Hoodo,
By the reference to "oil screen", I assume you mean the sump screen and yes it provides a good service as a way to filter out the big chunks so to speak. Also note that if you removed the screen, you would allow the pump to set deeper into the case resulting in an improper gear contact on the drive gears. Hope this helps ya,,,,,,,Rusty
oil filter screen
To continue your anlaogy, maybe god should have installed a screen in the veins before the heart to prevent heart attacks, allowing some people to live longer. All it takes is one gear chip (as an example) to get into the oil pump and you could lose your engine. Could you run without the screen? Sure, but that doesn't make it an intelligent choice. 63 CA78
It's just there to keep big flying parts out.
Mostly the clutch plates make a mess, big chunks of 'rubber' can fly of and also tiny bits of metal. If these bit's get sucked up by the (already) delicate oil pump, then the pump does not last long. Just keep it there, you really need it. The clutch plates generally create the most mess in any engine. 'Of course I've already taken a very modest position on the monetary system, I do take the position that we should just end the Fed.' - Ron Paul
Do a search on the topic, Hoodoo. I posted a picture of a spare engine I was given in a bike deal. Oil screen was about 3/4 plugged with nasty sludge. That picture and Brewsky's should convince you of the value of filtration, regardless of the mesh size.
Oil systems are meant to run clean. They tolerate dirt, but the parts being lubricated don't particularly enjoy it. Early systems had very little with regards to filteration, with screens being the norm. I know of power plants with old steam turbines that have only coarse screens between the oil sump and the main bearings. I'm talking about millions of dollars worth of equipment here. We make retrofit filtration systems for those old work horses. With time, engineers realized that filters were just as important as the oil they filtered. You will see many vintage engines that never had a filter from the factory, running an aftermarket filter today. Part of the reason is filter technology is relatively new. I think it is fair to say that one of the reason todays engines are so reliable is not because engine technology has improved (it has) but because lubrication and filtration technology has improved. Regarding the reply you received initially, one of the weaknesses of a written forum versus a face to face conversation is that you cannot look into the other person's eyes and know what their intent or motivation is. So, in a forum like this, you need to be a little more forgiving than you might be in person. It is pretty obvious if someone calls you a jerk to your face, if they are serious or busting your chops. But in writing, it all looks the same. Some of us are better at it than others. Just like in person, we cut the crusty guys some extra slack because they don't really mean any harm, they are just crusty, you need to do the same here. I'm a newbie here, but not to forums. I've learned (the hard way in some instances) to always give the benefit of the doubt. I've been both on the receiving and giving end of what might have been viewed as less than cordial comments, when in fact, they were tongue in cheek. And at 58, I've learned that sometimes I too tend to be short with what I might consider a dopey youngster that has not taken the time to think before he speaks. But in fairness, I think most of us have fit that description at one time or another and the older folks seemed to have had patience with our goofey questions, too. Lot's of old dogs here. And as I have reminded others in the past, you can't run with the dogs if you pee like puppy ;-P I'm sure you can find a spare old screen assembly here on, ebay or at a swap meet, or repair yours by soldering in some new copper screen. In the future, I'd consider this philosophy as you dive into new areas. "A group of people, much smarter than me, spent a great deal of time, effort and money developing this gizmo. Who the Hell am I to think I know better than they." That will pretty much keep you out of trouble until you get some experience under your belt. All offered up with the most positive of intentions. And welcome to the forum. regards, Rob
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