The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Why no oil filter?

I searched but couldn't find the answer. Why do some trucks not have an oil filter? Mine doesn't. Its a 53 3100. Since it doesn't have a filter, do I need to change the oil more often?

Any special considerations?

Thanks in advance.

oil filters were an option back then, and when included were a bypass system that would clean the oil and dump it back into the dirty oilpan. Changing the oil more frequently is a good idea.

Probably because non-detergent straight grade oil was more common in earlier years, which doesn't need an oil filter.

Detergent oil needs an oil filter, as particles stay suspended in the oil.

I would add a canister filter.

I read that I should be using a single grade oil. Not multi-grade? What grade is best? Also, how do I add a canister filter?

Thanks for the answers, everyone.

Because of the lack of zinc in oil after 2006, get Shell Rotella T SAE30 diesel oil or use any regular SAE30 together with one red bottle of STP additive (zinc) per oil change.

If you do a little search, there are many threads on this forum with links to pictures and instructions how to add a remote filter.

Before you add a bypass filter, with it's limitations, you might want to ask yourself "why wasn't there a filter already on the truck?"

I noted on my 56-235 clean engine of unknown mileage, that removing the bypass filter and plugging the 2 ports improved both my idle and cruising oil pressure by 5-7 psi. Recognizing that the bypass filter dumps filtered oil back into a pan full of unfiltered oil, seemed counter-productive when I was more concerned about lubricating my bearings.

If your current engine has decent oil pressure it my have no adverse effect. However, if the PO had removed it to salvage an extra few pounds of oil pressure you might be going the wrong way.

Modern oils, changed at regular intervals (2-3K miles) seems to me, to be more prudent. If you pull the valve cover and your engine isn't full of sludge, I'd feel safe running a good quality straight 30 weight detergent oil that met API certification requirements for medium duty gas engines. If it were sludged up, I would hesitate to run detergent oil without some kind of filtration. Non-detergent would keep her running until it was time for a rebuild. Hope this helps.

Dave

Ah, thank you. So much to learn. But I'm willing!

Off to search the boards.

If it dose'nt have ZINK then add it. Modern oils offer NO! LET ME REPETE NO!!! protection on flat surfaces. Did I say NO protection.

Actually, the modern oil was reformulated but many of the companies are now providing an oil for older engines with the zddp put back in at it's historic levels. Only difference is they are offering the same formulas they offered 10 years ago but they jacked the price because it is now a "speacial vehicle" oil.