Bypass filters in Columbo 4 liter engines

[mdstrib]

Here's a basic question that I could not find in the archives.

I understand that the paired oil filters in the 4 liter Columbo engines (as in the 330 GTC) are not identical, one being a bypass filter with a finer particle size.

Can you still get the 2 types of filters; from what source? I also understand the commonly found Fram filter has a bursting strength of only 200 psi and the specs call for 500 psi. What do you guys do?

Related to this, I read warnings against multigrade oils in these old engines, any thoughts?

Finally, and importantly, does anyone know at what chassis # in the 330 GTC series they switched fron the soft bronze valve guides to the harder ones? Does anyone know a sourse of the harder valve guides and how big a deal it is to convert the older cars?

Thanks alot, I'm trying to learn!

Michael Stribling in Franklin NC

[Yale]

People seem to think Baldwin makes better filters, (whoever people are). I looked in my closet and found one of the two, #B253. Partsource in Maine (see Tom's right hand colum) has these filters for a resonable price. Yale

[tyang]

Hi Michael,

I'm not sure if I've read warnings about multigrade oils in older engines, but I've heard of problems with synthetics.

I've seen Baldwins burst as well as Frams, but they have always happened on cold starts on cold days. The thick oil, and high pressure can do it!

Tom

[fest]

as for the conversion to harder Valve Guides
the Apen / Roush Book:
"Ferrari Tuning Tips and Maintainance Techniques"
FAF / Veloce Press
has a good description of the process, parts, etc

this book is crude (by modern standards)
the typos can be maddening (at times)
and some suggestions horrifying (at best)

but

still a GREAT resource
for the 'lost art' of
the care and feeding of Vintage V12s
I highly recommend getting a copy

try

http://www.velocepress.com
http://www.amazon.com

[mdstrib]

Thanks for your kind post. I do have this book and it does seem to be a great reference although a lot of the sourses don't seem to be in business any more.

as for the conversion to harder Valve Guides
the Apen / Roush Book:
"Ferrari Tuning Tips and Maintainance Techniques"
FAF / Veloce Press
has a good description of the process, parts, etc

this book is crude (by modern standards)
the typos can be maddening (at times)
and some suggestions horrifying (at best)

but

still a GREAT resource
for the 'lost art' of
the care and feeding of Vintage V12s
I highly recommend getting a copy

try

http://www.velocepress.com
http://www.amazon.com

[giovanni44]

Hello Michael,
I have owned a GTC for longer than I care to admit and live in Wisconsin. Up here we are not known for warm temperatures. I have not experienced an oil filter bursting, but I usually do not subject the car to extreme temperatures. In addition to that, I always observe prudent warm-up proceedures.

As far as your question regarding multi-viscosity oils, they shouldn`t be a problem as long as you don`t go to extremes. I wouldn`t use the new 5w-30 oils in my street car, nor would I use straight 50 weight in Ferrari.

For the oil filters, I have heard lots of good things about"Baldwins"and I obtain them from Geoff Ohland @ "Partsource". He has a website and I`m sure he can help you out.

Regards,

Giovanni

[Jim]

I recommend Baldwin Oil Filters from Part Source (has air and fuel filters, also). Use the same filter in both positions. My oil recommendation is Castrol 20W50. No sysnthetic: Too thin and will leak.
Jim

[Melchior]

I am looking for literature before starting the assembly process of my GTE. Can anybody provide an electronical file (pdf?) of these two books:

a) "Ferrari Tuning Tips and Maintainance Techniques" by John Apen
b) "Ferrari Guide to performance - essential tune-up secrets for Ferraris through the early V-8s"

best regards, Martin

[330GT]

I am looking for literature before starting the assembly process of my GTE. Can anybody provide an electronical file (pdf?) of these two books:

a) "Ferrari Tuning Tips and Maintainance Techniques" by John Apen
b) "Ferrari Guide to performance - essential tune-up secrets for Ferraris through the early V-8s"

best regards, Martin

Both are available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Ferrari-Tuning-T ... 1588500128
https://www.amazon.com/Ferrari-Guide-Pe ... 1588500039

[Terry Gardiner]

The change in Fram filter specs gave rise to a lot of discussion on Fchat, https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threa ... es.463579/

[Steve Meltzer]

It seems to me that Tom opined on this subject, in detail, some time ago, but I'm too lazy to go a searchin' However, here's a nicely written, and as usual, thorough piece on the subject by Dyke Ridgley (DWR46). SPOILER ALERT: bring your favorite fluid dynamics engineer to help you understand the nuances of oil flow,

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4996&p=38780&hilit= ... ers#p38780

BTW: Baldwin 253 filters are readily available on eBay and factory direct.

steve