The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => A7 & A10 Engine => Topic started by: rockthedog on 17.11. 2011 23:39

Title: in -line oil filter
Post by: rockthedog on 17.11. 2011 23:39
hi what are your views on a in-line oil filter kit, screw on cartrige type, has anyone had problems with them,is the oil pump able to cope with this kit, thank you mal. *smile*
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: bsa-bill on 18.11. 2011 10:08
Hi rockthedog

I have both A10 fitted with such filters in the return line, no problems whatsoever.
you can blow through the filters so the pump should have no difficulty pushing oil through it, others will disagree, most folk will consider cleaning out the sludge trap a job well worth doing ----- ONCE, much easier to change a filter
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: BSA_54A10 on 18.11. 2011 10:16
A standard recommendation for every BSA owner,
The smallest unit is the British Filter one as fitted to WD B40's & B25's.
Only downside is that it is not spin on so takes a bit of fiddleing around to change.
Spin on filters are usually fitted behind the tool box with the filer protruding into the tool box. Hard to see looks very neat but messy to change the filter.
Gold Star Ron ( is he on this list ) does a really neat one that fits onto the engine plates.
It is specific for Pre unit singles but can be fitted to twins.
Hidy-Hide ? do a tubular one which uses A75 filters ( also BMW ) that is easy to fit, hard to see and can be very clean to change

So there are a lot around.
I have also known owners who fitted diesel fuel filters which seemed to work very well but they do not have a bypass so if the element becomes totally clogged you end up with a sump full of oil.
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: alanp on 18.11. 2011 16:48
Fitting a spin on oil filter in the tool box is a piece of cake and there aren't any problems. It lets you use a modern 20W50 like Silkolene Comp 4 or similar and avoids future sludge trap build up.

Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: rockthedog on 18.11. 2011 19:28
Fitting a spin on oil filter in the tool box is a piece of cake and there aren't any problems. It lets you use a modern 20W50 like Silkolene Comp 4 or similar and avoids future sludge trap build up.



thank you all for the reply, i will go for it,been told the norton commando spin on filter will do the job,  *smile*
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Brian on 18.11. 2011 21:25
I've just bought one of these to fit to my bike. A friend fitted one to his A10 and its fits easily underneath the ski slope. I dont like the in tool box ones as I need the toolbox for tools.
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: orabanda on 19.11. 2011 00:24
To add to the ideas, here are the filters I have made, to suit my plunger/ rigid and swing arm A10's.
Richard

Richard


Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Brian on 19.11. 2011 00:38
Not sure where you are rockthedog, but if you are in the states here's a mob who sell filter kits for A10's.

http://www.britcycle.com/products/631Series001.htm
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: kiwipom on 19.11. 2011 07:39
hi guys, came across this one its a early harley replica, do you think it would be o.k. for my A10? i think it looks good,cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: 0116harley on 19.11. 2011 14:57
hi just joined the forum. Im thinking of fitting a oil filter kit on my A10 also .Is there a reason why its conected to the oil return feed rather than the direct feed to the engine
thanks neil  ????
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: orabanda on 19.11. 2011 15:44
Hi Neil,
Welcome to the forum!
The filter in the feed (suction) line to the pump would be too restrictive, and eventually result in loss of oil supply, and failure of the engine (which is the last effect a filter should be having!).
Richard
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: 0116harley on 19.11. 2011 17:35
thanks for that richard. wish id found the forum earlier. some great info
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: SteveM on 29.11. 2011 20:20
Where does the Brit Cycle filter system, shown in the link by Brian, actually fit on the A10?

Cheers
Steve
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: jjbsa on 30.11. 2011 15:01
It is possible to squeeze the Commando type filter behind the battery in front of the rear mudguard (at least it was on my RGS).  I attach a photo.  The filter mounts on to the back of the rear battery strap and the pipes line up well for the hose.  This means I can fill the toolbox with tools and puncture repair kit.  When I was making up the hoses I found that some of the modern ends have appreciably smaller bores than the old BSA ones did, so I used the BSA ones.
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: chilblayth on 15.12. 2011 23:40
re filter position ,  the feed is unpressurised  i/e  gravity feed , whereas return is twice feed capacity  and pressursed  *smiley4*
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: bonny on 16.12. 2011 18:09
Is it ok to mount the norton type filter on its side ?
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: chaterlea25 on 16.12. 2011 23:03
Hi Bonny,
There should not be a problem mounting the filter in any orientation!!
On cars they are mounted at every concievable angle???
The only thing is that it can be a bit messy when changing the filter
I also would not mount one above the level in the oil tank in such a way that the oil could drain down into
the tank ??
It would not really matter, its just that it would take some time for the filter to fill and the oil start returning to the tank, while you fretted as you look into the tank *eek*

HTH
John O R
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Dynamo Regulators Mike on 29.12. 2011 17:22
Another option for fitting the Norton/2CV type filter  *idea*. Minimal oil line length, and blue canister to match.
I was pleased to be able to fit it onto the ski slope. (Holes easily filled in unlikely event of wanting to return to full originality.)
Pleasingly neat I think  *smile*. Shame about the paint finish  *sad2*
Now the previously fitted earlier type WDB40 Vokes filter is freed for use on my B50 where filtering will be useful but not so critical on the mostly roller bearing engine (but also clutch).
 
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Rocket Racer on 29.12. 2011 19:54
hi just joined the forum. Im thinking of fitting a oil filter kit on my A10 also .Is there a reason why its conected to the oil return feed rather than the direct feed to the engine
thanks neil  ????

To fit an oil filter on the feed (rather than return) would necessitate plumbing it in between the oil pump and the crank (big ends/timing side bush feed), which would require redirection of internal oil ways. This would provide pressure into the filter. I have thought about it and would be quite feasible particularly if the dynamo wasnt fitted as the filter could be plumbed inside that case up front, but quite a bit of work compared to an easy return side solution.

However like the popular opinion here, I have opted to plumb a small car filter on the return side.
Fitting it vertically (as per those toolbox examples shown) allows for removal without spilling the oil from the filter everywhere

Most importantly make sure your oil tank is extremely clean as the return filter doesn't remove existing debris in that.
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Rocket Racer on 29.12. 2011 19:57
Another option for fitting the Norton/2CV type filter  *idea*. Minimal oil line length, and blue canister to match.
I was pleased to be able to fit it onto the ski slope. (Holes easily filled in unlikely event of wanting to return to full originality.)
Pleasingly neat I think  *smile*. Shame about the paint finish  *sad2*
Now the previously fitted earlier type WDB40 Vokes filter is freed for use on my B50 where filtering will be useful but not so critical on the mostly roller bearing engine (but also clutch).
 
I do like the vokes filter. I understand these were fitted to the 1954/5 daytona A7SS rigid race bikes.
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Dynamo Regulators Mike on 30.12. 2011 12:15
The BSA racing boys clearly knew something about the oil system which was not required or acceptable (to the cost accountants?) for normal production. Plain bearing motors require clean oil. And in general it is particulate running round and round the system which accelerate wear. Hence the full flow filter anywhere practical in the loop does a good job.

The Daytona restoration/replica guys persuaded Vokes successors (British Filters?) to make new filters to the old drawings. Shame they did not (AFAIK) to set up to produce a bigger batch. Surely there would be a healthy market for a neat period looking filter. The earlier element was wire supported gauze, and washable. Later ones in similar envelope were paper.   
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 30.12. 2011 19:11
 G'day all.
Just fitted a sNorton type (uses Ducati filters) to the '64. Took a while to make brackets and plumb. As I started the bike the wife walked in. After a minute ( I was waiting for return to the oil tank) she asked about the black stuff running over the floor. Guess who didn't tighten the filter. DOH
Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: isuzu on 31.12. 2011 13:59
Hi, I'm a new A7 owner and want to place a filter in the return line too. I have one question though before I will cut  up oil lines etc; what do you with the plumbing to the filter and back to the tank.
Is it possible to cut the 8 mm metal pipe you see between the union on the tank and the flex part (cut right in the middle so you can put a rubber hose on both sides), put a rubber hose on it to the oilfilter and from the oilfilter put a rubber hose on to the 8 mm pipe back into the tank?
Or do I need another flex return line?

Groetjes Dick
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 01.01. 2012 06:32
G'day isuzu, welcome to the forum.
                                               What model do you have? Sounds like a plunger or earlier.
Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: isuzu on 03.01. 2012 07:47
Thanks for the pic's. I have a "56 swing arm A7. At the tank the return is a kind of 8 mm elbow pipe. So this is another situation. I could cut the elbow right in the corner, but it do'nt leave much "flesh" to put the oil lines to. So that's why I am curious how others did this.

gr
Dick
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 03.01. 2012 19:19
 G'day Dick,
                I wouldn't go cutting any hard pipes or fittings. Lengthen and re-rout the flexable return line before it branches for the rocker box. That way the oil going to the rocker box gets filtered twice (sort of).
Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Brian on 04.01. 2012 01:06
I fitted my filter underneath the ski slope. I removed the oil line from the old fittings and used new tubing to "plumb" it.

The filter I used is a long skinny type that uses the BSA/Triumph triple filters. With my set up I have to remove the ski slope to change the filter but that only takes a few minutes.

The whole set up is very concealed and you have to look close to even know it has a filter fitted.

There are a few types available, here is one mob who make one specific to A10's.

http://www.britcycle.com/products/631Series001.htm

Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: isuzu on 10.01. 2012 10:15
Thanks for the replies guys;
I will cut the braided return, lenghten it with 8 mm pipe / rubber hoses. The filter Brian suggests is a really nice one. But can't find one in Holland where I live, so I go for the Norton filter instead which is easy to get.

groetjes

Dick
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 10.01. 2012 11:45
 The sNorton type filter head takes Ducati 900/750 filters. RF153.
Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: 0116harley on 11.01. 2012 09:25
Hi everyone
Ive been considering fitting an oil filter kit, and and theres some good ideas about places to mount them, but my question is as i only cover about 1500_3000 miles a year. And change the oil every year would i really gain anything buy fitting one of these kits
thanks neil  ????
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 11.01. 2012 11:13
 G'day Neil,
               the short answer is yes.
 Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Rocket Racer on 12.01. 2012 01:08
Just as importantly, if fitting a return line filter. Make sure your oil tank is flushed out nice and clean. As crud already in the tank wont get filtered!
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: muskrat on 12.01. 2012 09:28
Till after it's been through the motor. Good point RR. Don't think anyone would neglect that, but then again!
Cheers
Title: Re: in -line oil filter
Post by: Pete Gray on 27.02. 2012 09:07
I've been fitting a Paul Goff supplied filter, it sits nicely in the tool box with the pipe work being routed between the battery and mudguard. I have retained the armoured oil pipes to the engine and made return side connections with off the shelf 1/4" BSP fittings from local hydraulic supplier (Pauls kit assumes using new rubber hose to the return side)

Finally got round to filling up and testing yesterday which gave a nervous couple of minutes running the motor until oil emerged from the return pipe,  I had tried to get circulation by turning the engine over  on the kickstart (plugs out) but no chance. I had filled the new cartidge with oil but I suppose there's a fair bit of pipe to load up on a dry start.

All in all it looks a good solution to give improved filtration and is, at a glance, an invisible modification.