Looking for Oil Filter Adapter Advice – RV-6 / O-360-A1A

[fonatig]

I have an RV-6 powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1A.
This engine currently uses the original reusable oil screen with housing (68974) instead of a modern spin-on oil filter.

I’m aware that several adapters are available to upgrade to a filter setup by mounting directly to the accessory case. However, the firewall on my RV-6 is flat, and it doesn’t look like there’s enough clearance for a straight adapter and filter combo.

I’m particularly interested in whether anyone has successfully installed an angled adapter in a similar setup. From what I can tell, the engine mount and vacuum pump sit fairly close to the oil pad, which may present clearance issues.

I’m currently considering the Casper Labs CL1000A adapter.
Has anyone installed one of these on an RV-6 with an O-360? Any fitment issues or feedback?

Also, if anyone has a suitable adapter for sale, I’d be happy to take it off your hands.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RV7 To Go]

Not a 6 but...I installed the Casper Labs adapter on my RV-4. It required the 3/4" extension to clear the mount. If you give them a call I am sure they can tell you what you will need. He was very informative when I spoke to him.

 

[recapen]

Measure the Challenger oil filter...
I have the cutout on my 6A and it is almost not needed with the regular stubby filter. I will be installing the Challenger filter with my next oil change an expect it to give me beaucoup-de-roomage!

 

[JonJay]

Measure the Challenger oil filter...
I have the cutout on my 6A and it is almost not needed with the regular stubby filter. I will be installing the Challenger filter with my next oil change an expect it to give me beaucoup-de-roomage!

Might as well keep the screen.

Filter Test Results

The results are in. Previous organizational thread here: https://vansairforce.net/threads/oil-filter-testing.223689/ Please support and thank our many individual donors, and our two vendor sponsors, Barrett Precision Engines and CamGuard. There are many interesting details, and research...

www.vansairforce.net

 

[RV7 To Go]

The filter recommended by Casper was the K&N HP1002. They informed me that before K&N purchased the rights it was a certified aircraft filter. It is about the same external size as the Challenger. I have been using it in 3 Lycomings for over 1300 hrs since finding out about it. It has the welded nut for lock wiring and a thicker can with 500 psi burst. No concerns for me. FWIW.

 

[lr172]

You can buy a quality remote mount kit from the auto aftermarket if space is limited. Just choose quality brand, not off shore stuff from amazon.

 

[hgerhardt]

You could just get the firewall recess from Van's and install that with stainless pop rivets if you don't feel like shooting solid rivets.
Then you could use a stock Lycoming filter adapter and not have to bother with 45 deg adapters and such.

 

[fonatig]

You could just get the firewall recess from Van's and install that with stainless pop rivets if you don't feel like shooting solid rivets.
Then you could use a stock Lycoming filter adapter and not have to bother with 45 deg adapters and such.

Perhaps. But which option is actually simpler — purchasing a new part and rivets, cutting a hole in the firewall, fitting it, drilling and riveting, then sealing everything properly — or simply replacing my housing with an adapter?
Adapter option looks like it’s just four nuts and should take no more than 30 minutes.

 

[RV7 To Go]

The adapter option is more costly but certainly much simpler than the firewall recess option. It was an easy mod when I did my 4.

 

[gasman]

You could just get the firewall recess from Van's and install that with stainless pop rivets if you don't feel like shooting solid rivets.
Then you could use a stock Lycoming filter adapter and not have to bother with 45 deg adapters and such.

Or just go to the pet store and purchase a bowl and rivet in place.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

Or just go to the pet store and purchase a bowl and rivet in place.
View attachment 90308

Definitely old school resourcefulness!
& it works!

 

[Planecrazy232]

Here’s my Casper on an RV6 with an O360. I did have to use the spacer.

 

[fonatig]

Here’s my Casper on an RV6 with an O360. I did have to use the spacer.

Wow, that's a tight fit. Thank you very much for your reply, Anthony.
Was the only reason for installing the spacer to fit the oil cooler line, or did the RPM sensor also get in the way??

I just found a thread on the Supercub forum where a guy installed a similar adapter without a spacer, but the filter is very close to the oil cooler line.

 

[Planecrazy232]

Wow, that's a tight fit. Thank you very much for your reply, Anthony.
Was the only reason for installing the spacer to fit the oil cooler line, or did the RPM sensor also get in the way??

I just found a thread on the Supercub forum where a guy installed a similar adapter without a spacer, but the filter is very close to the oil cooler line.

If I remember correctly, it was more to clear the engine mount that was close above. It looks crowded, but it's much easier to access than behind the engine. Also, for oil changes I shove a plastic kitchen garbage bag underneath and around the adapter and any oil from the filter will go into the bag when the filter is removed. Zero oil mess!

 

[JDA_BTR]

The filter recommended by Casper was the K&N HP1002. They informed me that before K&N purchased the rights it was a certified aircraft filter. It is about the same external size as the Challenger.

Never knew about this filter. I’ve a -390. Will it work? What is different between it and the Tempest or Champion? I sure like the price point.

 

[RV7 To Go]

Never knew about this filter. I’ve a -390. Will it work? What is different between it and the Tempest or Champion? I sure like the price point.

Used it on my O-320 for 450 hrs, O-360 for over 800 hrs and using it on my IO-360 for only 53 hrs so far. I do my oil/filter changes between 40-50 hrs. It is smaller (dia & length) than the Tempest or Champion. Same 3/4"x16 thread, has a pressure relief (11-14 PSI), anti-drain back valve, high flow media, 550 psi burst can with 1" nut and filters 25-30 microns according to information on the K&N as well as other internet sites. Your decision to use it or not.

 

[planenutz]

Before the recess was provided in the FWF kits by Vans, the stainless steel bowl idea was used by many builders and it worked well for the clearances you need for the oil filters. If you also had a rear-mounted governor the bigger recess was better though. I have one early model machine in my region that has a good dent in the firewall from 1000+ hours of oil filter changes, so purposely putting a dent in there is another option... although a little... er... agricultural.

A remote filter is possibly the best idea as it not only gives you plenty of room and easy access, it also prevents that age-old problem of preventing oil from dripping down the rear of your accessory case and making a mess. Our Bolkow has this setup and I much prefer it over the normal spin-on location.