centrifugal oil filter

[JohnHSpider]

I've never seen a Centrifugal Oil Filter before. I looked for a post about maintaining it and didn't see one. I assume that these need to be cleaned as often as you change the oil... any instructions you could give would be appreciated.

[daved]

Owners manual for my 1969 Fiat Spider says "The centrifugal filter must be removed and accurately cleaned only at every major overhaul of engine" Haynes manual says every 30,00 miles. I've never done mine, there are 6 bolts to remove & I could only loosen 5.

[JohnHSpider]

Thanks Dave. 30K miles sounds like a good interval. Since this car will become my son's daily driver I'm thinking of taking it apart and giving it a try before he gets the car. I'll order a Haynes manual and see what it says.

[daved]

When I posted my reply didn't notice that your question was for an 850 Spider, not a 124. Guessing the service interval would be similar.

[JohnMc]

I cannot remember the frequency that you have to clean the centrifical oil filter on the 850 but kind of think it was 30,000 - but read on a blow where they suggest 12,000 miles. Very easy to do.
The 850 that I worked on 45 plus years ago did not have an external oil filter but only the centrifical oil filter.
My friend who had the 850 at the time had to have rebuilt at about 45k miles - if my memory figures he lost a main bearing. Fiat dealership rebuild his engine. They could or would not figure out how to install an external oil filter.
My advise is to change oil very frequently and maybe figure how to install external oil filter.