Oil filter central

[Normspeed]

Since there were different filters installed on the flatties, and since part numbers have changed more than once, I thought I'd share what I've learned. Anyone with more numbers, feel free to add to the thread, maybe we can get all the numbers down in one thread.

I have two filter setups, both from 50-53 engines. A Fram and an unknown brand. I chose the unknown one for my 53, but probably would be better off with the Fram. Both are bypass types. The Fram is larger.

The unknown type is recognizable by the downturned wings on the upper wingnut. The center of the wingnut is stamped "Use P40 Refill" which I take to be a discontinued number. It's the red unit in picture #1. It includes a rubber spacer sleeve approx 1/2" to 1" long that fits over the center tube at the bottom, under the filter element. The perfect fit is a Fram C4 element. However, Fram lists the C4 as a full flow and I'm not sure if that is correct or a Fram typo. The NAPA Gold 1080 (same as a Wix 51080) has the same outer dimensions but does not seal tightly around the center tube. On my last filter change, I reused the two rubber grommets from the old Fram C4, put them on the 1080, and it was a perfect fit.

The Fram housing is much larger, it's the orange one in picture 2. Next to it is the perfect replacement element, the Wix 51006 (same as NAPA Gold 1006). For size comparison, in the picture, the Fram C4/NAPA 1080 is on the far right.

Anyone have more info? Greg, I believe you use the 1080 Gold. What does the canister on your P15 look like?

[daddyo23]

When I changed the oil when I got the '48, it had a filter that looks like the wix, but had no numbers on it. It also had a handy flip-up handle on it. I put the napa 1080 in, and you're right. It's not the best fit.

Wayne P.

[Plymouthy Adams]

The Purolator filters that I ordered has the flip up ring for removing the used filter...and was a cross for the NAPA 1080

[Don Coatney]

Here is one that would work but I sold it long ago as I use a full flow system on my Desoto engine.

[Merle Coggins]

I did a little browsing through the Master Interchange listings in my Wix Filter Catalog. I found 3 P40 listings. One was a multi-tube air filter from Farr. One was a Purolator for Schramm Compressors and has similar dimentions, but with a 1" ID which wouldn't seem correct. The third was from Baldwin and crosses to a Wix 51010 (Napa Gold 1010) It would be 4.375" high, 3.718" O.D., and .553" I.D. I then checked in my Baldwin catalog and have determined that the P40 is still a good number with them.

Also in my searching, I found your Fram C4 filter. It would cross to a Wix 51006, or Napa Gold 1006, or Baldwin P41

The filter on my engine is from Deluxe and uses a JC element. This crosses to Wix 51011, or Napa Gold 1011, or Baldwin JC405. This is a sock type element whereas your P40 and C4 filters should be metal canister type elements.

Does this help?

Merle

[oldmopar]

Purolator has a filter look up that actually shows our vehicles. I typed in 1948 Plymouth Deluxe and it showed a filter number L20700'

I then tried my 52 Plymouth Cambridge it listed the same filter but it also new the difference between the years for the Deluxe which stopped at 50. On my 52 I have a newer spin on filter setup but just thought I would pass on the Purolator filter look up with it you should be able to cross reference their number most anywhere

Ed

http://www.pureoil.com/ProductFinder.aspx?action=AS

[Merle Coggins]

Purolator L20700 = Baldwin P73

Or in a Wix there are two options for the L20700 Purolator. 51071 for a "Full Flow", and 51080 for "Part Flow". And of course these would be 1071 and 1080 at Napa.

And my trusty Wix catalog lists these two numbers as;

51071 Chrysler, Dodge, (57-59 Daf Trucks (Full Flow) Height 4.218, O.D 3.367, I.D. .578 top - .703 bottom

51080 A-C, Case, DeSoto, Dodge (46-56), Herculese, M/F, Plymouth (53-56) Height 4.218, O.D. 3.367, I.D. .578 top - .703 bottom.

I kind of get the felling that there were a few different filter manufacturers used back then. I also wonder if some of these filters were aftermarket add ons. When I got my truck it had no filter, and no evidence that there ever was one. I found my Deluxe filter on ebay and when it came it had a small metal canister type element that didn't fit correctly. It was also full of sludge. I fell sorry for the engine it came off of. Once I got it cleaned up, I found the stamping in the cover that showed the make and replacement cartridge as JC. Then using my trusty catalogs I was able to find the correct Napa filter (1011 sock type) It fit perfectly.

Merle

[BobT-47P15]

This is the filter shown in the P15 parts manual as an accessory.

Has the bolt in the middle rather than a wing nut. Which is what mine has.

This is the style I've seen on many 40s and 50s cars.....looks a bit odd as

there is an acorn nut cover on head of the bolt.

Last time I did an oil change, I used a NAPA number that people on here

had suggested....just can't recall which one. Seemed to fit ok.

By the way, I recently acquired a few of these old stock filters. Anyone have a car that takes this model?

[chesterx]

My 51 has the purolator p40 installed and I use a napa 1201 which fits perfectly. Only problem is the new gasket supplied is of no use, it doesn't fit the p40 cover.

[Norm's Coupe]

This is the filter shown in the P15 parts manual as an accessory.

Has the bolt in the middle rather than a wing nut. Which is what mine has.

This is the same filter that was and still is on my coupe.

[greg g]

the silver one was on the 56 engine that is now in my car. I shiped it off to a new home with a fellow forum member. The fram cartridge was in the silver canister. The red one was on a 55 Dodge truck at a show.

The yellow and red on is the one from my 46 which uses the 1080 and in now on the 56 engine.

[JerseyHarold]

I have an APCO AP-231 and on the box it has the following crossover data:

Fram C-231PL

AC P-320

Purolator P-40

Wix PC-88 (superceded by Wix 51201...for Schramm Compressors also)

The vehicle application data is:

Chrysler 6-cyl, 1936-42

Dodge 1934-42

Plymouth 1934-53

Hope this helps.

Harold

[38plymouth]

The filter on my 38 is just a big can that doesn't come apart and it's not cheap to replace. Could I swap over to the type that has a replaceable filter inside like you have here?

[bobby horne]

.............................I use a Fram C3 from Tractor Suppy on my 36 engine.....The larger canister was on my 37 parts car, it takes a C 30..................

[greg g]

The toss away filters have been obsoleted, in that no one is making them any more. You can swap to the can and disposable cartridge without a lot of trouble.

[Captain Neon]

If I was going to swap oil filters any way, I'd strongly consider a modern full-flow spin-on filter system available from most hot rod suppliers. I am partial to Summit myself for no other reason than my father-in-law and brother-in-law swear by Summit.

I bought a 12v fan from them once hoping that I could use my 6 to 12 v converter to supplement my cooling system in parades. The fan drew too much amperage for my converter so I abandoned the project and sent the fan back. So all I have now is a Summit t-shirt, but I don't look out of place among the "cool kids."

BTW, my filter came off a '56 Dodge, it came with the 230. NAPA Gold 1071 filter goes in there. If memory serves me correctly, the official MoPar oil filter for P15 Plymouths uses a 1080 NAPA gold. The canister filters were an after-market add-on to replace the throw away filters. I've seen several different brands and styles of canister filters in P15s in old salvage yards. Just about every oil filter manufacturer sold an after-market canister filter system. I remember seeing Fram, Purolator, and Wix. I'm sure there were others that have since merged or gone out of business since the 1960s or that I simply don't remember. It's been a long time since I've visited the old forgotten junk yards. My favourite was probably crushed out years ago.

[Powerhouse]

I have a Fram filter that I got off a friend for a handshake. I just replaced my filter element with an original ATLAS filter number...P15! HAHAHA... easy to remember that number.

[Captain Neon]

BTW, I like the gold paint job on the starter and generator. I don't know if those are correct colours or not, but they look sharp.