AT-4F Oil Filter System from Indigo Electronics

[RUSSELL]

I am continuing my overhaul work on my 1978 Catalina 30.

Members of this forum helped me come to a decision to obtain an exchange engine from Moyer Marine earlier. In fact, I decided last week to go the new block exchange engine route. I look forward to driving down from Erie, PA and picking up the exchange engine in the next three or four weeks. I am pretty excited to see this engine. :)

So, I'd appreciate comments and observations regarding my next question:

What do you think of adding the aftermarket spin-on oil filter system from Indigo Electronics? My previous automotive engine experience makes me feel like there simply should be an oil filter. On the other hand, it appears that if one takes good care of these engines with regular maintenance that they will run (almost) forever. I tend to think the money may be better spent setting a very effective means of changing the oil; simply change the oil every 25 hours or so and all should be well.

I will use raw water cooling, and expect to only be sailing on the Great Lakes (probably only on Lake Erie).

Opinions?

Thanks.

[joe_db]

I have it and like it. Not only can you extend oil change intervals, you get much better oil pressure control too.
For airplanes, adding a filter extends the change interval from 25 to 50 hours ;)

I am continuing my overhaul work on my 1978 Catalina 30.

Members of this forum helped me come to a decision to obtain an exchange engine from Moyer Marine earlier. In fact, I decided last week to go the new block exchange engine route. I look forward to driving down from Erie, PA and picking up the exchange engine in the next three or four weeks. I am pretty excited to see this engine. :)

So, I'd appreciate comments and observations regarding my next question:

What do you think of adding the aftermarket spin-on oil filter system from Indigo Electronics? My previous automotive engine experience makes me feel like there simply should be an oil filter. On the other hand, it appears that if one takes good care of these engines with regular maintenance that they will run (almost) forever. I tend to think the money may be better spent setting a very effective means of changing the oil; simply change the oil every 25 hours or so and all should be well.

I will use raw water cooling, and expect to only be sailing on the Great Lakes (probably only on Lake Erie).

Opinions?

Thanks.

[hanleyclifford]

I also run the Indigo filter and I feel that it gives any stray chip the opportunity to settle in the filter rather than a bearing. The external oil pressure adjuster is another big plus for convenience of setting pressure. As far as raw water cooling goes, don't kid yourself about Lake Erie. It may not be salty but it ain't fresh either. Lots of bad stuff, organic and otherwise, can get lodged in your cooling jacket and passages. Starting with a brand new block you have an opportunity to have a super clean engine forever. FWC rocks IMO.

[sastanley]

I also run the Indigo filter and I feel that it gives any stray chip the opportunity to settle in the filter rather than a bearing. The external oil pressure adjuster is another big plus for convenience of setting pressure. As far as raw water cooling goes, don't kid yourself about Lake Erie. It may not be salty but it ain't fresh either. Lots of bad stuff, organic and otherwise, can get lodged in your cooling jacket and passages. Starting with a brand new block you have an opportunity to have a super clean engine forever. FWC rocks IMO.

+1 what hanley says..if you are getting a new block, why not give it a good life with fresh water cooling.

There are some good options for us Catalina 30 owners now, either a kit like one from Indigo, or you can design your own like Neil Dutton has done and I am also doing in my '77 Catalina. The only part that Moyer Marine doesn't sell that I think you may consider for a Catalina 30 application is an electric circulation pump.

[RUSSELL]

Thank you for the feedback; much appreciated. The oil filter kit will be ordered.

I must admit I am puzzled; it seems like every other innovation over time is reflected in the MMI exchange engine - I don't understand why an oil filter isn't automatically a part of the exchange engine (given how thorough Moyer is on the other aspects).