Oil Bath Air Filters -

Oil Bath Air Filters

Long before people started using cotton gauze air filters soaked in oil, the oil bath air filter was the dominant filter on the market. The filter removes debris in the air by running it over oil and a mesh element. These filters worked great when most roads were dirt, but they could be messy to clean.

small-block-engineLong before people started using cotton gauze air filters soaked in oil, the oil bath air filter was the dominant filter on the market. The filter removes debris in the air by running it over oil and a mesh element. These filters worked great when most roads were dirt, but they could be messy to clean.

The oil bath air filter pulls in outside air and makes it turn 90 degrees over a pool of oil. This helps to remove the large, heavy particles. The air then travels over a filter element that rests in the oil and wicks it into the fibers (often made of steel mesh). Some early filters used horse hair for the element, while some more modern filters used foam.

0-od10040018imThe filter element could be cleaned with kerosene. This was typically the job of the newest guy at the shop. The oil used for the bath was typically engine oil that had to be filled to a specific level for the filter to be able to catch debris. The element could last the life of the vehicle in some cases.

As roads improved in the 1950s, the need faded away for a filter that could hold a lot of dirt without clogging. Thus came disposable pleated paper filters, which could filter smaller debris.

Article courtesy Underhood Service.

You May Also Like

Updating Your TPMS Tools Regularly Matters

You can ensure your read is accurate by updating your tool regularly.

Courtesy of Tire Review by Yanick Leduc

Picture this: Mark, an experienced tire service technician, is on the phone with a technical support representative from his TPMS supplier, inquiring why his new sensors don’t seem to work properly with the 2019 Silverado he’s servicing.

Mark: “The truck doesn’t seem to pick up the signal from the new sensor!”

Cabin Air Filters

Cabin air filters will protect the health and well-being of the driver and passengers.

Diagnostic Procedures For Stop/Start Systems

Stop/start technology is more than just a switch wired to the brake pedal and starter.

Brake Pad Wear Sensors

Brake pad wear sensors have been around for years and continue to evolve.

Topology and Your Scan Tool

Topology influences how you access the modules with your scan tool.

Other Posts

Ride Control Diagnostics From Tire Wear Clues

Learning how to read the tire and communicate your findings is the key to ride control service.

Understanding Engine Timing- Chains, Gears and Belts

Engine timing is critical for overall performance.

Air Filters and Fuel Trims

Modern engines rely on precise airflow and oxygen sensor data for optimal performance.

Mercedes Ignition Coil Pack Diagnostics

Replacing a single coil might not be the best approach to curing an engine of a chronic misfire.