Topic: Dumb question from a newbie
Why does the engine oil drain have a large plate with screen in addition to regular drain plug? The screen is too coarse to filter the engine oil so what is its purpose?
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
The small plug is to drain oil only, or to drain it before taking off the larger plate.
Some screens are finer than others, depends on manufacturer. I always choose the finest mesh available.
As far as filtering is concerned, it does stop debris and metal particles, but of course does not filter as well as a full flow paper element. The goal was to provide a basic way to catch junk, and still be user-cleanable.
Paul
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
The screen's purpose is to filter the oil - there is no other factory oil filtration in the engine. I only use VW OEM screens - going with a coarser screen is bad karma...
The proper oil change consists of removing the plate and screen, cleaning the screen thoroughly, then reassembling it with all new gaskets, including new copper washers under the acorn nuts. Skipping this step is the same as changing the oil in your V8 and not changing the oil filter.
VW realized that many mechanics were taking the shortcut - draining the oil using the drain bolt, but not bothering to remove and clean the screen...so later model engines had solid plates (no drainplug) forcing the mechanic to do the job properly.
1979 Type 1 Convertible 1976 Scirocco (For Sale!)
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super 1968 Type 1 Sedan
1961 Type 1 Sedan
1957 Type 1 Sunroof
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super 1968 Type 1 Sedan
1961 Type 1 Sedan
1957 Type 1 Sunroof
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
TYPE181 wrote:
Why does the engine oil drain have a large plate with screen in addition to regular drain plug? The screen is too coarse to filter the engine oil so what is its purpose?
My thoughts are (and I may or may not be correct)...basically most air-cooled VW's are 1930's technology. So maybe the "screen" was acceptable "filtration technology" for the 1930's...obviously oil filtration has improved since then. 
- Nick
1979 Super Beetle Convertible
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
Maybe the oil bath air filters higher efficiency helps keep the oil cleaner? Also recommended oil changes are only 3000 miles apart ('74 & earlier) so it shouldn't get too dirty. The magnetic plugs picked up metal.
What else gets caught in a filter anyway?
jim
'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
jamesdagg wrote:
Maybe the oil bath air filters higher efficiency helps keep the oil cleaner? Also recommended oil changes are only 3000 miles apart ('74 & earlier) so it shouldn't get too dirty. The magnetic plugs picked up metal.
What else gets caught in a filter anyway?
jim
I would think there's something majorly wrong if larger particles sucked in through the intake made it into your oil...so I doubt those two items are related.
How many little bits of dried out white "O" ring have you picked off the inside of the plate, or inside the rocker covers? If a washer or rocker spacer comes apart, that's the sort of thing you hope will be caught by the screen and stopped before it enters your oil galleries, or worse.
1979 Type 1 Convertible 1976 Scirocco (For Sale!)
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super 1968 Type 1 Sedan
1961 Type 1 Sedan
1957 Type 1 Sunroof
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super 1968 Type 1 Sedan
1961 Type 1 Sedan
1957 Type 1 Sunroof
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
Thanks for the info guys. I visit here often and am learning a lot. I appreciate it.
Re: Dumb question from a newbie
There is no such thing as a dumb question. Only a dumb mistake made because you didn't ask the question!
The screen seems to do the job quite well in my 1600 dp on my trike. It certainly does not take anywhere near 3,000 miles for my oil to get dirty. But I think the tolerances are big enough to handle most of what contaminates the oil. Except for O rings, washers, spacers, etc. like Der Bugmeister said, it is enough to stop the big stuff.
God is still in charge and prayer changes things!
Chaplain Dave
Chaplain Dave