How do pre-war eg '39-41 Buick "oil bath" air intake systems work?

[Guest gossir00]

I have a 40 Buick however the air filter on the oil bath is a non stock paper one. Can someone explain the stock air intake system so I can put back to stock.

Thanks

Rick

[smithbrother]

Google, (PICTURES OF 1940 BUICK ENGINE COMPARTMENTS).

This should give you pictures of what you are looking for.

I wish you well,

Dale in Indy

P.S. I just did such, and there are good pictures for you to see/compare.

Dale

Edited August 21, 2012 by smithbrother (see edit history)

[billbuickgs]

There are different air cleaners between small series and big series. 39, 40 big series do not have oil bath

What year and series in question ?

[Guest gossir00]

There are different air cleaners between small series and big series. 39, 40 big series do not have oil bath

What year and series in question ?

I have a 40 series 1940 Buick.

[michel88]

Bill,

My 40 Roadmaster with the 320 cu in engine (big series) has the oil bath air cleaner. Does your 40 Century not have the oil bath air cleaner?

[Guest gossir00]

I have taken a picture of my oil bath air cleaner (disassembled) from my 1940 Buick Special 248cui straight eight engine.. My questions are 1. how much oil is used? 2. How does the oil stay in the cleaner base (see the picture -there is a small hole in the bottom of the base where the connecting rod runs thru as is connected to the intake manifold with a wing nut)?

Thanks, Rick

[Glassesguy]

Rick: Your picture is that of a standard (non oil bath) air cleaner. In place of the paper filter on yours, there was an oiled copper mesh surrounded by a punched grid to hold it all together. Do you have a Shop Manual or Owner's Manual? Both types of air cleaners should be pictured in there.