Oil Screen to remote oil filter adapter?

[John Bickham]

I know a lot of folks are enjoying Oshkosh. Like I've said for the last three years, "maybe next year?"

Now that I got my engine (Barrows Lycoming O-540) temporarily mounted to check some dimensions, got to reconsider my oil filter options. I thought I would go with the B&C adapter that puts the filter upright in about the 10:30 position. Not enough clearance with the diagonal tube of the motor mount. So now I'm looking at at remote filter on the firewall as many have suggested. One of the obvious benefits of a remote filter is the claim of lower oil temperatures due to not be attached to the heat of the engine block.

I've been looking at options. Of course there is the Airwolf system. The other option is adapting a sturdy automotive mount from Summit Racing or JEGS. The problem I'm having is finding the adapter to replace the screen housing. I'm not finding the adapters used by "the Erb" and others. I may be looking in the wrong place or everyone is out the business. Any leads or suggestions that I'm not seeing on the Internet.

One other question I have is actual vertical position of the filter on the firewall. I've seen some filters mounted low on the firewall and some high. I'm thinking low is to reduce the mess and high is to keep the hose lines full to avoid momentary dry starts after servicing. I'm leaning toward managing the mess and avoiding dry starts.

Appreciate any leads and all help. Hoping the folks at Oskosh pass a good time! Stay safe.

[Steve W]

I've seen a lot of discussion on the angled filter adapters not fitting around the dynafocal mounts. No one has mentioned using spacers to move the adapter farther away from the engine and mount. I haven't got that far yet. Still shopping for an engine.
This was a problem for the Murphy Rebels and Elites and I know someone provided several spacers of different thicknesses. Don't know if this is a fix for some of the problems but from what I've read, there has been very little distance needed in order to clear the mount.

[jaredyates]

On the 360 I'm using a straight oil filter adapter, as was produced by Lycoming. It fits fine, but makes a bit of a mess during oil changes. A really good used price is around $100, and new I think they are around $500+. Scroll down to page 5 of this PDF to see how it goes on:

http://www.grummanpilotsassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SSP-885-1-Lyc-Oil-Filter-Installation-Manual.pdf

They pop up from time to time on the VAF classifieds and eBay.

[John Bickham]

Thanks for that Jared. I've been searching for SSP-855-2 but no joy yet.
I'll need to check on that clearance to the firewall with the O-540. I know you have been testing different oil cooler recently. Now, I'm leaning toward the Airwolf system due to the claim of 20 degrees cooler because not connected to engine block heat source. That is an advantage that I had not appreciated until I started looking at options. B&C does offer a Maule version of there filter adapter. It is pointed down at about the 6:30 position. Think it would work with 2.5 inch spacer they sell. Evaluating ease of access on all these options.

Appreciated the help. On the edge of my seat waiting for the mystery of the stiff rudder to be solved!

[Zzz]

The other option is adapting a sturdy automotive mount from Summit Racing or JEGS. The problem I'm having is finding the adapter to replace the screen housing. I'm not finding the adapters used by "the Erb" and others. I may be looking in the wrong place or everyone is out the business. Any leads or suggestions that I'm not seeing on the Internet.

John, where did you land on this dilemma? I'd like to go remote too. The Airwolf isn't cheap.

[Mark Goldberg]

Zane, there are some auto racing oil filter adapters that are reasonable. Just be sure you get one that is not too flimsy and has the correct threads for the aviation oil filters we use. Summit Racing, Earl's etc. Mark

[Battson]

The problem I'm having is finding the adapter to replace the screen housing. I'm not finding the adapters used by "the Erb" and others. I may be looking in the wrong place or everyone is out the business. Any leads or suggestions that I'm not seeing on the Internet.

Unless I am going crazy, I don't think such a part exists....?

I used four NPT threaded ports in the accessory case to run the oil lines to and from the cooler and remote filter. There was no adapter. I think mine still has the rock catcher installed, either that or it's blanked off. There is a blanking plate on the back of my case.

Or maybe my whole accessory case is different, although that seems unlikely. Bob ask whether I wanted it set up for remote filtration of just using a rock catcher.

[Zzz]

Zane, there are some auto racing oil filter adapters that are reasonable. Just be sure you get one that is not too flimsy and has the correct threads for the aviation oil filters we use. Summit Racing, Earl's etc. Mark.

What is the adapter that attaches to the accessory case though?The stock 540 oil filter adapter bolts on opposite the oil pump there; is there a unit made for Lycoming cases?

[Zzz]

rock catcher.

This term is a bit colloquial. Do you mean the stock filter adapter?

[Zzz]

Looking at my stock part here, I guess I was also imagining a part that doesn't exist. I expected there to be an apparatus that bolted to the acc case taking its place, but upon closer inspection, it also contains the vernatherm and bypass valve. Perhaps the adapter to send the hoses to the remote just attaches like an oil filter? Need visual aids.

Edit: This is definitely how it works. Sorry, had never looked closely at a remote filter setup before.

[Battson]

What is the adapter that attaches to the accessory case though?The stock 540 oil filter adapter bolts on opposite the oil pump there; is there a unit made for Lycoming cases?

For clarity's sake - there are two adapters being discussed in this thread, one exists, the other maybe not:

Mark is referring to an adapter which connects NPT threaded hoses to a spin-on oil filter, this adapter is normally firewall-mounted. This part does not mount directly onto the engine.
Here's a photo:



Others are asking about an adapter which replaces the accessory case spin-on filter adapter. The accessory case spin-on filter adapter is pictured below. These adapters are commonly found on most modern installations, but leave a little to be desired. When you change the oil, it goes running all down the accessory case, unless you know the trick to removing them cleanly (which involves a sharp punch and several plastic bags). They can also prove hard to reach in some installations.


I don't know whether an alternative kind of adapter exists. I have yet to see one.

In my installation, I used the firewall mounted oil filter bracket, pictured at the top. I replaced the normal spin-on oil filter adapter with the following part, which still houses the temperature probe, but does not connect to any oil lines. This is what I refer to as the "rock catcher" because the filtration screen is so coarse, it could only strain out gravel or large parts of the engine!


I ran hoses from other outlets and inlets around the accessory case, to hook up to the remote oil cooler and remote oil filter. I didn't need any extra parts, other than hoses. I followed the instructions from Vans aircraft about accessory case plumbing.

[huntaero]

Hi John

I picked up the same adapter and it interfered with my cross-tube also, I talked to the B&C guys when I was in Oskosh and they said send it back and we will send you the BC702-H. We installed the B&C adapter BC702-H (no spacers required) it is made for the Robinson R22 and will cover your vacuum pump mount so you will need a blanking cover for that pad. Here are the pics of it installed. Web address: http://www.bandc.aero/oilfilteradapter-stcpma1-1.aspx
Have Fun George

[Zzz]

Battson the vaporware adapter doesn't exist as far as I can tell, because it would need to totally recreate the housing for the vernatherm and temp probe and bypass and all that. And as we have learned, some 540s came with the oil filter adapter from Lycoming, some came with only the screen, or "rock catcher" as you call it. Mine is an AC brand, found as OEM on many Lycomings of the era (1976). It seems in perfect condition (if you ignore the paint), so I will just use it. As for remote mounting the oil filter, an adapter threads onto the existing oil filter assembly in place of the filter, providing and outlet and inlet for hoses, which you route at your discretion to to remote filter. In the speed shop/automotive world there are TONS of brands and models for these. Most accommodate the 13/16-16 thread of aviation oil filters. I think you already know this but I'm just brain dumping what I've learned in the last day.

Here's my OEM AC Lycoming oil filter adapter and housing for vernatherm and temp probe. Obviously the temp prob will be replaced.



Here's a nice looking one that mounts to the firewall or wherever you want. Some that I have seen have chassis tube mounts:




I think this is the type adapter that you thread on to the housing on the acc case. You have to find a 13/16-16 version though:




Lot of money to be saved here compared to the Airwolf, though the onus is on the builder to make sure the parts used are up to spec.

[Bdflies]

OK guys. Time out! I'm gonna hijack John's thread, temporarily.
I can attach pictures, that appear at the bottom of the post, but how the heck do y'all insert pictures in the middle of your posts? I rarely have anything as interesting as Batson's stuff and never as informative as Zzz's. But I'd like to know how it's done! Bear in mind, I us an iPad...

Sorry John. It's crawfish season, ya know!

Bill

[Chris In Milwaukee]

To be honest, while I use the web forum almost exclusively, when posting photos I switch to Tapatalk. It's a lot less painful.

But if you want to post a photo, there's a camera icon in the upper left of the text box you're typing in that will allow you to upload one. It's stored on the forum itself that way.

The other option, if you have a photo stored on a photo sharing site like Flickr or similar, touch the "A" icon in the upper right of the text box to expose the advanced editor. There is an "Insert Photo" icon in the eighth group that will allow you input the URL of the photo and display it from your photo share. I'll post a tutorial later today.

[Battson]

It's easy once you know how. You just copy the URL (internet address) for the photo you want to insert, then write this:

[img]insert the URL here[/img]

And when you post it, the text will magically become a photo!

[Nev]

I have next to no knowledge about any of this, except that I’ve lifted my “Bob” engine onto trestles and started learning parts on the accessory case. Today I plan to lift it against the firewall and start drawing where the various parts will fit. Mine appears to have the older style “rock catcher” filter. I’m planning to install a remote mounted oil filter (and oil cooler) on the fire wall.

So, thinking way outside the square (and probably completely outside the ball-park), is it possible to daisy chain both the oil filter and the oil cooler off the same oil lines ? Use an oil “out” line from the accessories case to the filter, another line from filter to the cooler, then a final oil line from the cooler back to the engine.

[Battson]

I believe that is the normal method, Nev.

[Nev]

Is anyone also using an automotive oil filter (In addition to an automotive remote oil adapter) ?
Is there any reason not to, or a specific type of filter that should be used ? Wondering if all filters are created equal....

My reason for asking is that I read somewhere that the thread size for the oil filter for aircraft should be 13/16-16. That narrows down the selections a lot when searching automotive.

I’ve found a couple on NZ websites here and here. I’m making an assumption that the oil line inlet/outlet sizing is less important in the slow revving aircraft engines.

Any guidance hugely appreciated.

[rv8bldr]

Hey Nev

The Napa 1515 Gold filter is a replacement that a lot of RV guys use for the CH48110 filter. There is a whole thread on it here. I don't know if you can get Napa parts down there, though....

https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=87428&highlight=765809195868

Cheers

Mark

[Battson]

Because you are planning to have your system in series, you need the full flow of oil to pass through the paper element. The size of the filter is my first concern, when you say automotive. Most common auto filters are the size of your fist. Oil is the life-blood of the engine, things wear out fast without a good flow of clean oil. For most people, their engine is their single biggest investment.

I am not sure what the automotive filters are like, however I have yet to see one as large and as light-weight as the aero ones made by Champion, Tempest, and others. Imagine pushing all that oil through the filter when the oil is at -4*C on a cold morning, it would be like forcing treacle through a dish cloth at the flow rate of a 1/2" line. You are going to want the biggest filter you can get, in my view.

Nev - most maintenance shops carry the kind of big full-flow filters you need for a -540, so they are available where you need them. They aren't especially expensive. Maybe $90-NZ each every 50 hours. This compares favorably with several hundred dollars of oil (again - local pricing in NZ).

Food for thought.