1969 F250 Air Cleaner Question

[Jkittle]

I have recently inherited my farther in-laws truck (1969 F250 w/360 CI). I have a question regarding the air cleaner. When I removed the top lid the bottom half was full of oil. I found this to be strange so I cleaned it out. After I cleaned it I saw stamped in the bottom “Oil Level"

Is there supposed to be oil in the bottom of the air cleaner and why?


Thanks,

Jerry

[jcwillis]

JK,

My 69 has is not an oil bath type air cleaner, but is a paper type filter. It is an original setup and is also a 360.

Sounds like you may have an earlier style oil bath air cleaner on your truck. Oil bath type cleaners have the air percolate through the oil, removing particles in the air.

Jim

[bluef250]

The oil bath air cleaner was an option for dusty, dirty (heavy duty) applications. They work really good. Just messy to keep up.

[FORDification]

The oil-bath air cleaners actually do a better job at filtering dust out than paper elements...but they're more work to maintain. Paper elements don't do quite as good a job, but they're quick and painless to change. Your choice...

[Jkittle]

This truck was a custom order for my farther in-law and was used on a farm for years so I'm sure that way he ordered it that way. It's actually on the option list of the window sticker. Hard to believe he kept all the original paper work for 39 years.

Okay then. So when I cleaned out the bottom trey and removed all the oil I ne3eded to add new oil then right?

Also how do you clean out the mesh element that is the top half of the air cleaner? I can't see how it comes out for cleaning.

[rubiranch]

That's probably the best air filter money can buy.

You really need a solvent tank that has solvent that is pumped through a hose/brush.

Tip the lid upside down and fill it with solvent and let it set for a while and then rinse it out.

I would set it so the solvent will drain out, maybe all day and then blow it as much as possible with compressed air.

They are a pain but well worth it in the long run.

[Jkittle]

Thanks for the info. I have a parts cleaner tank and a compressor, so I'll be able to do that. I just wanted to make sure that the solvent wouldn't hurt the mesh element that's in there.

Then I do need to add the oil back to the bottom of the air cleaner too, right?

[Wes]

Yeah fresh clean 30wt oil to the level line.

[Jkittle]

Thanks everyone. You learn something new every day.