Air Cleaner oil bath type

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ICON 1956
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Air Cleaner oil bath type

Post by ICON 1956 »

OK, I wanted to check my air filter on my new 56, I opened the top of the air filter and found oil on the bottom of the air cleaner housing. ! Is this normal? I found no typical air filter but was enclosed. Where did this oil come from ? There was about 1/8th" of oil in the bottom . So I poured it out and wiped and clean the bowl, I guess it's called...I have never seen this...Could somebody educate me on this.What kind of oil was it.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
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paul2748
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Re: Air Cleaner oil bath type

Post by paul2748 »

Up to and including 1956, Ford used an oil bath air filter. Use the same oil as you use in the engine or check the Shop Manual for direction.

There is a mark on the "bowl" . It might be faint, but it's there. Some people say that the oil bath units were better than the paper element type.

You have to be careful taking it off and putting it on so you don't spill.

Some of the TBird parts shops have a replacement that uses a paper filter. Pretty expensive.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
ICON 1956
Posts: 2545
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:11 am
Location: USA
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Re: Air Cleaner oil bath type

Post by ICON 1956 »

I just received the Owner's Manual and the Shop Manual, Now I understand I've read the on P 27 I went back and added the 30 w oil back in the oil catch. I was very careful NOT to over fill... I never heard of a oil filler bath. I have learned something new about my car. Thanks for your quick response.... :smile:
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
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