The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Revamped the oil filter lines

When I started my rebuilt 261 up last weekend, I found two small leaks in the oil filter lines that I had installed. One was at the outlet on the filter bracket going back to the engine and the other was at the rear connection returning to the block. Knew that I would need to fix them so decided that instead of using the rubber filter relocation lines that I installed when the engine was out of the truck, I was going to put it back in stainless steel. Uploaded a few new pictures on the engine rebuild album. No leaks now!

http://community.webshots.com/user/geezer

No Leaks....that's good! Think I will follow your lead and go with the hard stuff. Was hoping you wouldn't have problems but the short lines and bends, with tension on the fittings had me wondering. Hope my 235 will be out of the builders in a week.

A couple questions....did you use compression or flared fittings and are there local suppliers who stock the stainless stuff or do you have to mail order out? Any suggestions would sure be appreciated.

Dave

Dave;
I used Yor-Lok double compression 316 SST fittings which I bought from www.mcmaster.com. Look for the fittings that begin with the stock number 5182K. Those fittings are like Swagelok fittings in that they have a front and a rear fitting. Out of all the ones I used on my fuel, water and now oil, not one leak. Also got my stainless tubing from McMaster. You want the seamless type (either 304 or 316) with a .035 wall. The fittings aren't too cheap (a 3/8" male adapter is abut $9), but they will last a lifetime. Most importantly, get a really good tubing bender (Impreial Eastman makes a nice one that does 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 inch). Good luck!

Thanks...you saved me a bunch of hunting. Like you say "will last a lifetime"....that makes it worth the extra expense.

Dave