Oil Filter/radiator Question

The things we learn as stuff comes back together...I've always had a lot of trouble getting my oil filter on while squeezing it next the the lower radiator hose. I have the 22inch radiator with the lower outlet on the passenger side that sticks straight out. When I got the jeep, the traditional large oil filter wouldn't fit in the space, but it didn't matter as it wouldn't fit on the the oil pump threads anyway - so obviously it wasn't an OEM style pump. I used whatever filter the PO used.

With the rebuild, I put on a Melling hi-volume pump. This new pump seems to take up even more room (sticks farther off the block due to the spacer plate), and there doesn't seem to be anyway the standard oil filter is going to fit with the radiator outlet.

Any suggestions? Is there another filter option that might work? There isn't a lot of space with the radiator outlet. Here's a pic....

Saw some discussion here My 67 CJ5 build
but not sure a solution for the 22inch radiator was found. Is it possible I used the wrong pump (k-201phv which I guess could be the wrong pump - I got most of my parts kit through the engine/machine shop)?

 

Using an oil filter parts interchange, I found a few filters that are 1-2 inches shorter. Just to cross-check specs, what do I need to verify will be the same in addition to thread?

 

I found some filters that are smaller...but still not going to work. The pic is of the smallest filter - it actually doesn't have the exact same gasket size (.1inch smaller diameter), but just wanted to see how it would work:

Not sure if the pic clearly shows, but any filter is going to cause problems, as even if it fits onto the pump, it will block any hose from fitting on the radiator. I feel like there has to be a solution that isn't a remote filter. Possibly lowering the radiator (its almost bottomed out as is) or modifying the outlet somehow? Maybe to switch the pump out - the melling k201 seems to correct for their high volume pump - but maybe I'd be better off with an OEM replacement?

 

What's stopping you from going with a remote setup?

 

:iagree:

A remote filter seems like a lot less work than moving the rad + you can put the filter someplace where it's easy to get at & in an orientation where you don't slop oil all over the place when you change it.

H.

 

Agreed that not spilling oil all over the front diff would be a benefit of remote location...there is no way to remove the filter without making a mess. Worse was trying to balance a drip pan on the axle during removal only to drop the filter on to the pan knocking it over and spilling the oil on my face.

 

Finding good radiator repair shop isnt so easy. ..got a couple places to check. The outlet had a small leak a couple years ago that I took to get repaired. Had the shop tank test and rod it out as well. Was not happy with the work...was not ready on time...price had an unexpected increase and had to take it back with an immediate problem. After all that it has been great but hesitant to deal with them again. There arent many shops around...got a rec for a shop in ft collins from a 4x4 club member....will see what they say.

Holding off on remote till I get some info on radiator mods first. Guess its just an aesthetic personal preference. Would probably have to move my winch solenoid box to a new location to make room for the filter on the inside fender.

 

Pop a hole with a screwdriver in the filter, drain and use the screwdriver as leverage to unscrew.

 

Well, if you eff with things long enough and spend enough time searching around various oil filter spec sheets....I may have gotten everything to work without any major modifications. I found a Wix 51042...Its very short and small with the correct 13/16-16 thread, but supposedly has the flow rate that will work and the gasket should work. Some helpful websites for cross-referencing oil filters as well as searching for oil filters based on size are these:

OilFilterData.com

Oil filter cross reference

But even then its hard to get actual specs for some filters - even on the company website. The gasket for the Wix 51042 is just a bit smaller than OEM, but the less than 0.1" it differs shouldn't be a problem (I don't think).
OEM gasket specs: diameter 2.462" - 2.834"
51042 gasket specs: 2.430" - 2.734"

I also moved the radiator just a bit using the existing mounting holes a - pushed it as far to the passenger side and upward as possible. Maybe gave me about 1/4" of additional clearance. Looks like it should be mostly ok.

Not a lot of clearance - maybe 1/4 inch- but like Doug, a bit of abrasion protection between the filter and hose should do the trick. I still think at some point I would like to tweak the radiator oulet by shortening it and maybe putting a bit of an upwards elbow on it.

 

Great information!