The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oil bath vs Paper air cleaner

Is there a difference in engine preformance when using the original oil bath or paper air cleaner?

I am currently getting 11 mpg around town....will this get better or is this it. Its the original 235 and seems that no major work has been done to the engine. I am running a manual 4spd, with new 3.37 rearend.

Also, I am moving to Hawaii and taking my 55 1st series 3100. Will the salt air have any affect on the oil bath?

Thanks.

...just my opinion. I don't think either will change your mpg if both are in good shape.

don't have an opinion on the salt air...well, yes I do, I think your alright there. Its the rest of the truck I'd worry about in salt air.

Personally, if you get 12 mpg vs. 11 mpg by switching something around, who gives a crap. It won't be enough to make a difference and the point is that you enjoy it over anything else. I'd avoid the beach driving if you can.

Jeff

Paper filter elements will do a lot better job of cleaning the air. Back in the early 1950's one of our competitors built a couple of Oldsmobile engines to run in the Daytona race, back when half the track was run down the beach. When they tore the engines down after one 500-mile race, the rings were worn out, and there was a residue of sand in the oil pan that had gotten through the oil bath filter and past the piston rings. The engine was nicely polished inside, though!
Jerry

http://adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/aircleaners.html

Use 50 wt oil.

I live next to the ocean, and often, when I'm working at the marina, my truck gets covered with salt spray. Corrosion in general, will be a bigger trouble than the air cleaner letting salt into the engine!

Back when I was into LandRovers, it was always said that oil baths would filter out more, and finer junk. I've never read anything that proves this, however, one way or the other.

Having used both the oil bath, and a paper element on my truck, the oil bath is quieter. With a paper element, I can hear more "sucking" from the carb.

Lived on the Big Island for ten years and can tell you that the good beaches are 4x4 access only mostly over paved road (read pure Ah'A lava) so no racing there... And remember it rains nearly every day (in the mid to late afternoon) which I think is the real rust issue not the salt in the air. My reasoning being I still live 2 miles from the ocean and can leave fresh bare metal for weeks in the garage (enclosed and finished) with no rust forming. Stuff that sits in the rain? Not so much.
This isn't to say you won't have corrosion issues its just meant as an alternative reason as to why...