dry oil filter

[norsa]

As most of you know, im not a mechanic but a bodyman with vast mechanical knowledge.
When I bought the Midget 1500 just over a year ago, just so I knew where I was with it, the first thing I did was an oil change with the recommended grade. Lovelly. I then did about 800 miles in it. No problem.
Now ive pulled the engine and box to paint engine bay etc. Currently stripping the engine for a light refresh. Unscrewed the oil filter and awaited the usual spillage, nothing. Took it right off. Dry as a bone. Not a single drop of oil has gone in or out. WTAF? Im thinking if it was pump failure id have no engine to rebuild? Relief valve? Other??
Nick

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Pump relief valve may be stuck.
Can you drop the sump and strip the oil pump?

 

[johnik]

the oil runs out of the filter due to the way it is mounted,the more expensive types will have a non return valve in the filter to stop this happening,have a look at yours ?.

 

[rtbcomp]

^^It would still be wet though. Is it the spin-on cartridge type? If so is it original for that engine or is it a conversion? If it's a conversion make sure the conversion block has been fitted correctly, ie the ports line up with the ports on the engine.

What was the old one like?

 

[colnerov]

Hi, Some filter manufacturers have different ref numbers for filters with and without non return valves, but another may not differentiate. You may have been supplied that one as an equivalent from the original one. Some manufacturers fit them as a matter of course because it's easier and lessens the range of filter types. Mostly they're not needed, it's only needed on some engines where the filter is mounted inverted and the oil drains back out and it doesn't take long, over night is sometimes sufficient which causes a delay in oil circulation the next morning. Next time just check the filter has it when you pick it up, it's just a plastic flap under the circle of hole round the middle one.

Colin

 

[norsa]

Interesting. The oil is not draining back out, it's not going in there in the first place. It looks like an original canister type as it screws straight to the block. I can't remember if the old one had oil in. I assume so because one always expects the oil to leak as you unscrew it. I suspect if it was dry, I would have noticed then. I've now whipped the sump off and found the pump but can't see where it's driven from but suspect cam drive by dizzy. Pump has oil in it anyway.

 

[Wallace]

Does the car have an oil pressure gauge?

 

[rtbcomp]

The pump will be driven from the camshaft, usually the dizzy takes its drive from the top of the pump shaft via a driving dog.

 

[norsa]

I guess if I pull the pump, it will become clear. if the worm drive is intact, must be relief valve then. Top of the engine was fully oiled so I assume its pumping. No oil pressure gauge on the car, just a light.

 

[the snooper]

if you had pump problems you would have heard it through the big ends and illuminated oil pressure light or guage reading zero, my guess would be a faulty bypass valve in the filter but in order to confirm this id cut the filter open and check if any oil has eneterd the centre of the filter at all

 

[garethp]

So you've driven 800 miles since you bought it and you haven't altered anything to do with the filter? If so the oil must be getting round the engine reasonably ok or it would have seized. With the filter off can you see the oil ways to and from the filter?

I don't get how the oil can be bypassing the filter and still getting round the engine

 

[500e]

50 to 53 is oil pressure release valve, would suggest the filter has no anti drain valve as others have said, the filter may be the same but not the correct one for inverted fit.
If I remember the bottom end was fragile especially the thrust washer, never got into 1500 We ran a lot of Midget/AH & minis.
Think filter could be GFE 150 or 442 please check it was years ago

 

[rtbcomp]

Is there a bypass valve and a relief valve in the block?

 

[garethp]

50 to 53 is oil pressure release valve, would suggest the filter has no anti drain valve as others have said

But the OP said the filter is bone dry - the oil hasn't been anywhere near it, never mind drained out.

 

[norsa]

So you've driven 800 miles since you bought it and you haven't altered anything to do with the filter? If so the oil must be getting round the engine reasonably ok or it would have seized. With the filter off can you see the oil ways to and from the filter?

I don't get how the oil can be bypassing the filter and still getting round the engine

Exactly my point. I'll pull rhe pump out tomorrow but I'm expecting to prove nothing. What exact function does the relief valve perform??

 

[the snooper]

Exactly my point. I'll pull rhe pump out tomorrow but I'm expecting to prove nothing. What exact function does the relief valve perform??

its there to relieve excessive oil pressure, as the filter is disposable cut it open before stripping the engine and see if there is any oil in it at all

 

[norsa]

Not likely to be that then. Absolutely dry. It was a Fram but even quality components can be faulty I guess.

 

[dannyp]

id flick the key with the filter off. i mean if oil hasent been going round at all it's erm knackerd or been getting away with splash lube. if the pum works it should squirt oil out

 

[rtbcomp]

^^ Disconnect the coil or plugs just in case it starts!

... Top of the engine was fully oiled so I assume its pumping. No oil pressure gauge on the car, just a light.

It won't splash lube because the big-ends won't dip into the oil

I guess the light came on and than went out when the engine ran up to speed.

 

[Wallace]