oil filter problem

[wglide]

I have a '74 1600 I built for my trike project and installed a remote oil cooler and filter on it. my problem is that on a cold start, it likes to blow out oil filter seal. anyone know what causes this and the fix? thanks for any help you can give.....

[FJCamper]

Hi WGlide,

Blowing out filters is a common VW full-flow system problem. On a cold start, you can get a couple of hundred PSI.

Providing you don't have a sticking oil pressure relief valve here's the situation:

What filters are you using? We use FRAM HP-1, which have the stongest cases and seals I know of -- but just using a stronger filter isn't really solving the problem. And speaking of strength, are you using rubber oil lines with hose clamps or braided steel lines with AN-type fittings? The rubber lines can split or blow off.

I don't know where you live, but a lower viscosity oil (10W30 for example) helps, as well as an oil pump gear size right for the engine. VW's are typically really overpumped. A 26mm pump, the stock 1600cc engine size, is more than enough for both stock and mildly hotrodded engines.

An expensive but effective fix is Gene Berg's pressure relief oil pump cover.

Good luck,

FJC

[wglide]

The fram hp-1 is what I used. The motor is basically brand new. the only thing used on it is the case, don't even have 200 miles on it yet. the build kit came with a high volume pump. i'm using 10w30 in it too. I've pulled the adapter and filter,... and bypassed it till I get this figured out. the relief valves are ones that were in case when I got it. that'll be the first thing I check when I get a chance.

[sideshow]

The other thing to look for is if aftermarket pistons and spring in the case reliefs. Anything other than OEM springs should be discarded. In yours both should be short/non-slotted plungers.

System-1 screen filters and O-Berg screens don't blow out like sheet metal cans, it would be best to not overpressure your flex lines.