The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 question

So i'm looking at my engine and for the life of me i cannot find any sign of an oil filter. I did some research online, and found that it "should" be on the right side of the block, behind the fuel pump. Its not there. I have been reading posts on this site for a while now and people always say that chevy changed things frequently back then...

So my question= Were there any other places the oil filter could be? As of right now, my impression is that my engine has no oil filter.LOL. I guess its...."kustom".

An oil filter was an option/accessory on 216 engines. Different styles and brands were available. Oil changes were supposed to be done frequently, so it was not uncommon for people to forgo putting on an oil filter.

You're referring to the oil filter location for the later-model inline 6-cylinder, the 1963-up 194 to 292 series. These engines have a screw-on filter on the passenger's side of the block. 216, 235, and 261 engines had remotely-mounted canister filters, usually U-bolted to the intake manifold on the driver's side, with flexible lines to oil galleries in the block. If you want to retro-fit your engine for a filter, watch the E-bay auctions. There are usually several filter assemblies there. These engines use what is called a "bypass" filtering system, where a small volume of oil is filtered and returned to the oil pan without the filter being in line with the rest of the oil system. This method actually does a better job of removing contaminants from the oil, since the filter does not have to flow enough volume to supply the lubrication needs of the engine, and a tighter-weave filter media can be used. The "Frantz" brand filter system uses a roll of toilet paper as a filter medium, and really strains out the crud!
Jerry

Oil filter was an option? Wow that's interesting. So is it difficult to add a filter?

No adding a remote filter is EASY. You purchase the add on filter assembly (with filter and seal)and two flexible rubber oil lines. The oil filter assembly mounts to the intake manifold with 2 u bolts and a bracket. The oil lines connect to the oil gallery copper connections on the driver side of the engine. Most after market jobbers supply the entire kit, complete with instructions. Probably takes about an 1-1.5 hours to install. After install you will need to add about 1 additional quart of oil at each oil change.

thats awesome. thanks for the info guys! any idea where i can find these kits?

Ebay is the simplest way. There are usually several original equipment filters listed in the "Antique parts" section. Buying a kit is just an expensive way to get reconditioned parts, as I don't believe any "new" ones are being manufactured now.

Here's an original-equipnent filter canister that would only need a new set of flexible lines to be complete. The restoration parts vendors who advertize here have the lines in stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1940...arts_Accessories&hash=item4153060bed

Jerry