Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I installed an oil filter on my 1940 engine as bought from one of the known Packard vendors. As I was changing the oil yesterday I realized the canister has no drain plug. Pulling the lid and cartridge out reveals about 1/3 to 1/2 of oil sitting in the canister, just below the hole in the central tube. I thought "why would they make an oil canister with no drain plug?". So I removed the canister from the engine and drained it in a bucket. Sure would have been easier if they had installed that inexpensive little plug.

Since you service your own car, perhaps you should consider purchasing a suction gun. Not only is it very suitable for emptying the oil filter canister of its residue, but also is handy for filling differentials, transmissions, etc. Buy a good quality steel one, it should last you a lifetime.

PS - if you buy your differential and trans gear oils in 5-gallon pails a good pump is indispensable.

Some of the aftermarket filters had drain plugs but not Packards. I think Packard dealers must have had some kind of suction device or just didn't worry about the pint or so in the canister.

Rather than removing the canister you can buy a cheap hand operated transfer pump from Harbor Freight for about $7. Comes with some tubing which you can cut or customize for your needs. Just stick the tubing in the canister, pull the plunger to pick up the dirty oil and expel it into an old oil container.
harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-61364.html

I use an expensive, very high-tech device to get the excess oil out of the bottom of the canister:

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That's what I use - just don't let your wife catch you!

Don't forget to clean out the sediment at the bottom of the canister. This is where the real filtering takes place.

(o{}o)

Yes, my modus operandi is to syphon using the baster then mop with paper towels/rags till the canister is clean.