Oil Bath Questions

This area is for posting questions/information concerning 1955-57 year Thunderbirds NO FOR SALE POSTINGS

Moderator: Joe Johnston

Post Reply
bobgreco2000
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:46 pm

Oil Bath Questions

Post by bobgreco2000 »

Hi everyone,

A couple of questions:

1. Is the top of the oil bath filter (see photo) supposed to come apart to clean the filter element (looks like fiberglass of some sort).

2. Everyone says to not overfill it with oil but mine does not indicate a fill level and I am having trouble finding more information.

Any help would be super appreciated.

Bob
Attachments
20200628_181658.jpg
User avatar
paul2748
Posts: 2147
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by paul2748 »

The top has a steel mesh inside it. Clean with gas, kerosene or carb cleaner. It does not come apart as I remember

I know the filter in my 56 has a fill marking but it is not pronounced. Look again carefully.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
bobgreco2000
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:46 pm

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by bobgreco2000 »

I will look closer tomorrow.

Thanks!
ICON 1956
Posts: 2545
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:11 am
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by ICON 1956 »

Paul 2748 is correct, I too have a 56 with oil bath. Here is what I wrote earley in this month's forum about the oil level. and filter mesch.
May I ask how much oil did you put into the oil bath?.....The 1956 manual states that a small amount at the base. Look at the picture and you will see a ledge at the bottom of the base do not over fill past it or you will have oil leaking all over.
My next question did you ever check the oil bath for any holes or rust before placing oil in it. There is a metal mesh filter you will need to flush out with kerosene or gas let it air dry. then place a small amount of motor oil at the base .
Attachments
air oil clearer.jpg
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
bobgreco2000
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2019 6:46 pm

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by bobgreco2000 »

I looked closer and found the fill level stamping. It was not where I was expecting it to be and was much easier to see on the outside than on the inside.

So I guess the theory is that the oil touches the bottom of the mesh and it kind of wicks into it a little bit and that's what catches the dust?

Thanks all. Almost done!!!
Attachments
20200628_181751.jpg
DynoDan’55
Posts: 229
Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2018 3:34 pm

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by DynoDan’55 »

bobgreco2000 wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:45 pm.....So I guess the theory is that the oil touches the bottom of the mesh and it kind of wicks into it a little bit and that's what catches the dust?
My understanding of ‘oil bath’ filtration, is that as the airflow turns a sharp corner, mainly the dust falls out from gravity, and the oil bath traps it. Not sure what role the steel mesh plays (?).
T-Bird Bob
Posts: 143
Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 11:00 pm

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by T-Bird Bob »

Hello DynoDan,
You are right about the sharp corner. But the metal mesh is a second step. It acts like a coarse version of a paper or fiber filter. When the car moves around, oil gets on the mesh and makes it very sticky - that catches even more particles.

I would still like to know if it is worth changing for a paper filter regarding effectiveness and air-flow restriction...

Have fun!

Bob
User avatar
paul2748
Posts: 2147
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Oil Bath Questions

Post by paul2748 »

Don't know about restriction, but I have been told that the oil bath is a better filter
T-Bird Bob wrote: Thu Jul 02, 2020 12:32 am Hello DynoDan,
You are right about the sharp corner. But the metal mesh is a second step. It acts like a coarse version of a paper or fiber filter. When the car moves around, oil gets on the mesh and makes it very sticky - that catches even more particles.

I would still like to know if it is worth changing for a paper filter regarding effectiveness and air-flow restriction...

Have fun!

Bob
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Post Reply