Engine install

[Markos]

VAC motorsports sells a plate that accepts AN lines if you want a super accessible inline filter:

VAC Motorsports Oil Line Adapter Plate, BMW S38/M30

store.vacmotorsports.com

 

[e30strube]

An 1/8th pipe plug works well in that hole as well.

What's the purpose of the plug and what is being blocked? Is that only necessary when using the older filter housings?

 

[wkohler]

What's the purpose of the plug and what is being blocked? Is that only necessary when using the older filter housings?

It is necessary when using the older housings because it is an oil passage used by the later hosing to drain oil back to the pan. If you leave that unplugged using an older housing, you will not build oil pressure.

 

[Mike Goble]

What's the purpose of the plug and what is being blocked? Is that only necessary when using the older filter housings?

The plug keeps the oil from going directly back to the sump without going through the oiling system when using a top-bolt filter. If you look at a late M30B35 filter (the one that protrudes upward) you will see that the section with the hole at the bottom is segmented off, as you can see in the picture. Early top-bolt ones don't do this, as shown in the other picture.