NOS oil filters
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
NOS oil filters
A guy at work gave me about a box PF25s from 1978. Are these safe to use? I'm concerned the adhesives and paper inside the filters would break down with oil pressure going through them since they are so old.
Are they worth anything to pace car owners, since they would be made around the same time they were?
Are they worth anything to pace car owners, since they would be made around the same time they were?
Last edited by qwank; Nov 22, 2012 at 12:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I have about a dozen of these and have the same question. My view has been that I would use them for display and judging but would be cautious about using them full time for road trips. But than I've never had an "oil filter" analyst comment on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
How many? It might be worth running one for a few hundred miles, then cutting it open to see if it had deteriorated in any way. If they were boxed up (and hopefully stored in a cool place) the gaskets and other rubber components are likely still fine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I think you guys are right, New oil filters are cheap. I would feel bad using them, they survived all these years. They're older then I am! I'll keep them as Display items in the garage.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
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From: Hebron IN
That's like using a condom from the disco era because it was stored right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Lets see...
We have the media itself. I've had NOS air filters disintegrate in the packaging.
The rubber portion of the anti drain valve. I've had never opened carb and trans kits from the 60s and 70s with gaskets and 0-rings that are rock hard and break apart when you touch them.
Many oil filters have cardboard end caps.
And pretty much any oil filter has an adhesive/glue that bonds the seam of the media together along with holding the media to the end caps. I wonder how well that glue holds up after 3½ DECADES?
Same reasons no one would use tires, brake hoses, suspension bushings, coolant hoses and belts made in 1978. They don't need expiration dates, it's just common sense.
We have the media itself. I've had NOS air filters disintegrate in the packaging.
The rubber portion of the anti drain valve. I've had never opened carb and trans kits from the 60s and 70s with gaskets and 0-rings that are rock hard and break apart when you touch them.
Many oil filters have cardboard end caps.
And pretty much any oil filter has an adhesive/glue that bonds the seam of the media together along with holding the media to the end caps. I wonder how well that glue holds up after 3½ DECADES?
Same reasons no one would use tires, brake hoses, suspension bushings, coolant hoses and belts made in 1978. They don't need expiration dates, it's just common sense.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 142
From: Ottawa Ontario
Not really interested in debating this further, but I will post this up;
Vintage PF47 Cut Open
Vintage PF47 Cut Open
Overall it still seems solid after 29 years or so. The media is difficult to tear apart, and the rubber pieces are still soft and pliable. I installed one of them on the Buick back in March and the car hasn't seemed to notice.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I believe that the oil filter that came on the car from the factory did not have any painted lettering on it at all. If I recall correctly, it was just painted white. Not having the label painted saved the 'General' a penny or two for each car sold. And THAT is the level of concern GM had on cost for every part it produced.
[At least, that's what I recall.]
[At least, that's what I recall.]
