Back to where we started

spider · Post by **spider** » 07 Mar 2011, 16:36

Years ago (60's maybe earlier) I'm not quite old enough to remember, a lot of cars had paper oil filter elements.

Then we went onto the nice cartridge spin on's in most cases.

And over the past few years, manufacturers have moved back to paper elements, possibly as a cost saving measure (lets not talk about the mess) , back to where we started

, although I guess very early engines had no external filter (early 2cv's seem to spring to mind with an internal filter)

I guess you could say similar with car design, well its basic shape really. Started square (20's) went rounded then went all square again in the late 70's and 80's, started to get more and more rounded again in the 90's and 00's. I see a slight tendency now for squared edges again. Who knows what will happen in 10 years.

Thoughts ?

, bear in mind I'm not very old (relatively anyway) so I'm just posting my thoughts really for further input.

Post by **Paul-R** » 07 Mar 2011, 17:17

I made the same comment just three weeks ago at the motor factors when I was buying oil filters.

I well remember how BMC A and B series engines went from paper to cannister filters and how they were touted as being cleaner and better. At least they were cleaner when they hung down! Intermediate MGBs had a hanging paper type but earlier ones had a horrible paper type sitting at an angle against the engine block.

addo · Post by **addo** » 07 Mar 2011, 19:04

Oh yes, we had a better one here though. Sixties and seventies Chryslers with American-sourced engines had the oil filter on a remote line due to the steering gear location.

Where did they put the canister? Upside down on top of the inlet manifold.

spider · Post by **spider** » 07 Mar 2011, 20:00

addo wrote:Oh yes, we had a better one here though. Sixties and seventies Chryslers with American-sourced engines had the oil filter on a remote line due to the steering gear location.

Where did they put the canister? Upside down on top of the inlet manifold.

The 205 (1.9's only I think) GTi has it at the front near the radiator for convenience of damage to its bracket. The last one I saw was held on with a substantial number of cable ties (the bracket, not the filter)

Some of the Toyota's (I think Celica mid 90's) has their oil filter under the exhaust manifold at the front. I do recall how easy it was to burn yourself to go near it, especially with it being a tiny filter.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 07 Mar 2011, 20:12

spider wrote:Some of the Toyota's (I think Celica mid 90's) has their oil filter under the exhaust manifold at the front. I do recall how easy it was to burn yourself to go near it, especially with it being a tiny filter.

Same on the 406 Coupé V6. The filter sits very close to the front bank exhaust manifold. Guess how I know!

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 08 Mar 2011, 11:55

Canister filters still have a paper element filter inside, you just can't see it !
One of my service routines is to cut the canister open, extract the paper element, extend it and inspect for any particles. Can be an early warning of trouble. This is routine practice on aviation piston engines. I have a purpose made canister opening tool for the job.

Post by **myglaren** » 08 Mar 2011, 19:40

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 08 Mar 2011, 19:46

I was thinking exactly the same

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 09 Mar 2011, 09:31

Not quite !!

addo · Post by **addo** » 09 Mar 2011, 10:11

Ah; this one:

(Road rager's tool of choice!

)

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 09 Mar 2011, 11:35

No, this :-

Bit tricky to use and doesn't fit in my Snap-On box but it's very quick and clean and doubles as a handy utility knife !

addo · Post by **addo** » 09 Mar 2011, 11:56

I believe Lexi uses his dirk, so he's just been trumped...

Do you have to yell "Jishin!" or whatever it is, before slicing the filter open?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 09 Mar 2011, 13:37

yes but i thought a true SAMARI warrior did not draw his blade unless he was going to kill someone

regards malcolm

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 09 Mar 2011, 15:54

Thats the problem with the world today, standards are slipping everywhere !

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 09 Mar 2011, 16:03

Whats wrong with the paper filter type? I prefer them to the screw on filters, especially the ones fitted to Citroens as they never have a nut on the end of the caniseter.

I like to fill the filters with oil before fitting, its fine on a canister type but you then have to tip it up to screw it on. Filling the paper element filter type is much easier.

Some cars can be oil changed with a oil sucker, which means you dont have to remove the undertray to get at the sump plug. However if it has a canister filter you still need to remove it, or it will end with a pool of oil on the tray.

Not sure how effective oil sucking is though, some cars seem to get more oil out by sucking and others less. Though any crap in the oil will be left in the bottom of the sump/plug.