Series 3 Correct type of air filter

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Kiwi Landie

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When I got my S3 it was fitted with a sort of home made air filter directly on top of the carburettor. I want to replace it with the correct type. It is a 1976, 2.25 petrol, NZ import. A web search for 1976 underbonnet shots yields photos of both the round paper filter in the cake tin housing on top of the carb and also the oil bath/snurgly hose type.

Can anyone enlighten me as to which type is correct for that year, or is it a free for all and I can fit whatever I like?

A PO has also removed the battery box and replaced it with a simple steel platform with no edges, so if there was originally an oil bath, the holder for it has gone. I do have a source for both the cake tin and oil bath filters, so it's no bother to get either one fitted.

Thanks in advance.
Andrew
 
I thought all series 3 of that vintage had the oil bath filter, what type of carb does yours have. My 1977 S3 had the oil bath originally when I bought it but I have removed it and fitted a filter directly to the top of the zenith carb. It is a bit noisier but the engine seems to breath a little easier and removal of the oil bath frees up a lot of room in the engine bay.

Col
 
Yes a 76 petrol would have had an oil bath filter, the hardest thing to find is the steel 'elbow' that fits on top of the carb. It attaches via a very short rubber hose.
 
UK spec would certainly be an oil bath, I would see this as an opportunity to upgrade to a paper filter, the pre 200TDi Defender unit is a similar size to the old oil bath and provides vastly improved filtration levels.
 
Hey thanks very much for that guys - I had a suspicion that'd be the case. When was the change point to paper filter in cake tin housing?

I've already got the oil bath, long hose and short hose - and now need to source the elbow. 5 quid does seem like a bargain, but then it'd be at least 20 quid to ship it! I'll search one out locally.

The support arrangement for the oil bath looks like it will fit nicely to what remains of my battery platform. I'll need to make up some extra brackets but it shouldn't be a drama. Not sure why the PO removed the original set up.

Mine has the normal Zenith 36 carburettor, so presumably everything from there upwards (and across) will be stock standard.

Cheers
Andrew
 
The support arrangement for the oil bath looks like it will fit nicely to what remains of my battery platform. I'll need to make up some extra brackets but it shouldn't be a drama. Not sure why the PO removed the original set up.

I don't think your battery platform has been cut down - a simple flat plate with no edges is the standard part of the chassis, welded on with 4 legs. There should be holes in the legs for bolts, on which the bracket Blackburn found will sit. It's this bracket that then provides the edges for the battery tray. I guess the PO didn't think any of that bracket was needed if it wasn't needed for the air filter.

I don't think you'll need to make up any other brackets...
 
Thanks. Sorry, should have explained. A PO has cut the battery stand off completely. What is left now is four sort of home made legs, welded to the chassis, with a completely separate and again home made looking steel plate which bolts on top. It’s a bit of a mish mash to be honest. If I can source the air cleaner support and battery box edges piece per Blackburn, I will need to make up some brackets to actually fix it to my battery plate. Shouldn’t be too hard. Really my issue was, should I be bothered trying to recreate the oilbath set up, or leave it as the paper filter in the cake tin housing. Mind you, given the disaster that is the battery mounting, perhaps my quest for originality is misplaced!
Cheers
 
If you wanted to be totally original it’ll take a wee bit of work. As posted go for a Defender type filter on the carburettor. The metal elbow that connects the oil bath type rubber hose onto the carb is now unobtainable anyway. The oil bath is basic but bomb proof for all climates but needs regular cleaning. If it isn’t done it’ll badly effect the running. Good luck with the project.
 
Thanks for all the advice. I'll see how things develop in the New Year. At least I have a few options now, and a bit more understanding of what should actually be under the bonnet.

Cheers
 
Some photos may help.

This isn't original, as the chassis was originally FFR, but the tray was taken from a marshland chassis (I think) which was very close to original.

If you want dimensions, happy to help.

The battery holder also has a plastic tray.

Note, normally these are not galvanized.
 

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