oil filter return pipe on early V-8

[Tom Bellfoy]

I want to install an oil filer on my 1937 early 21 stud V-8, the motor is installed in my resto-mod car and I do not have access to drill the block for a return piping connection. I do have access to the pipe threaded outlet area at rear of block which contains the .060 restrictor. There is no threaded inlet on the lower side of the block for the return piping as in the newer year blocks. I was wondering if it would be feasable or wise to install return piping on the fuel pump stand which can be easily removed. I am not interested in a full flow oil filter system, partial filtering is fine for my use.

 

[JSeery]

The early add-on oil filters used the fuel pump stand as an oil return and then later switched to a timing cover return. I believe the switch was related to oil vapor issues out the oil fill on the fuel pump stand. The front cover return requires a hollow bolt and a banjo fitting.

 

[Kube]

Another thing to consider as authenticity is not important to you:
Later oil pans had the return boss integral of the dip stick tube boss. It would be fairly easy to swap out your dip stick tube boss for the later (42-48) style.
In 1941, there was a sperate boss for the return oil line on the left side of the oil pan - toward the front. Just another consideration.
And as JSeery has stated, last, but not least: Beginning in late 1940 (April), the return was redesigned to go to a special hollow bolt that replaced one of the stock bolts in the timing gear cover. That may be your easiest route. These hose kits (with special bolt and washer) are frequently available on eBay, etc.

 

[GaryU.]

Here's a couple pics of the oil pan fittings Kube alluded to. First is the 1941 pan with extra boss. I initially assumed the disc on the the inside was solid and you would have to drill a hole in it but Kube set me straight, there is a hole or gap on the bottom to let the oil return. Last is the boss with the built in return line fitting (had to scrape away just a little chum to even see it).

 

[JSeery]

Here is the instruction sheet on the timing cover installation if it is of any interest.

 

[Tom-MI]

Here is a site that has hollow bolts for oil filter return

https://www.toiletpaperoilfilter.com/catalog/item/9025533/10302273.htm

Hope this helps

Tom

 

[petehoovie]

Here is a site that has hollow bolts for oil filter return

https://www.toiletpaperoilfilter.com/catalog/item/9025533/10302273.htm

Hope this helps

Tom

 

[Tom Bellfoy]

A big thank you to all you guys who chimed in. All your replies have given me more insight as to how to go about the task of adding the filter with piping.

So much good information.
thank you , thank you
Tom