[pontiacjim]

Guys, I just put a set of long branch manifolds on my 69 firefird along with the oil filter adapter and I can not get the oil filter on and off. Has anyone had this problem ? Does anyone have any ideas ?

Jim

[pontiacjim]

Guys, I just put a set of long branch manifolds on my 69 firefird along with the oil filter adapter and I can not get the oil filter on and off. Has anyone had this problem ? Does anyone have any ideas ?

Jim

[demetriades]

I disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold...2 bolts.

[RAII 4-speed]

I have several cars with the long branch manifolds and at first I found the same problem. I then realized that the only way to remove or install the filter is by doing so from under the hood of the car and not from underneath the car. you will have to tilt it on an angle as well and be carefull for old oil that will leak out of the filter.

[pontiacjim]

I guess that I could disconnect the exhaust pipe every time that the oil is changed. If the oil filter adapter had turned the filter jusy 5 more degrees it would have worked fine. Does everyone have to disconnect the exhaust pipe to change the oil ?

Jim

[steveK]

Never had to remove that. I believe I use the oil filter tool that has use a 8" 1/2 extension with the ratchet wrench. The tool slides on to the bottom of the filter. If you use a wobbler extension, you do not need a direct line to the filter.

[68FB400]

On a side note to your post, I'm wondering if you have a curved pitman arm or straight with the long branch manifolds.

I posted this question on the exhaust forum as I have straight pitman and looking to go with long branch if they will clear.

[fyrebird68]

I don't have longbranch on my car, but there is an adapter for the filter mount that angles the filter in such a way that it will come off. Do you have this mount, or is it the one theat normall comes on the motor?


Part number from PY is RFE96

Bob Trimpe

[Hammered]

I have read on the FGF site that others have used the straight arm with LB manifolds. There is one person that claims his car came stock with a straight arm and LBMs. I have LBMs and now can't wait to mock my engine up in the car to see if I have these problems-maybe this weekend.

I have a curved arm that that is almost like new but the sheet metal cap split when I greased it. Hence, I'm hoping I can replace it with a straight arm.

John

[JimFB400HO]

The pittman arm on my ’68 400HO with long branch manifolds and power steering was replaced by a Chevy dealer in 1982. Having seen pictures of the curved arms before, I believe this is considered a straight arm and the “offset" is not what defines it as curved? Here’s what it looks like:

A view from underneath:


A view from the side:

[JimFB400HO]

I do not have to disconnect the exhaust to remove the oil filter (factory mounting and manifolds). I've been changing it for 30+ years now. I cannot remove it from above because of the air conditioner. I unscrew it, manuever it to a position that I can best drain it. Once drained, I roll it along the inside of the manifold until I find "the" spot that it can be pushed through. I have to "urge" the TH400 coolant lines over a bit to squeeze it past. Even after doing it 60-70 times, it takes a while to find the place to get it out. Then I wipe up oil that has dripped out and on the manifold. Yes it's a pain.

[pontiacjim]

Guys, the problem with the oil filter is that the adapter does not tilt the fiter quite enough. The flange on the tail pipe side of the manifold side is in the way. The filter will not come off without droping the tail pipe. The pittman arm is not the problem. I've had these long branch manifolds for a long time and thought that they might be the wrong ones, but I checked the numbers and they are for a 69 firebird. The adapter I've got cocks the filter about 45 degrees, but that is just not quite enough.

[tom s]

my 69 bird came with long branch manifolds and factory adapter.The filter comes off without removing the head pipe.Tight but comes out.FYI,Tom

[69 T/A]

There are 2 styles of oil filter housings. One is a straight 90 degree the other is slightly inclined a few degrees towards the block. If you are using the Long Branch Manifolds and adapter for the oil filter housing you must use the straight 90 degree housing.

[Hammered]

I just put my engine and transmission in today to test fit everything and a straight pitman should be just fine with the LB manifolds. I'm using the RARE Super LB manifolds which are slightly larger than stock with a 3" collector.

As for the oil filter adapter, I don't think you can install the wrong one (120 degree) as it would hit the bell housing.

[azbirds]

I agree with 69 T/A. Use the straight one. It works on my 69 T/A.