The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oil Filter ID needed

I picked this filter up at a swap meet for ten bucks this weekend. Can anyone identify the model of this filter? It has a PC-100 element inside, and ruminants of blue paint on the body, nothing on the cover.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2748608610098611668EAwlrl
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I've been told that the diameter of the bolt-head can be used to identify whether it is an A/C or a Fram. If my memory serves me correctly, the 5/8" head is for an A/C filter and a 7/8" head for a Fram.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I've gott'em reversed. BTW....if you eliminate the bypass filter you will pick up 5-7 psi of oil pressure. Full flow conversion is a much better option.

Dave

The filter you have pictured looks like one that Chevrolet listed for all 6Cyl engines from 1938-1957. It was also available for 58-59 Ser3, and 60-62 Ser 10 through Ser 30 (6cyl), (exc DD). It was an optional bypass filter made by AC. The AC number is AC-PF-117 Type S-2 (2 qt cap).
The GM part number was 5572425.
Hope this helps,
Bob

You can disregard the above message because the element for this filter in my message above, is a PF- 117. So that eliminates the AC filter supplied by GM as a candidate.
Bob

The only other piece of information I can find from my older Fram Master Catalogue, is that the Fram replacement for the AC-117 is the Fram C31, C31P,C31PL.
If you can give me the dimensions of the cartridge, I may be able to find you more information, The number looks to me like a discontinued AC number. It is not listed in any of my books.
Bob

It,s a Fram add on filter. The Fram cartridge # is c-4. Other brands use there own number system but can look it up or cross it over.

Thanks guys. Like I said, this was painted blue and I thought that Fram filters were always orange and black.
It is not a 2qt capacity, it's only one measured it.
It has a 7/8" bolt head if you got it straight Dave.
Not familiar with the "bypass filter you will pick up 5-7 psi of oil pressure. Full flow conversion is a much better option.
", may be you could elaborate a little more?
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Agree that the full flow filteration system works great. I have it on my freshly rebuilt 235. On my old engine, I plugged the pressure and return ports (1/8NPT) and noted that my oil pressure went up between 5 and 7 pounds on the gauge.

As for the cartridge cannister mfgr....I can't lay my hands on which bolt size goes with which brand. The bolthead size on my old bypass filter cannister was 5/8". My original filter cartridge was a NAPA 1100 (4-1/2" dia X 4-3/4 tall)my replacement was 4"X4-3/4"....probably not a Fram....don't have much faith in their filters but didn't record the numbers.

The original Fram cannister was a "Filcron Filter Model F4-18P2 and the recommended filter was a C-4 or C-4P2.

As for the color of the cannister itself....they could be any color after 50 years. The Fram cannisters originally were Black top and orange base.

I'll do a little more digging.

Dave

Note: The Fram cannisters use a 7/8" wrench on the top bolt and have a crimped bottom. The A/C cannister uses a 5/8" wrench on the top bolt and has a smooth bottom.

Some Fram filter had a rather large wing bolt instead of a hex. The one that was on my '55 has that type. It's also orange with the black top. Unfortunatly, the deacal is very worn, so I can't tell you what it says for the element type.
My guess would be AC, just because of the blue paint and general appearance of the canister. But here's a thought-could it be a Purolator? I don't know if Purolator made canisters, but the blue on it does come close to the color on current purolator filters. Not saying it is, just throwing out an idea.

This is the canister that was on the truck when I got it.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2676581140092261295syxJgb

Well, there again Dave, this one has a smooth bottom, the canister body is one piece formed. I hand wire brushed some of the rust off the top and there are some traces of orange on it. I'm thinkin' like Bill, it's an AC but what model I have no idea. The filter measures 4 5/8" x 4 7/8" and again the PC100 that's in it is a Wix number. I suppose you could call it a 4 3/4" tall if you looked at it in a certain way. I don't have a cross referance for any filters.
That Fram canister on yours is a lot different than mine Bill.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

A/C Model S-6. Or at least that's the model number on the replacement decal in Chevy Duty's (CAP) catalog.

As I menttioned before, my A/C S-6 cannister used the larger NAPA (Wix) 1100 cartridge.

Dave

Jeff, do you have a picture of that restored Fram filter?? From what I have been reading the Fram filters had a convoluted cone bottom and the AC's were a smooth cone bottom.
Never new there were so many different versions of the canister filter. I've been looking for some history of AC and Fram canister filters but haven't found any yet. There must be AC catalogs around somewhere from that era.
Dave, the AC S6's that I have seen were on GMC's and had a yellow body and black cover, have you seen other S6's that were blue and orange?

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

If you look in the Classic parts catalog, they sell a decal that shows the A/C filter (S-6) as being yellow with a black top. My A/C S-6 was blue can with an orange lid. I didn't do an analysis of the blue or orange paint, to verify if it was the original from the factory...was more interested in getting my truck running and on the road so I could truly enjoy driving it!

Being that the bypass filter is just one point above "no filter" at all, I really think that a truck that was actually going to be driven on the road, would be better off with the bypass sitting on the shelf to admire, and giving the bearings the additional oil pressure. Of course this is my personal opinion. I've never been much for making mountains out of molehills!

Dave

I'm really sorry to have bothered you with these small unimportant details Dave. I just thought that since you joined in on the subject that you were interested. However, I am interested in the authenticity, history and small details of these trucks. If all I needed was a daily driver it would probably be a new Avalanch or SUV.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I guess it's whatever flips your skirt! Given a choice, I'd rather focus my efforts on being able to drive my project truck on a daily basis not necessarily as a daily driver. As for being interested...I am, up to a point! Once I reach that point, I put things into perspective and move on. Being a hands-on type person, I guess I get my jollies by seeing the fruits of my efforts and sharing the bumps I've encountered along the way with others who are like minded. I've been a firm advocate of enjoying the journey...not just getting to the destination....but I make sure I have a firm picture of the destination so I don't wander too far off course during the process. As I said before....whatever flips your skirt!

Dave

OK, I hope my old buddy Dave don’t start throwin’ no rocks at me cuz I’m gonna do some more nit pickin, I’m bout ready for a decal, some lines and an element; And all I’m really doin here is sharing the fruits of my efforts, getting my jollies and enjoying the bumps along the way!
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2003689560098611668TLQQyp

This was the reason I was asking about your S6, I saw this on an award winner at a swap meet/show this weekend; http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2447023530098611668jJjVWf

One thing that is different with this canister as opposed to the others I’ve seen, is the inlet is in front instead of the back. I haven’t got the lines yet so I’m hoping that the 18” line is going to be long enough to reach the tee. I’m betting It’s gonna be tight!!
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

ps. And Dave, just how did you find out I wear a skirt, you been talking to my "big old wife"???

Intuition....pure intuition. Please feel free to nit-pick all you want, although you certainly don't need my permission. If I didn't want to play, I'd take my marbles and go home!!!

Different strokes...or something like that!

Did you notice on the award winner, that the A/C filter sure looks like it's missing it's smooth base. Aghast, could that be a Fram filter wearing A/C colors and decals? Naw....must just be my old eyes. Oh well, have fun with your filter....I've got an extra one on the shelf if you feel the urge to paint some more!

Guess I'll go out and change the air in my tires!!!!!

Dave

Right you are Dave and it also has “USE WALKER PC-30 CARTRIDGE” embossed into the cover, the lip is formed different than the AC covers and the bracket is flat not radiused to fit the GM manifold. Guess the judges missed that.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I need clarification on this oil filter thread. I did not think that an oil filter came on the 6 cylinders from the factory until sometime in the early 60's. I understand that they "may" have been dealer options, in which case the filter could have been anthing (AC, Fram, etc.).

Ok, been doing a lot of research on this one and I believe I found out what the filter is. There was a similar thread going over at the VCCA site about three years ago and one member apparently had all of the parts books and pulled the chronological listing together.

The filter that I picked up was an AC #SC-655, pn.5573580, circa 1955 to 58. They no longer had a drain plug in the bottom and the tee fitting was different from the earlier filters because of the (1/8npt) for the oil sending unit rather than the pressure line to the gauge.

The reason the inlet is in the front of the body on mine instead of the back is because the lower hood-line required that the air filter be moved off the top of the carburetor and to the front corner of the engine. Because of clearance and service considerations the filter was mounted on the rear portion of the intake manifold.

According to the source the first year that the passenger cars came from the factory with a filter was 1962 and the factory installed filter was black.
From what I gather the factory option for trucks were also always black.
1950 was the first year for the orange and blue, dealer installed filter, that would have been the AC #SC-649, pn.5572299. This was used through 1952.
For 1953 and 54 it was AC #SC-650, pn. 5572380.
From 1955 to 58 they were AC #SC-655, pn. 5573580.
In 1959 it was AC #SC-659, pn.5575218.
From 1960 to 62 was AC #SC-660, pn.5576528.
1970 lists an AC #SC353.
Now all that is missing from the puzzle would be pictures of the various models. So if any of you feel that you have one of these and no for sure what the model number is, we would have a fairly complete picture of what the AC canister line looked like through the 50’s and 60’s.
Now I gotta go put my head on this afternoon so I’ll have a place to hang my filter.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

I had the same problem ID'ing the one I picked up, until I read carefully the article on this site about AC Filters and their history. I have the exact same thing that Denny Graham has: the shape, bolt, and inlet are all alike. It appears that this is actually a SC-659 model because of the absence of a flange at the bottom of the cover bolt. This was meant for '59 and later models, so I am debating whether or not to use this on my '53 truck, although I guess that the inlet hose would just wraparound the canister a little more (maybe that would give more clearance from the exhaust?) You guys are OUTSTANDING in your knowledge, and I am sure someone knows how well this might work, or if there would be a problem of some kind in this application.

One thing is for sure: the COLORS on this thing will stay original... note my screen name (chomp, chomp)

Anyone have any ideas if the front-side inlet would be a problem for use on a '53 with a 235, mounted in front of the heat riser box? Or if there would be interference from the exhaust?

Your correct, it would be a filter meant for a later model. When they moved the air filter off the top of the carburetor and down low for clearance they moved the filter to the back of the manifold, thus the reason for the inlet in the front of the canister. If you are not concerned with period correctness then that filter will work just the same as the correct filter Gater, the only difference being the location of the inlet. The only problem your gonna have is finding a longer hose. The suggestion was made to find a large trucking repair shop where they can make you up a longer hose.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL