Alternative oil filter and oil cooler system
 

Hi all,

As some of you remember, I installed a 616 in my Land Rover about 6 years ago and since then have been building and selling adapter plates to mate the 616/617 engines to the Rover transmission. The size of the Benz oil filter housing has always been a problem that has been remedied in a number of different ways, none perfect.

To make it easy on everyone I’ve started to make an aluminum block that bolts in place of the original oil filter housing with ½” pipe-thread ports so you can plumb in any type of remote oil filter, oilstat and oil cooler system you prefer. You could also add an oil-bypass filter in the system if you’d like. The block is made from 6061-T6 aluminum.

I made these blocks to address a problem with space when these engines are installed in a Land Rover, but thought some of you here may like the opportunity to install your own type of oil filtration/cooling system and replace the antiquated Benz filter and the housing that contains it. I know how interested some of you are in oil analysis and having the option of upgrading to a modern oil filtration system may sound like a good idea.

If anyone’s interested in one, drop me an email.

Jim
pbs@mohawk.net

http://www.seriestrek.com/images/block1.jpg

http://www.seriestrek.com/images/block2.jpg

Very interesting. Where do you hook up the oil pressure gauge with the new set up. Do you have to install a thermostat with the oil cooler since the thermostat is in the oil filter housing?

I can drill and tap a port if you want to retain the original mechanical system or you can put it in-line away from the block.

Yes, an "oilstat" should be plumbed in-line to bypass the oil cooler until the oil temperature reaches proper temp.

Jim

This will fit 617s too correct? If so it opens up the possibility of mating a turbo 617 engine and a W115 body. This will make you a very popular guy!

Yup, bolts to both a 616 and a 617.

jim

I noticed on your webpage that you originally modified an oil filter housing partly because you wanted the oil pressure relief valve. Do you now consider that unnecessary?

No, I still think it's neccessary but most modern spin-on oil filters have a high-pressure relief valve built in.

Good question though. Thank you.

jim

do you think you could make a female version to fit on the end of the existing filter? so it could be remote mounted and retain all MB's stuff...
John

Sure. It would just mean tapping the threads from the opposite side of the block. Long bolts with nuts on the back side of the block would keep things together. Add a home-made bracket and Bob's yer uncle.

jim

Cool, how much you asking for a pair with gaskets?
do you have the bolts to use?
turnkey price?
John

I'll get back to you on that. Let me get a price on hardware and gaskets and I'll post up in the morning.

Jim

I was giving more thought to mounting the original Mercedes filter housing remotely, John. The more I think about it, the more I don’t think it would be practical. If you retain the Benz filter housing you’ll need to run a third hose back to the engine for the air-purge line coming back from the top of the filter housing.

If you’re not familiar with the filter housing, there are three ports leading to and from the engine block. One is dirty oil from the pump, one is clean/cool oil back to the block and the third is a small port that purges the air from the top of the oil filter housing and bleeds back into the pan.

Running a modern, spin-on type filter eliminates the need for this third port. It makes more sense to eliminate the original housing anyway as you can run a better filter in a smaller space, and with a spin-on filter oil changes will be easier.

But if you’re set on retaining the original oil filter housing, yes, it can be done easily.

Jim

Nice work!

what spin on filter would you recommend? the powerstroke filter? the Cummings Ram filter? I plan to install this in a Travelall, so remote is nice! just thought the original filter to be adequate, and it would save the purchase price of a filter base.
John

That's a neat piece! I might have to make one up on my Taig...

I'm surprised that nobody has shat on you yet for calling the MB system "antiquated"! :P