Help with Canister Type Oil Filter

Posted by Tom On 2012/6/2 12:01:25

In my continued quest to bring my 1946 Clipper Deluxe back to life I have now dug into the Oil Filter. I originallly changed the oil without messing with the bypass type filter and oil on the dip stick is clean.

When I pulled out the metal canister type oil filter, it was a mess. The oil in it was dark dark black and in the bottom of the housing there was about 3/4 inch of sludge. I have dug out the sludge with a screwdriver. Located a replacement cartridge.

Based on how bad this was, I am wondering if oil was going through it at all? Is there a way to check to see if the oil pump is sending oil up through the filter easily?

I think the oil goes back into the oil pan through the rod that sits in the center of the filter. I am guessing it could be completely clogged, is there a proper way to clean this stuff? Can you use gasoline?