (1x/yr) and spur-of-the moment (always planned with a sense of urgency about it) that these critical items are often forgotten, so keeping a stock of filters, which I’ve done, and drain plug crush washers, which I’m trying to locate now, is an excellent idea. GONZO

 

[Dave Russell]

Good show. - Copper washers can be reused if you anneal/soften them. Copper work hardens as it is compressed. It can be softened by heating it to a dull red & letting it cool. Contrary to most other metals, you could even heat & dunk it in cold water. It would cool quickly & not harden.
D

 

[ynotme2]

Good question...

I was thinking of changing over to a spin on type for the ease of use factor. Has anyone got some issues with spin on type filters? Also anything to watch out for when doing this type of conversion? How do you get at this the filter element to make the change? Jack Stands? Any ideas or suggestions would be great. I bought a psin on conversion thing from Vickie British last year but didn't install it. Thanks again

 

[Dave Russell]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

You can work from the top. Remove the old filter assembly complete. Install the adapter with a sealer such as Hylomar on the gasket. Verify that the new attaching bolts are the correct thread & length for your block. Sometimes the adapters come with the wrong bolt thread. IMPORTANT - Verify that the holes in the adapter line up with the holes in the block.

Use any filter can except "Fram" & prefill it with oil before installing. Very little will run out as you tip the filter to horizontal to install. This prevents dry starts.
D

 

[ynotme2]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

Dave,

Your the best..... Thanks for the advice

 

[Ray Smith]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

Dave,

What's wrong with Fram?

Ray

 

[Dave Russell]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

[ QUOTE ]
Dave,

What's wrong with Fram?

Ray

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Ray,
There are numerous oil filter studies/tests on line. They all agree that FRAM is one of the less desirable filters. One of the greatest problems is that the anti-drain back valve often leaks. This means that the engine, at startup, must run for a while to refill the filter before oil actually starts to circulate in the engine. You can read one of the studies here:
https://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/
D

 

[Patton]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

To add to what Dave said about Fram.

When I had my Corvair, the gurus warned you to stay very far away from Fram. Since oil is a major part of the cooling system of the Corvair, Keeping the oil quality is of the utmost importance. Fram used to make a good product, but several years ago they became the value brand and cater to the Wal-Mart crowd (low price) more than people in hard duty applications.

They recommended Wix above the other easily found brands, and noted that the NAPA house brand is a re-branded Wix filter. There were several who had gone down the path of high dollar filters (Amsoil SDF) but I don't really know how much better they are.

 

[Michael Oritt]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Dave,

What's wrong with Fram?

Ray

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Ray,
There are numerous oil filter studies/tests on line. They all agree that FRAM is one of the less desirable filters. One of the greatest problems is that the anti-drain back valve often leaks. _filter_study/[/url]
D

[/ QUOTE ]

Also look at the guage of the base plate--the threaded part that holds the filter to the engine. The Frams use thinner metal than either the NAPA or the K&N.

 

[ynotme2]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

Dave....Funny you should mention the "make sure the bolts are the right length and thread. It seems the Moss kit comes with 2 UNF and 2 UNC. Well my kit ended up having 3 UNC and 1 UNF. I believe that the BJ* needs a UNF. Is that correct? When I called Moss they said to go to the local hardware store and by a UNF for the BJ8. Does that sounds right?

 

[Dave Russell]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

I think so. 3/8-24 UNF should be correct. I believe the thread changes were pretty much completed in 1956. The other choice would have been 3/8-20 BSF. If I'm wrong, you can cuss at me.
Regards,
D

 

[GregW]

Re: Oil Filter Conversion

[ QUOTE ]
If I'm wrong, you can cuss at me.

[/ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif That's a good line.