Oil Filter Adapters

[Christopher R.]

I'm assembling what I thought were the right oil filter adapters for the 1962 327 engine I'm building. I'm not sure whether I want to go with the original cannister oil filter or the spin on. So I picked up what I thought were the correct oil filter adapters for both versions. But after looking up the part numbers in the parts catalog, I'm not sure.

1. I've got a part cast with the number 5573842. I thought that was for the cannister filter. But I can't find that number in my parts books.

2. I've also got a part cast with the number 3952302. I thought this part was for the spin-on filter. Also can't find that number. But I can find 3952301. It is in Group 1.840 and listed as a 1968 and up oil filter adapter. 1968 and up is the spin-on. This is too much of a coincidence.

Even if I conclude that the 3952302 part is the spin-on adapter, how does it work? It looks incomplete. Does something else go before or after it on the block? It doesn't look like a spin-on filter goes on there as is. It'll screw on. But they'll be gaps.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Filter Adapters

chris-----

The 5573842 is the adapter/valve assembly for the canister style filter. I think that there may have been more than one embossed number on this part over the years, but the part you have will work for any 56-67 engine.

GM #3952302 is the number usually found on the 68-91 spin-on adapter. It is the part number for the CASTING component of the GM #3952301 ADAPTER ASSEMBLY. On some later examples of the part, they may have changed the number to the actual finished part number of the assembly (to avoid just the confusion you describe). However, either way, it's the 68-91 adapter. This adapter cannot be used on an original 62 block; the block is not designed for it.

If you wish to install a spin-on type filter on a 1967 or older block, then you must use a special conversion adapter. These were once available through Delco, but I don't know if they still are, or not. They are a SERVICE-only piece, never used in PRODUCTION. Whether they are available from GM, or not, such adapters are available in the aftermarket. In fact, a few different ones are out there. If you go this route, I recommend using the one that lets you use the PF25/PF35/PF1218/PF454 filters. I don't like the one that requires the use of a Ford style filter.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Oil Filter Adapters

Thanks for your reply, Joe. I was hoping you'd respond.

I've got that special conversion adapter. But I don't have access to the block. It's at the machine shop. I'm gathering the parts I'm going to need when it comes back. What does the special conversion adapter bolt onto? I thought it needed some kind of adapter. That's where I'm confused.

With a 1962 bare block and a special conversion adapter, what else do I need?

When Chevy went from the cannister type to the spin-on in 1968, I didn't realize that the block changed. I thought that the block stayed the same, and only their OEM adapter changed.

[Mark #28455]

newer block has a lip

The newer block casting has a lip that the gasket for the spin on filter seals against.
Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Filter Adapters

chris-----

With the special conversion adapter and the 1962 block, the only thing that you need are the bolts to attach the adapter to the engine and the spin-on filter that the particular adapter you have requires. That's it. Usually, the bolts come with the adapter. However, if you don't have them, all you need are grade 5 or better hex head bolts of 5/16"-18 thread size and which are long enough to give you about 3/8" engagement in the block when used with the adapter. Very easy to come by.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Oil Filter Adapters

Aha! That's what I wasn't understanding. The Chevy adapter, the 5573842, comes out, and the aftermarket adapter goes in, if you want to use spin-on filters in a 1962 block. Reinstall the 5573842 in if you want to use the cannister type.

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Filter Adapters

chris-----

Yup; that's how it is. You can use the 5573842 for original canister style filter. You can use the aftermarket conversion adapter for a spin on filter. You NEVER use both and you can never use the 3952301 if you have a pre-68 block.