Posted by Dana on Thursday, August 09, 2007 at 16:04:31 :
I’ve asked here before, and I know there aren’t many early Hemi experts out there, but this isn’t just for old Hemi blocks, so I’ll pose my dilemma question here in hopes that SOMEONE, ANYONE, SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP MEEEEE!!!!...
I’m rebuilding a 1955 Dodge 270... there is a little ball check-valve where the oil pump sends oil to the filter. When sitting up-right (stay with me here folks, I know most of you know this kind of thing, but bear with me) that little valve keeps the oil from completely draining out of the filter (original canister filter faced up at a 30degree angle) when the engine wasn’t running. So – I’m using an adapter that allows you to use a newer spin-on oil filter that is facing straight down. Now most newer filters, I’m told, have an internal flow-back valve that won’t allow the oil to flow backwards. That’s okay at this point because the new adapter has the filter hanging straight down and we’ll hope that gravity is still working properly here in Nebraska. Now – I have read three conflicting rebuild articles – one says something to the effect that, if you’re using a new spin-on filter, you don’t need this old fashion ball check-valve in the block at all! One says to go ahead and place the original valve back in that hole but you can leave the little ball-bearing out. The other article says to put it all back in there anyway (with the ball).
(Long-winded, I know...) If you look into this little hole, it goes into the block about ½” and then there’s a hole going out to the filter – no where else for the oil to go but to the filter! DO I NEED TO STICK THE VALVE BACK IN THE BLOCK OR JUST LEAVE IT OUT????
My dilemma... (don’t laugh...) I’ve... ahhhh... seemed to have... ummm... “temporarily misplaced” this valve. (YES, I’ve lost it!!) But – if it’s only purpose was to keep oil from flowing back into the block when the original filter was on and the engine was shut-off why would I need it? And before you all tell me to call Hot Hemi-Heads because they sell this part – *BUZZZZZZZ* (wrong answer buzzer) – NOPE, they sell the one for the bigger Hemis, and it didn’t fit in mine (about an inch too long). When I originally called them before I bought it from them to ask them if I really, REALLY needed it - they said, “YES.” When I asked why, they said, “Because you NEED it!” Never getting a straight answer I figured they NEEDED my $12.95 so I bought it. Since it didn’t fit I returned it. So now I can’t even find the original to put back in there... woe is me. Do I need it? Do I just slap the main-cap back on, add the oil pump, put the pan back on and button up the bottom end... or do I continue to scrounge around the farm, house, Morton Building, my “Sanctuary” in the barn (where I’m doing the rebuild) or look on e-Bay and other places for this stupid little ball check-valve?!?!?!?
“Help me Obi-Wan, you’re the only one...”
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