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Old 05-25-2023, 10:24 PM   #1
JesseD
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Default Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

Hey guys

I have a nice 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan. It was restored some time ago but is still really nice. Anyway with that being said where I live in PA there are quite a few dirt roads that I travel and many people have dirt driveways and parking lots. With that being said I am concerned about the dust getting in my cars engine without it having an air filter. I know that this is a touch subject but I want my car protected too.

I was wondering if anyone has adapted an oil bath style air cleaner to work on the stock model an and if so how it was done. I know oil bath filters can be messy but growing up on a farm I am used to them.

Any advice is appreciated
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Old 05-25-2023, 10:46 PM   #2
Pete
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

I remember seeing an adaption of one to a model A engine in a tractor about 15 years ago somewhere on the internet.
It was big, bulky and looked Mickey Mouse. Not something that would look too good on a car.
They don't work all that well either compared to a simple K&N sleeve.
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Old 05-26-2023, 06:47 AM   #3
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

An oil bath filter may work well on a Model A as I think they do not have very much restriction to air flow. The Model A carburetor float bowl is vented to the atmosphere so that if there is a lot of restriction then it will act as a choke and enrich the air/fuel ratio. I think all oil bath filters are down flow so it may be difficult to adopt to a updraft carburetor. I see where Pete is right that it would become a plumbing nightmare. There may be an updraft oil bath filter off a tractor that you could use.
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Old 05-26-2023, 08:03 AM   #4
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

K & N is the way to go. Works great.
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Old 05-26-2023, 08:45 AM   #5
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

Talk to Renners Garage. They are the carb experts and will tell you not to use any air filter.
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Old 05-26-2023, 12:00 PM   #6
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

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About 52 years ago I adapted an oil baith oil filter off of a 2 cylinder Wisconsion engine that I mounted to the fire wall and used a radiator hose to connect it to. I never could tell it had a flow restriction and ran the same as with out. The person I sold it to 6 months ago took it off.
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Old 05-26-2023, 02:25 PM   #7
ModelA29
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

I think the oil bath would have more restriction than a K&N or the paper ones they sell.
BTW when the A was first introduced most of the roads they traveled on were dirt.
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Old 05-27-2023, 12:42 PM   #8
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

For your info this photo shows the optional air bath oil filter sold for use on 1932 heavy duty 4 cylinder trucks. The tube extending down to the carburetor is not shown.

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Old 05-27-2023, 01:27 PM   #9
JesseD
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

That is something what I am looking for does anyone know where I could find one of these?
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Old 05-28-2023, 09:52 AM   #10
katy
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens View Post
optional air bath oil filter Charlie Stephens
?????
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Old 05-28-2023, 06:54 PM   #11
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseD View Post
That is something what I am looking for does anyone know where I could find one of these?
I checked and I don't have one, the photo is about 20 years old (love those digital cameras). If by chance I run across it I will send you a private message. Try a wanted ad on the Early Ford V8 Club Site (https://www.earlyfordv8.org/index.cfm) or HAMB (https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/).

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Old 05-29-2023, 03:00 AM   #12
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

[QUOTE=Charlie Stephens;2229064]For your info this photo shows the optional air bath oil filter sold for use on 1932 heavy duty 4 cylinder trucks. The tube extending down to the carburetor is not shown.


In Australia they were an optional HD air cleaner for cars in rural areas.
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Old 05-29-2023, 08:59 AM   #13
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

If you were using your "A" on a regular basis driving long distances on dirt roads while following trucks, I too would be concerned about ingesting dirt particles into the engine.
If your A has engine pans I feel this helps to minimize possible road dust up drafts from affecting particle inflow to the carburetor. Airflow across the top and bottom surfaces of the engine pan should minimize or eliminate updraft airflow from the undercarriage.
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Old 05-29-2023, 01:46 PM   #14
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Default Re: Oil Bath air cleaner for the Model A

I sent my Model B carburetor to Renners Garage and David did the necessary machine work to allow use of an air filter.

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