'40 Oil Filter Canister

[Bowen5573]

Good morning, All,

Well, as I continue my "journey" with my '40 Deluxe Coupe I've decided to add an oil filter since mine doesn't have one. I've read many threads on Ford Barn and researched this a bit and have decided that I'd like to go with the "bypass filter" that was offered as an option in 1940. I'm not overhauling the engine and the engine is still in the car, so other options aren't feasible for me at this time. Plus, I'm trying to keep my car as "original" as possible and use or add things that are period correct.

So, does anyone have a 1940 oil filter canister in really good condition (NOS would be really great but probably a dream) that needs a new home? I'd prefer one with the fittings, particularly the restrictor, but that's not a necessity. From pictures I've seen, I think the canister used in 1940 is a bit different from later ones, so, I'd like to find one used in 1940.

Thanks, All.

Best,
Borron

[alanwoodieman]

canister bolts under three head bolts with three special shouldered head bolts, I have used but if you want NOS contact barnfindo8 on this site-he will have NOS

[Bowen5573]

Hi alanwoodieman,
Thanks for your reply. My engine actually has head studs rather than bolts. Does that make a difference when mounting the oil canister? Do you know which 3? I've seen pictures of '40's with the oil canister installed and it looks like it's a bit forward on the left head. It might be obvious which ones after I get an oil canister in hand (hopefully). Any advice will be most appreciated. Thanks, again.
Best,
Borron

[alanwoodieman]

no I meant to say head NUTS, I can take a picture of my engine location. I do have a drawing some where I will find that and send to you

[Bowen5573]

Righto! Thank you for your reply. Pictures and drawings will be most appreciated. I see how the line attaches to the block below the oil pressure sensor, but how does the return line get into the pan? Is it through the dipstick tube that screws into a fitting in the side of the pan? Thanks, again.
Borron

[alanwoodieman]

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[Bowen5573]

Got it! Thank you very much. The installation looks straightforward and makes sense to me. Now, all I have to do is find the proper oil filter canister.
Best,
Borron

[Ken/Alabama]

I’m thinking that later in 40 the return location changed to the timing cover via one of the distributor bolts. I have a couple of original NOS return line kits with instructions somewhere. I’ll look for them

[Bowen5573]

Thank you, Ken!
Best,
Borron

[alanwoodieman]

Kube can probably tell you more, but If I remember correctly there are three return line locations. If you look over the paper I posted it is actually the instructions to put a 40 kit on a 39!! or before. The return to fuel pump stand resulted in oil blowing out the the oil fill tube, return to timing gear cover works good. The last return line I have seen on old engines is thru the pan with sort of an adapter installed. Not sure if it was "original" or not but it works the best

[dean333]

I have one with the restrictor fitting, lines and even a new filter. Freshly painted, I decided not to use it. $75 free shipping. Tim 678-773-5764

[Bowen5573]

Thanks, Alan. Was the adapter thru the pan tied into the dipstick tube that screws into a bracket riveted to the side of the pan?

[Bowen5573]

Hi Tim, thank you for your reply. I just purchased a '40 oil filter canister from a Sr. Member on Ford Barn that's already on its way to me. I do appreciate your offer, but I need to decline.

Take good care,
Borron

[alanwoodieman]

not thru the oil dipstick bracket (59ab) but thru a sort of tube thru the side of the oil pan. I think you drilled a hole, put this adapter thru it and screwed it down and it sealed both sides of the bracket to the pan and then remove the screw and install the return line

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Bowen5573

Thanks, Alan. Was the adapter thru the pan tied into the dipstick tube that screws into a bracket riveted to the side of the pan?

In 1941 there was a dedicated boss towards the front of the oil pan (left side) that would accept the return line. In '42, through '48, that dedicated boss was eliminated. Instead, there was a threaded hole made integral of the dip stick tube boss.

[Bowen5573]

Thanks, Alan, for the additional information.
Best,
Borron

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

I’m thinking that later in 40 the return location changed to the timing cover via one of the distributor bolts. I have a couple of original NOS return line kits with instructions somewhere. I’ll look for them

You are correct Ken. If my memory serves, it was very late in '40 production (April?) that the change was made to return the oil to the timing gear cover. That was most likely a better method than the previous one, that being to a special fitting at the fuel pump.
There was no "real" issue with the correct routing to the fuel pump. However, service guys would often route the line to the base of the pump stand vs. the (proper route) to the fuel pump. That improper routing resulted in excess oil consumption. Thus the design change.

[Bowen5573]

Hi Kube,
Thanks for the reply. Would you happen to have a picture of what you're describing? The dipstick tube boss on the oil pan on my '40 only has the 1 threaded hole for the dipstick tube. I might be able to fashion a separate connection for the return line onto the bottom of the dipstick tube, and then screw that contraption into the boss on the side of the oil pan, but I'd have to be sure to properly measure the dipstick since it would be lifted up.

Any additional advice will be most appreciated. Thank you.
Best,
Borron

[petehoovie]

[Bowen5573]

Thanks, Pete for the picture. I see now how the return line attaches to the distributor bolt, but the "return hose stud assembly" and "hollow cap screw" may be a bit difficult to replicate if I can't find OEM replacements. Those items may be more scarce than the canister itself. But it's good to see how it was done. Thanks, again.
Best,
Borron