Oil Filter availability in the UK

[pipinhispop]

Hi am new to this forum, but I have read through many of the previous posts before putting finger to keyboard..

I am suffering from what seems to be quite a common problem of low oil pressure on my '68 Rebel V8 290.

I have fitted a new timing chain cover, oil pump gears, spring, pressure release valve, stainless steel sandwich plate and gaskets, but the problem remains.

I have a mechanical gauge and I see the following readings at idle;
Cold startup - 50psi
running temp - 15psi
hot - 5psi possibly even lower

I am currenly running 10w40 oil, but I cannot remember the brand.

The oil filter is a fram, which is mounted remotely on top of the engine to clear the RHD steering box.

I would like to make a last ditch attempt to improve things before going down the rebuild route as I only very rarely use the car, I would like to replace the oil filter with a better one.

I see from previous postings that the WIX 51258 or WIX 51522 are recommended, is either one or the other better for a 290?

However, I have a problem of availability, it is easy enough to get a FRAM from an American car specialist here, but I cannot find anyone who supplies WIX filters.

Would anybody be kind enough to either recommend a supplier who be prepared to post a WIX filter to the UK for me?

[jeepsr4ever]

You pay the cost I will gladly send you a couple of WIX

[pipinhispop]

Excellent,
Ill contact you via email to arrange.
Many thanks

[tarior]

Heck, if you hardly ever drive it, and don't hot rod it, I'd just run it until it starts to rattle when you first fire it up. THEN rebuild it right away.

[Mudrat]

Heck, I was in Andover last weekend (well Stonehenge anyway)!!!! I should be back over there in a few weeks just north of Dover. Extra baggage doesn't cost me anything I can get the NAPA filters here and tote a couple over. Be good to meet a UK 4Wheeler!!!! Then you can
teach me how to navigate those 2 lane, single carageway farm road, 'paved goat tracks' some of y'all call "roads" Scratched the paint on a rental because of a diversion!!!!

'Rat

[pipinhispop]

Thanks for the offer Mudrat, It looks like Ive already arranged a few now though, but would still like to catch up when your over if your in the area. With a name like Mudrat I expect you'd enjoy a trip out in my MK1 Escort trials car, plenty of mud and rough stuff behind my workshop where I regularly go for a good "practice".

I am in Devon which has loads of REALLY narrow lanes. I actually get a strange enjoyment out of driving a nice big Yank motor around them, its a bit of a challenge.

I'd love to drive the car more often, but at the equivalent of $8.40 a gallon it gets a bit expensive, and I do worry about the low oil pressure, I am reluctant to take it into town where it gets hot idling in traffic.

I wonder if it may be worth just replacing the bottom end bearings and cam bearings soon, rather than just doing a full scale rebuild.

How easy it it to change the cam bearings, Ill probably have to get that done by a machine shop yeah? or can I just push them in myself? will I need to have the rest of the block stripped down for them to be done?

[Mudrat]

Sounds like we may have a plan here. But I hear ya on the gas! Looks to be roughly about 400 miles from Ashford to Exmouth. With the Focus (gutless 1.6L 4-door) I had last go, it was over $100 US in petrol to/from Stonehenge But heck for the right amount of cold local beer (or Guiness extra cold ), I'm good with it

When they get the plans finalized and I get the green light to book travel, we'll swap addresses and wish lists I've already picked up the UK GPS program (saved my butt a few times already).

'Rat

[tarior]

You will need to disassemble the engine to change cam bearings.

[fuzz401]

I've already picked up the UK GPS program (saved my butt a few times already).

should get one for the States then you could find my place easer too

[Mudrat]

I've already picked up the UK GPS program (saved my butt a few times already).

should get one for the States then you could find my place easer too

I have one now ... the Garmin 60CS - with topo - for Jeep use. It's shock and water resistant and it's portable with 30 hr battery.

And I'm trying to find out if I can get the US Maps for the Nuvi as well. They are available for the Model #350, but I have the #300 The Nuvi is a walk about but only has a 4 hour battery and nothing available for off highway (including most of the "Goat tracks" in the UK ).