57 Chevy p/u - Oil filter optional ???

[mposthuma]

I recently aquired a 57 Chevy pick-up. The truck had no seat belt ... well were talking 1957 - I figured they we're an option. However, I was very suprised not to find any oil filter. Were they an option too? Does anyone know were to find an original style oil fiter and assembly with instructions on how to install?

Mark

[60-66 Nut]

Yes, an oil filter was optional on the 216, 235 and several other engines back then. But even when one was installed, the engine was not designed for a full-flow filter, so that only allows for a partial-flow filter setup, that is, the filter only filters part of the oil. I think some of the later 261 engines came setup with a full-flow filter system, but the 235 needs some modifications to use a full-flow filter. A partial-flow filter also causes a drop in oil pressure, since all it does is take some of the oil(and oil pressure), pass it through a filter and dump it back into the pan. Some may disagree, but I think with today's high quality oils and regular changes, a filter is really not necessary. Many people used to take them off if they bought a vehicle that already had one, and run them many miles with oil that was far inferior to the oil we have now. The tolerances were much more forgiving on these old engines than today's.
But if you really want one, I'm sure there are companys like LMC and others that still have the complete canister setups, but you can also get spin-on filter adapters from Jeg's or Summit that are relativley inexpensive and very easy to hookup. They're also alot neater to mess with than the old cartridge filters. Best of luck whatever you decide.

60-66 Nut

[mposthuma]

Great answer ... thanks. If it's not really a problem I think I'll save my money and go without. Next question: If I'm not running a filter, do you think synthetic motor oils would help?

Mark

[60-66 Nut]

Mark, again I'm sure that some may disagree but I think as long as you stay with a good grade of oil and change it regularly synthetic oil is just more expensive. You can stay with a good grade of non-synthetic and change it a little more often if you like, depending on how much you drive the truck. With five quarts of oil at say 2.00 a quart and no filter, you're only looking at ten bucks to change the oil, and my ten year old could probably do it in ten minutes with one wrench.

One other thing you might consider is how fresh the engine is. I have heard of people sticking synthetic oil in old tired engines expecting TV commercial results, only to end up with major oil leaks and/or consumption.

I will repeat myself in saying this is only my opinion. I'm not trying to bash synthetics or the people that use them. Synthetic oils are great when used in the right applications, but I just don't think there's much benefit in using them in these old motors. Again, just my opinion.

60-66 Nut

[mposthuma]

Sounds like good advice to me! Thanks

Ps. Do you really have all those old truck?

[60-66 Nut]

Originally Posted by mposthuma

Sounds like good advice to me! Thanks

Ps. Do you really have all those old truck?

Yes, I do actually, plus my wife's van, 4 parts trucks, a motorcycle, a go cart, several lawnmowers, a 60 year old house under renovation and acres of other crap I'll never finish. But hey, it's all good! Let's have a beer!

60-66 Nut