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Newsletters>
INSTALLING SUPPLY AND RETURN OIL LINES
January 1, 2008
There is not too much discussion about the oil returning
back to the reservoir or oil pan because the instructions
have always given photos or diagrams and text showing how
to the return oil line for an oil filter should go back to
a punched hole in the oil pan with the use of the
self-tapping hollow bolt. I’m here to tell you I rarely
install a filter that way.
My philosophy is that since we just filtered the oil using
the Frantz Oil Filter and it is now assumed that the oil we
just filtered is the cleanest oil in the entire system, why
would we want to return it back to the dirtiest oil in the
system without having it do some work en route? The
dirtiest oil is the reservoir of oil in the oil pan
awaiting circulation through the Frantz Oil Filter either
for the first time or again. So let’s return the oil back
to an area of the engine that will receive some lubrication
while the oil is being returned back into the circulatory
lubrication system. To do that I usually try to find a way
to return the clean oil to the top of the engine and one of
the easiest ways is to send it through a valve cover. This
is very easy to do even if the valve cover is cast
material.
Another return route might be back to the oil filler cap
utilizing a special swivel connector available as an option
accessory. This brass connector is installed by drilling a
hole through the center of your filler cap and attaching
the return oil line to the connector. By using this
connector, when removing the oil filler cap, it is a simple
operation of unscrewing it without dealing with twisting
oil lines the swivel allows the lines to remain in place.
This brass connector is available for $12 and makes for a
simple install. Occasionally I will use a spare or second
filler cap preferring to keep the original aside for any
future needs.
If you return the oil return hose back to a valve cover,
there is no need for the swivel connector. Simply use the
self-tapping hollow bolt as you would if you were to return
the oil back to the oil pan but this is only if the valve
cover is pressed steel. Do not try to use it on cast
aluminum or cast iron covers as you will shatter your cover
trying to punch a hole. Instead, drill and tap a hole for
the oil line hose fitting. This is also easy to do.
First, determine where you wish to have the drilled and
tapped hole. I usually like to locate the return line close
to the oil fill cap if your car has the filler cap in the
valve cover. If not, we will select another way. Assuming
the filler cap is in the valve cover, remove the filler cap
and sweep your finger around all directions inside feeling
for any valves, push rods, rocker assemblies, etc. It must
be totally free of any mechanical parts. If it is, you can
drill a hole through the cast valve cover at a point that
you can either see inside or you felt inside and know is
clear inside.
First, you must be satisfied no drill filings are going to
be introduced into your engine. That would not be good. I
take a rag and completely cover it with wheel grease. Shove
the greasy rag into the oil filler cap so it is under the
area you will be drilling your hole for the hose fitting.
The grease will capture any minor filings that happen to
fall inside. I also put a blob of grease at the site you
plan to drill your hole to catch filings on the outside. It
is now clear to drill your hole.
Next, without removing the greased up rag, tap your newly
drilled hole. Take your time and use small turns. Often the
metal is soft and the threads are fine. Remove the greased
rag carefully so as to not knock off any small filings that
it captured. Again, take your time. Now install your return
oil line hose using the brass fitting screwed into your
newly tapped hole in the valve cover. Be sure to route your
oil line hose out of the way of moving parts and secure
with unlimited tie wrap fasteners.
What about an oil supply to the Frantz Oil Filter? The
directions show to install a “T” brass fitting between the
engine block and the oil pressure sending unit. But some
engines don’t have an external sending unit or it is very
difficult to access it. One option is to use a Sandwich
Adapter available as an optional accessory. The sandwich
adapter is easily installed by removing the engine’s
spin-on filter. Once the filter is removed, place the
sandwich adapter with the gasket side against the engine
block and screw the center hollow fitting on the threaded
port that the spin-on filter normally screws to. Make sure
the fitting is screwed up snug and tighter than the spin-on
filter normally is so it does not unscrew when removing the
spin-on filter in the future. Be sure to position the
sandwich adapter so the side port is accessible for your
oil line and brass hose fitting to clear. I actually
install the oil line to the sandwich adapter first before
installing it to the engine. It is much easier.
Once the sandwich adapter is installed you can replace the
spin-on filter snug but not tight as per your car
manufacturer’s instructions. Usually just a half-turn is
sufficient once the filter makes contact with the sandwich
adapter. That’s it. Be sure to use many tie wraps to hold
the supply line hose in place and away from moving or hot
parts.
The sandwich adapter is a finely-machined part and is
available by special order. The retail cost is $70. You
will need to supply the spin-on filter thread size to order
the correct adapter. If you need assistance in determining
the thread size, ask your parts dealer or contact your
Frantz Oil Filter distributor for help. There are also
sources on the internet that can help you determine the
correct thread size.
One last comment about your oil filter supply and return
lines. Always be sure to use the correct oil line hoses.
The hose lines cannot be standard air hose easily available
from hardware stores. It must be oil or gas line hose that
will withstand any deterioration caused by the oil
properties with the rubber. A good source for the correct
oil line is from Frantz Oil Filters but you may also use
the proper hose from your auto parts supply store. Just be
sure it is fuel hose or oil hose and not air hose. Of
course it must also be the correct diameter to properly
attach to your brass fittings with Oetiker clamps. I
recommend using Oetiker clamps over the screw type often
used for radiator hoses. They are easily installed with
Vise grips.
Did you know your Frantz Oil Filter will work properly in
any position? Yes, if space is critical, you may mount your
Frantz Oil Filter straight up, up-side-down, or on its
side. Since it is under pressure at all times it will work
fine. Keep in mind when mounting it what oil may spill out
when removing the canister to change the filter element.
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