The adapter plates don't warp, crack or come loose, making a big oily mess because a canister doesn't have all that crap. It's not that hard to replace the o-ring when you replace the filter either. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never had a problem with the canister leaking. On the other hand, I've never had any luck with the aftermarket adapters... EVER.
Look at it in another way. You can check for metal in the filter with the canister system much more easily than spin on filters, as there is no cutting of the filter required. This way you can keep better track of engine condition. And like 427 said, just pay attention to the square gasket. The only time I had one leak, was the 1st time I changed one way, way, way back when, and didn’t know about removing the old gasket. Yeah, I was only 16 and I knew better…
I took down a canister on a '67 Belair at work maybe in '75. The car would put the Exxon Valdez to shame. The canister with filter was 3x the normal expected weight. I had to let it rinse in the Safety Kleen sink for too long. Up in the filter recess, I dug out 3 old square o-rings.
And.....you haven't lived if you haven't had an oil covered canister slip out of your hand and fall into the drain pan of oil!
Overall I like the canisters better. But spin ons are cheaper and easier to get. When I get my choice I always go canister.
My '66 Belair has the spin on adapter. I also had one on my 396. I think it makes things easier. Harry Homeowner, back in the day, would tend to drop the oil and skip the filter change.
Really!!! You must be retired and have nothing else to do but criticize peoples post. You post on the hamb to gather info evidently you dont have any pertaining to this post so i am baffled as you put it. Where else to post for questions any good ideas ?
Absolutely not criticizing, just needing a clarification, wasn't directed at anyone, especially not you. First, I try to steer clear of drama if possible and yes, I'm retired, not sure the relevance. I rarely criticize peoples' posts, again, missing your point. One of us is missing something here, I do know that this subject is dead square in the middle of the HAMB's "general discussion" (pre 1966), category, see title.
Every early small block I’ve owned has been treated to the spin on adapter. And that’s been a bunch over the years. Never had a problem, or a leak. If you put them on correctly, and remove the square original gasket, there should be no issues. YRMV. And if you want to check for metal filings , just carefully pour most of the oil out of the filter into your drain pan but catch the last bit, that’s where the filings would settle anyway. Less messy, less hassle, less time than the canister. Just one man’s opinion.
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