How long does it take to damage an engine?

[Larry M.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

When I first purchased my 1967 327/350 HP car about 18 years ago, I removed the oil filter bypass when replacing the filter to be certain that all of the old gasket(s) were removed, and the block mating surface was clean. Sure enough, Bubba had installed two gaskets. I removed both and replaced with a new one. Since that time, I have found that I can use a very small flat screwdriver and a pick to remove the old gasket when changing the filter. No need to remove the bypass assembly.

I use a doubled over pipe cleaner to remove any trace of the old gasket residue in the o-ring groove, and then use either Vaseline (winter) or white grease (summer) in this groove and hold in the new gasket. In the summer, the engine is too hot and melts the Vaseline.........the white grease works best at that time. I clean the oil filter can and install a new WIX filter, prefill with a quart of oil, and then install unto the engine. As you turn the cannister bolt, the filter assembly goes up easy, and you can easily check if the gasket is still seated. Once hand tight, I torque to 20 ft-lbs with a torque wrench.

As Stu said, the original cans are thicker metal, and are the best, but the repro cans also work well. I have never had a leak on either filter can in 18 years of changing oil......but I still always check for leaks immediately after starting the engine.

As Duke has already stated, I would not go to a spin on filter. There have probably been more issues with the spin on filter and its adapter, than with the original GM filter can.

FWIW...............Larry

[Philip P.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

I think "BUBBA" gets to much credit for everything that goes wrong with working on a Corvette. I do not know how many of these filters I have changed in my 60+ years and removing the filter bypass was not required unless the oring was somehow crushed in place. In normally will fall out, if not a small screwdriver or dental pick is all that is needed as others have stated. Also the filling of the can is one of the most overlooked items.
just my 2cents
Phil

[Jim T.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

I don't have a Corvette anymore old enough that uses a cannister filter, but I do prefill my Corvette's filters with oil. Seeing the oil pressure guages reading pressure quickly is a good thing.

[Duke W.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

You guys must be dentists! It take 30 seconds to remove the bypass valve housing and you get a clear view of the gasket. Once it's removed it's easy to scrap and inspect the surface. No guess work involved. No flashlight. No magnifying glass.

When I first tried to change that gasket decades ago, I tried to do with with the bypass valve housing installed. It didn't go very well, so I just removed the housing.

And that's how I've done it ever since, but whatever works for you.

Duke

[Bob S.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

For those who may be wondering if my engine survived its total oil loss, so far it appears all fine. I considered two different spin-on adapters (NAPA and Paragon), as well as the original canister, and finally went with the Paragon adapter and a PF35 filter. The Paragon adapter seemed to hold the O-ring in place a little better than the canister, so I decided to give it a try, and if I ever see any sign of leakage, off it comes. I added oil, and started the engine briefly, just long enough to verify that oil pressure was good, and then checked for leaks, and there were none. Also, there were no unusual noises. I then started it again, and let it run for a few minutes, still listening for noises and watching for drips, and all was still good. The weather in Portland hasn't been conducive for a drive, but on the next dry day that coincides with a weekend, I'll warm it up longer outside, and take it out.

Thanks again to all who offered advice.

Bob

[Dick W.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

For those who may be wondering if my engine survived its total oil loss, so far it appears all fine. I considered two different spin-on adapters (NAPA and Paragon), as well as the original canister, and finally went with the Paragon adapter and a PF35 filter. The Paragon adapter seemed to hold the O-ring in place a little better than the canister, so I decided to give it a try, and if I ever see any sign of leakage, off it comes. I added oil, and started the engine briefly, just long enough to verify that oil pressure was good, and then checked for leaks, and there were none. Also, there were no unusual noises. I then started it again, and let it run for a few minutes, still listening for noises and watching for drips, and all was still good. The weather in Portland hasn't been conducive for a drive, but on the next dry day that coincides with a weekend, I'll warm it up longer outside, and take it out.

Thanks again to all who offered advice.

Bob

More than likely the adapters came from the same manufacturer. That adapter was used on millions of passenger cars over the years.

[David J.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Old thread, new question. When reinstalling the oil bypass valve housing in an L36, does the oil bypass valve face more towards the oil pan or away from the pan? Thanks

[Richard M.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Old thread, new question. When reinstalling the oil bypass valve housing in an L36, does the oil bypass valve face more towards the oil pan or away from the pan? Thanks

It can be installed in either configuration. There was never a specific way as the oil flow is created in the outer filter openings around its entire perimeter.

[David J.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Thank you.

[William F.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

You sure you remove the old filter canister gasket begore putting the new one on?? Will leak with 2 gaskets.

[Scott P.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Back to the original question posted.
A customer of mine removed his filter canister and put in new filter. Drained the engine oil. Put the pan plug back in. And went his merry way, without the Benefits of having oil in his engine.
Almost 5 miles.
One of the center rod bearings spun which the noise it made reminded him he had left his oil at home.
A 57 FI 4 speed Corvette got a new motor.
I do his oil changes now.
Scott

[Mark F.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Back to the original question posted. A customer of mine removed his filter canister and put in new filter. Drained the engine oil. Put the pan plug back in. And went his merry way, without the Benefits of having oil in his engine. Almost 5 miles. One of the center rod bearings spun which the noise it made reminded him he had left his oil at home. A 57 FI 4 speed Corvette got a new motor. I do his oil changes now. Scott

Scott,

OMG how embarrassing !
and how costly, too !
brings new meaning to distracted driving, eh ?

[Mark E.]

Re: How long does it take to damage an engine?

Old mechanic's trick-
Just before draining the oil, pull the dipstick up as a visual reminder the pan is empty.