As a follow up to a post I did last year concerning "
AC Oil Canister Filters (1954Chevy Truck) ", I had a lingering question concerning the proper installation of the oil filter element. As I mentioned in that post, I had purchased a filter for a tri-five passenger vehicle, or what I believed to be a SC-655 filter, and from what I could tell, the only difference between it and the 1954 SC-653 filter was the mounting bracket. Since I was having a difficult time figuring out the spring and retainer configuration, I never installed the SC-655 filter. I guess I should have asked about the filter installation then, but it seemed like a dumb question and I was also holding on to hopes of finding the correct filter canister.
I recently picked up what I believe to be a 1954 SC-653 Filter on eBay that was missing the top bolt. When I received the part, it had been powder coated and the lid or top was stuck to the canister. I actually had to use a block of wood and a hammer to knock the lid off. When I got the lid off I found out that it had the original spacer stuck in the bottom of the canister with no spring. Since the lid was almost impossible to get on and off, I very carefully sanded off the powder coat on the canister lip down to the metal so the lid would go on and off normally. I also wire brushed and cleaned all of the internals and placed a reproduction decal on the lid. (Pictures below.)
So my dumb question was "what is the proper configuration of the filter, spring, and retainer". I had actually posted for help on this site and then I deleted my post after I ran across a detailed (AC S-6 Filter) picture (below) with instructions on the correct placement of the spacer, then filter, and then the spring attached to the bolt on the lid. The spring actually fits into the groove on the bolt. (So that is the purpose of the groove. Duh!) What I believe I have now is all the pieces and parts to cobble together a very nice 1954 Oil Filter Canister. The SC-655 pictures are on the left and the SC-653 pictures are on the right.
I had actually scoured this site, where I am certain Jerry (Hot Rod Lincoln) had addressed this issue, but I was unable to find his post again. I also looked at other sites where I saw the springs mentioned to be on the top and then on the bottom and then one mentioned to be under the spacer. There was also an assortment of gaskets, O-rings, etc. used on the bolt. (I still have a question about what would be the correct seal for the bolt. I figure a copper gasket, an O-ring, or appropriate fiber gasket would work well. The SC-655 filter I purchased actually came with an old fiber gasket.)
Pat Doonan, author of "
The Great Oil Filter Debate ", had actually provided the AC S-6 picture on another site and I may have just failed to locate it within my search efforts on this site. The site where I found the picture actually has links back to this site's Tech Tip.
I hope this helps someone who may be in the same predicament as me. Who knows, there may be someone out there right now running the incorrect configuration.
If you are still here, thanks for staying with me throughout this soliloquy. Furthermore, if I am out-of-bounds with this post, or in the wrong location, please let me know. As I mentioned, I deleted my original post, then I realized someone might be able to benefit from this information.
Thanks
PS I just recently ran across a post called "Unidentified Spring" that also details the correct location of the oil filter spring.
