4 barrel oil bath air cleaner - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JQ-72** · 04-07-2023, 09:48 AM

I just pulled in a 70 3/4 ton truck with 350 and factory oil bath air cleaner. I didn’t know they were still used up to 1970 year model. Anyone know the last year for oil bath in light duty trucks?

**68 C10 Driver** · 04-07-2023, 01:34 PM

I thought oil bath breathers ended in the late 50s. Wow, I never knew.

**kwmech** · 04-07-2023, 01:48 PM

Never seen a 4bbl oil bath, well now I have

**Steeveedee** · 04-07-2023, 02:25 PM

Unicorn! That is the only oil bath air cleaner for a 4 BBL carb that I have ever seen!

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 04-07-2023, 03:41 PM

those are fun on a 25 degree hill ;-)

HotWheelsFan · 04-07-2023, 05:04 PM

Fleet vehicle maybe?

**Stocker** · 04-07-2023, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotWheelsFan

Fleet vehicle maybe?

Wonder about that myself -- or maybe special order for use in extreme dust environments?

**JQ-72** · 04-07-2023, 06:58 PM

First for me too. Owned/junked well over 200 of them and never seen one in a 70-72 with 4 barrel. Atlanta built truck and spent its life Alabama - not exactly a dust bowl. Could have been fleet, but doubtful since most fleet trucks were low option vehicles. This one is decently optioned - could have been the foreman’s truck!

**Already Gone** · 04-07-2023, 07:10 PM

Spid from truck I looked at and was a spec factory order by the sellers Dad to haul his 9 foot Camper. Shows Oil Bath Air Cleaner and LS9 350 4bbl engine too.

**Steeveedee** · 04-07-2023, 08:55 PM

I've also pretty much only seen them in farm country, fwiw.

jumpsoffrock · 04-07-2023, 11:40 PM

Does anybody know how much an LS9 350 cost vs. a 396 upgrade?

rbagley · 04-08-2023, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JQ-72

I just pulled in a 70 3/4 ton truck with 350 and factory oil bath air cleaner. I didn’t know they were still used up to 1970 year model. Anyone know the last year for oil bath in light duty trucks?

I have it listed on my SPID (1969) with a 350. I’ve been looking for one, so let me know if you ever want to get rid of it.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Ironangel** · 04-09-2023, 02:27 PM

I have one on a 71 C/50 w/2bbl 350...

MARKDTN · 04-10-2023, 08:38 AM

I had a 1974 F250 with a 390. It had a factory oil bath air cleaner. I changed it to a paper filter (with a different air cleaner housing). I think Ford offered them up to 1976 on the F250 and bigger.

**MJN** · 04-10-2023, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

Does anybody know how much an LS9 350 cost vs. a 396 upgrade?

These prices are from the 1969 Vehicle Info Packet- the prices were omitted from the 1970 copy;
The K48 oil bath air cleaner was a $10.80 option.
https://www.gm.com/content/dam/compa...olet-Truck.pdf

jumpsoffrock · 04-10-2023, 08:34 PM

^^Thank you, wow quite a difference.

rbagley · 05-14-2023, 07:17 PM

Right after seeing this post and being bummed by how rare they seemed to be, I was cruising Facebook marketplace and found this. The tower clamp says it’s from April of 1970.

**Palf70Step** · 05-14-2023, 08:02 PM

My first 70, it was a 250 6, had one. I have never seen one on a V8 before. Definitely an oddity.

factorystock · 05-14-2023, 10:28 PM

IMO, the original owner was an older buyer that insisted on this option, had them in all his previous trucks, they worked and were cheap to service.

**truckster** · 05-14-2023, 10:48 PM

Some of the early Army CUCVs had them if my memory can be trusted.

54blackhornet · 05-15-2023, 04:26 PM

How do they actually work ?

**67 twins** · 05-15-2023, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

How do they actually work ?

The incoming air makes an abrupt turn. The dirt particles being heavier than the air molecules fail to make the turn and fall into the oil instead.

**Stocker** · 05-15-2023, 11:57 PM

^^^^ Yes, and if I recall (it's been about 58 years since I messed with them), there was a filter element that laid in the oil. I believe it was a bit like steel wool but extremely coarse in comparison.

**Steeveedee** · 05-16-2023, 12:05 AM

Supposedly more efficient because a paper filter presented some air resistance, and can't stop as many particles as the oil. I remember what a sweetheart those were to clean.

**67 twins** · 05-16-2023, 08:52 AM

The biggest advantage they give is that they don't clog up & cause a restriction. Therefore they are much better in dusty environments.

04-07-2023, 09:48 AM	#1
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,625	4 barrel oil bath air cleaner I just pulled in a 70 3/4 ton truck with 350 and factory oil bath air cleaner. I didn’t know they were still used up to 1970 year model. Anyone know the last year for oil bath in light duty trucks? Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super swb. Factory 402/400,tach,posi,AM/FM, A/C. Adding cruise, 8-track 72 Cheyenne Super swb. 350/350 A/C, bucket seats 72 Cheyenne swb. Factory 402/400, tilt, posi, A/C 72 Cheyenne Super K-10. 350/4 spd., posi. 72 Suburban 350/350 tilt, tach, AM/FM, A/C, luggage rack 72 GMC Sierra lwb. 350/350, A/C. medium green/olive interior

04-07-2023, 01:34 PM	#2
68 C10 Driver Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Kathleen, GA Posts: 651	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner I thought oil bath breathers ended in the late 50s. Wow, I never knew.

04-07-2023, 01:48 PM	#3
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Never seen a 4bbl oil bath, well now I have

04-07-2023, 02:25 PM	#4
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,676	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Unicorn! That is the only oil bath air cleaner for a 4 BBL carb that I have ever seen! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-07-2023, 03:41 PM	#5
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 591	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner those are fun on a 25 degree hill ;-)

04-07-2023, 05:04 PM	#6
HotWheelsFan Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 189	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Fleet vehicle maybe? __________________ 1970 C20 Long Bed Fleetside - Restoration My truck videos - Youtube

04-07-2023, 06:58 PM	#8
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,625	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner First for me too. Owned/junked well over 200 of them and never seen one in a 70-72 with 4 barrel. Atlanta built truck and spent its life Alabama - not exactly a dust bowl. Could have been fleet, but doubtful since most fleet trucks were low option vehicles. This one is decently optioned - could have been the foreman’s truck! __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super swb. Factory 402/400,tach,posi,AM/FM, A/C. Adding cruise, 8-track 72 Cheyenne Super swb. 350/350 A/C, bucket seats 72 Cheyenne swb. Factory 402/400, tilt, posi, A/C 72 Cheyenne Super K-10. 350/4 spd., posi. 72 Suburban 350/350 tilt, tach, AM/FM, A/C, luggage rack 72 GMC Sierra lwb. 350/350, A/C. medium green/olive interior

04-07-2023, 07:10 PM	#9
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,143	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Spid from truck I looked at and was a spec factory order by the sellers Dad to haul his 9 foot Camper. Shows Oil Bath Air Cleaner and LS9 350 4bbl engine too. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

04-07-2023, 08:55 PM	#10
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,676	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner I've also pretty much only seen them in farm country, fwiw. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

04-07-2023, 11:40 PM	#11
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 975	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Does anybody know how much an LS9 350 cost vs. a 396 upgrade?

04-09-2023, 02:27 PM	#13
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner I have one on a 71 C/50 w/2bbl 350... Attached Images __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American" Last edited by Ironangel; 04-10-2023 at 08:57 AM.

04-10-2023, 08:38 AM	#14
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,165	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner I had a 1974 F250 with a 390. It had a factory oil bath air cleaner. I changed it to a paper filter (with a different air cleaner housing). I think Ford offered them up to 1976 on the F250 and bigger. __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

04-10-2023, 08:34 PM	#16
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 975	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner ^^Thank you, wow quite a difference.

05-14-2023, 07:17 PM	#17
rbagley Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 327	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Right after seeing this post and being bummed by how rare they seemed to be, I was cruising Facebook marketplace and found this. The tower clamp says it’s from April of 1970. Attached Images

05-14-2023, 08:02 PM	#18
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner My first 70, it was a 250 6, had one. I have never seen one on a V8 before. Definitely an oddity. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!



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05-14-2023, 10:28 PM	#19
factorystock Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: west coast Posts: 3,396	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner IMO, the original owner was an older buyer that insisted on this option, had them in all his previous trucks, they worked and were cheap to service.

05-14-2023, 10:48 PM	#20
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,976	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Some of the early Army CUCVs had them if my memory can be trusted. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

05-15-2023, 04:26 PM	#21
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,391	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner How do they actually work ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

05-15-2023, 11:57 PM	#23
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner ^^^^ Yes, and if I recall (it's been about 58 years since I messed with them), there was a filter element that laid in the oil. I believe it was a bit like steel wool but extremely coarse in comparison. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

05-16-2023, 12:05 AM	#24
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,676	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner Supposedly more efficient because a paper filter presented some air resistance, and can't stop as many particles as the oil. I remember what a sweetheart those were to clean. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

05-16-2023, 08:52 AM	#25
67 twins Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Herculaneum MO (20 minutes south of St. Louis Posts: 648	Re: 4 barrel oil bath air cleaner The biggest advantage they give is that they don't clog up & cause a restriction. Therefore they are much better in dusty environments. __________________ 67 C10 283 T5 swapped longbed fleetside = wife's daily driver 67 C20 292 (originally a 250)4speed longbed fleetside w/original wooden bed=my project truck 67 C10 283+.060 (so a 292 as well)T5 swapped longbed fleetside=my DD 72 C1500 Sierra Grande 350 TH350 longbed fleetside=wife's fair weather truck Can you tell we are fans of longbed fleetsides & 67s Chris

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