Whats the secret to removing the oil filter?

[Flathead Noob]

I pull on the little wire handle, twist and turn, but no luck.


Thanks!

[banjoQ]

Residual oil in the canister and a snug fit can make for a sort of suction when trying to lift out the filter. Give it a steady, strong pull and it should come out of there. Happens sometimes. Be sure to clean out the bottom of the canister, get all that dark snot out of there. New filter, new oil and your back out on the road.

[mike42]

I had that happen once and as I recall it was the rubber seals that slide over the post in the center and just got stuck. A very tight fit. I took a screw driver to the edge of the filter and pried it out. It came unstuck. Only happened once.

Mike

[19Fordy]

If you pull directly up without twisting it a little oil will go all over the place.

Put a rag over the top of the filter.

[51woodie]

The filter housing on my stock '46 has a 1/4" brass plug near the bottom, so it can be drained prior to removing the filter. Yes a combined twist and pull works. After I install the new filter element, I slowly pour about a 1/2 quart of fresh oil into the housing to "prime" the filter. Probably not necessary, but that was what I was taught by my auto shop a lot of years ago.

[Frank Miller]

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Put a screwdriver through the wire and pry up. It limits the range and gives you better control. It will keep the oil from flying all over the place.

[19Fordy]

That drain plug in the bottom of the filer is a good idea.
Breaks the vacuum/suction effect.
Might give it a try.

[Merc Cruzer]

I know what you mean. When I first bought my 53' Merc, many many years ago, it had been used and abused and the oil filter had not been changed forever. I was trying to get it out and when the little handle came off. I had to use a screw driver to get the filter out.

These days it is easier, but as mentioned, there is a suction. Keep turning it while pulling up and it will come out.

I use a turkey baster to get the oil out of the canister, then towels to clean out the rest.

[54vicky]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

I know what you mean. When I first bought my 53' Merc, many many years ago, it had been used and abused and the oil filter had not been changed forever. I was trying to get it out and when the little handle came off. I had to use a screw driver to get the filter out.

These days it is easier, but as mentioned, there is a suction. Keep turning it while pulling up and it will come out.

I use a turkey baster to get the oil out of the canister, then towels to clean out the rest.

now that is down right nasty

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 51woodie

The filter housing on my stock '46 has a 1/4" brass plug near the bottom, so it can be drained prior to removing the filter. Yes a combined twist and pull works. After I install the new filter element, I slowly pour about a 1/2 quart of fresh oil into the housing to "prime" the filter. Probably not necessary, but that was what I was taught by my auto shop a lot of years ago.

When I first got my car, it had this filter housing on it. I always wondered what it belonged on. It was not hooked up as in the picture though. The picture is just to show the filter housing.

[tubman]

Looks like a stock setup to me. The "rounded" fitting that the oil pressure sender is screwed into is typical Mercury. Every Ford I have seen has a "blocky" fitting with square corners and sharp edges. The presence of this fitting is the first and easiest to see clue that an engine MIGHT be a Mercury.

[51woodie]

Merc. I profess very little knowledge, but I believe there were several variations of filters over the years the flathead was produced. Some engines had none, some had aftermarket and some had factory, starting in August of 1945 I think. The filter in you pics is the same as I have on my '46 59A-B Your filter has the same brass drain plug as I have on mine. I noted that the piping on your oil lines are different than on my engine. My return line from the filter bottom connects to the 59A-6751 fitting on the oil pan that the dipstick tube is screwed into, whereas yours goes to the rear of the engine. Not sure if that makes a difference in oil filtering, flow or pressure. One other item to note, the inlet fitting on the housing needs to have an orifice in it to partially restrict flow, or you will have low engine oil pressure. I use the stock pressure sender for the dash gauge as well as a mechanical gauge to be sure, as you can see in the collection of fittings at the back of the engine. Belt and suspenders!

[flatheadmurre]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

When I first got my car, it had this filter housing on it. I always wondered what it belonged on.

I hope it wasn´t plumbed up like that...looks like a 95% setup through a stock bypass filter...

[cas3]

good eye murre

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by flatheadmurre

I hope it wasn´t plumbed up like that...looks like a 95% setup through a stock bypass filter...

Sorry to say but this is exactingly how it was plumbed when I bought her. Not long after, I wound up replacing the cracked block and building a whole new engine.


I also wondered why it pulled to the right when braking. (see picture #3).

Needless to say, I have learned allot, as to what is correct as compared to what was there, while putting her back on the road. Not much that I haven't toughed by now. I has been an education to say the least.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

I also wondered why it pulled to the right when braking. (see picture #3).

I think the brakes would work better with the bolt out of the brake hose.

[cadillac512]

But the shoes would last forever!
Terry

[Desoto291Hemi]

That looks like fresh plumbing through that factory filter canister.
Won’t that cause instant bearing failure ?

Tommy

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Desoto291Hemi

That looks like fresh plumbing through that factory filter canister.
Won’t that cause instant bearing failure ?

Tommy

You are right, if it had been used per the mock up in the picture. So don't ever do it as pictured!

[RKS.PA]

You've come a long way, Merc!!!