Oil Cooler/Filter Adapter Broke?

[SSSammy]

I have an ERA supplied external oil cooler with the spin on adapter, no thermostat model Earl's 510ERL ... see the pic below.

I was changing the oil today and when I spun the old filter off, a 1/4" ball bearing and a 1/2" dished cap fell in the drain pan. Looking into the oil cooler adapter, I guess the check valve has come undone There was no spring .. I don't know if there is supposed to be one. I can't find a drawing of how this thing is supposed to look. The pic shows the top, the parts I found came off the bottom.

Is it ok to run this engine without the check valve? What does it do? If there was a spring, could it have gone down the line to the cooler?

I'm loading this car into the trailer Tues and heading to Run N Gun. Do I need to pull this thing off and go without the oil cooler till I can get a new adapter?

Thanks,
Sam

[CHANMADD]

Sounds like the bypass valve has come apart. This lets the oil bypass the cooler/filter if the pressure gets too high!
Get a new one. Yes I woulld bypass it for now!

[xracerbob]

SSSAmmy-
I have the one at the bottom of this page- really nice piece with the thermostat built in. These guys are very helpful. Good luck at R&G!

http://64.202.180.37/files/sp1t.pdf

[SSSammy]

Thanks Chanmadd .. Yes, I'll order a new one. Bob, I'm reading that spec .. looks like a nice unit

Is there any reason why it won't run ok without the bypass valve for this week? I realize the oil cooler effectiveness will take a hit, but this alum block runs cool. I see no less cooling if I leave it alone than if I restore the OEM style setup without any cooler.

Sam

[SuperHart]

Get the MoCal SP1T model with the thermostat. Always use a thermostat equipped adapter to keep the oil from running too cool which could shorten bearing life and promote piston scuffing. Although there is no real good reason to run an oil cooler on the street other than for the appearance of originality, the thermostat feature is well worth the extra bucks. The SP1T fits all Ford V-8s except the new modular motors and the 1/2" NPT fittings with AN -10 hoses are plenty for all but the most severe track usage.

[Cobranut]

Don't run it with the bypass valve missing.
With that port open your oil is bypassing the filter entirely and you risk bearing, crankshaft, and camshaft damage or even worse.

David

Originally Posted by SSSammy

Thanks Chanmadd .. Yes, I'll order a new one. Bob, I'm reading that spec .. looks like a nice unit

Is there any reason why it won't run ok without the bypass valve for this week? I realize the oil cooler effectiveness will take a hit, but this alum block runs cool. I see no less cooling if I leave it alone than if I restore the OEM style setup without any cooler.

Sam