TheSamba.com :: View topic - Any experience with GlowShift Oil Filter Sandwich Adapter?

Mon Nov 09, 2015 11:56 pm

Anybody have experience with the GlowShift Oil Filter Sandwich Adapter? I've seen the oil sensor kits/parts sold at VC and RJE, but this seems like such a simple solution to get oil pressure and temp. I realize its not a complete kit, but I like the fact that I can source the other parts on my own and do it the way I want.

http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/oilfilter-sender-adapter-3-4unf-16.aspx

Tue Nov 10, 2015 2:08 am

They're good but the O-rings are junk. The aluminum part is fine, but the o-ring seems like something you'd get at Harbor Freight..mine lasted about two weeks before it deformed and started leaking. Hoping they'd do me a solid and send me a couple replacements, I shot support an email but they offered to sell me replacements at $7 each or so instead.

Not satisfied with that, I went to the parts store, sat down on the floor and started going through oil filters until I found one with an o-ring that fit. Best bet I found was an STP brand, S2827 filter, $4-5 tops. It was slightly small for the adapter, but it was close enough that I was able to get it in the groove. I used some grey silicone between the o-ring and the adapter for a little extra insurance (I set a few brake rotors on top to make sure it dried flat). Two months in, so far so good, and it's far more substantial than the one the adapter came with.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 2:13 am

Also: the aluminum 1/8" NPT plugs are junk too, I couldn't get them to stop leaking no matter what I did. Run of the mill hardware store brass plugs cured all my issues.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:06 am

I had one of these on my other car for over 5 years. Never had a problem with it.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:28 am

I use one for my oil and temp gauges, no problem.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:15 am

I like this one from them better.
http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/oil-cooler-sandwich-block-adapter-20mm.aspx
then you have ports for your oil cooler as well as for the sensors.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:01 am

Mocal's are much better quality and offer them with thermostat control.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 10:57 am

I've had mine installed for about a year... never ad an issue with it...

Glowshift adapter I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PLNDF2/ref=as...KQQ5FMEMI4

gauge install writeup:
http://texasvanagons.com/oil-pressure-temperature-gauge-pod/

Tue Nov 10, 2015 12:27 pm

I had one on the WBX and now one on the Subie 2.2 to use for oil temp and pressure sensors. They work, but you have to seat the o-ring well or you will get leaks. As others have said you can use a different o-ring. Its nothing special, just a chunk of aluminum.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:02 pm

Could not have been easier. Thanks to Abel's write up!

Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:18 pm

JudoJeff wrote: I use one for my oil and temp gauges, no problem.

On the Zetec???....kudos Man.
I'd like to see that.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:21 pm

Timwhy wrote:

Could not have been easier. Thanks to Abel's write up!

His Instagram is one of my favorites!

Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:38 pm

Interesting concept but aren't you simply doubling an already weak joint.

The oil cooler seal is a proven failure point in cold weather.

Is not removing the sender and installing a piped in Tee easier and less prone to leakage?

Dave

Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:03 pm

djkeev wrote: Interesting concept but aren't you simply doubling an already weak joint.

The oil cooler seal is a proven failure point in cold weather.

Is not removing the sender and installing a piped in Tee easier and less prone to leakage?

Dave

That is a great question and I think some of the previous posts address the answer...but possibly the installer has more to do with it.

I use RJE's sensor relocation device, add the pressure gauge to it and than replace the oil pressure sensor below the water pump with the temp sensor he also sells...in the classifieds.
This is for the WBX.

I didn't realize that conversions were getting the same treatment.
Very excited to see this.
The temp and pressure readings are great diagnostic info and even better for peace of mind.

The Mocal's I made reference to are for thermostat controlled oil coolers and these extra ports.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:09 pm

HoustonPhotog wrote: I've had mine installed for about a year... never ad an issue with it...

Can you run an aftermarket type oil cooler & keep the factory oil-water heat exchanger?

Also, whats the correct p/n for the thermostatic Mocal unit?

Is it this below? Thx

Mocal Sandwich Plate- 3/4"-16 Thread - Hi-Temp 200 Degree
MOC-SP1T-HT
$129.95

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/13462/Sandwich_Plates

Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:19 pm

tjet wrote:

Also, whats the correct p/n for the thermostatic Mocal unit?

Contact Vanistan and purchase the entire kit.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 5:28 pm

I'd do that, but I already have an old Harrison racing cooler that I want to use along with an OEM Vanagon radiator fan.

Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:12 pm

djkeev wrote: Interesting concept but aren't you simply doubling an already weak joint.

The oil cooler seal is a proven failure point in cold weather.

Is not removing the sender and installing a piped in Tee easier and less prone to leakage?

Dave

If you are keeping the stock cooler I don't see this as adding much or any additional leakage risk over putting in a tee. You also have the ability to put a temp probe in, which you can't with the tee. Most of the tee setups add several threaded connections and a hose or tube that are all potential leakage sources.

Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:34 am

I ended up buying the Prosport version oil filter sandwich and a couple extra o-rings just in case. Seems pretty much the same thing as the GlowShift. I also went with the 52mm Prosport EVO green/white gauges (oil pressure, oil temp and voltage)..... http://prosportgauges.com/evo-series-green-and-white.aspx

I have yet to make a final decision on placement, but am leaning towards what 10centlife did on the lower dash below the radio ( http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m218/tencentlife/Vanagon%20Gauges/Oilgauges-driversview.jpg). I'm thinking the oil pressure and oil temp gauges to the left of the Syncro difff lock panel and the voltage to the right. I suspect going either side of the diff lock will be a tougher install since it's not just flat plastic in those spots. Fortunately, the Prosport gauges are only 1 1/2" deep. I could also mount all three even lower, facing up (like this http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e121/toothlor/oct06030.jpg), using these simple and low profile mounting pods.... http://www.autometer.com/2-mounting-cup-black.html

Fri Nov 13, 2015 3:16 pm

Here's a mock up of my planned gauge install. It is to scale. Oil pressure and oil temp to the left, battery voltage to the right utilizing Prosport's 52mm EVO Green/White gauges. I thought the Green/White would blend in well with the greenish lights on the diff panel.

http://prosportgauges.com/evo-electrical-Digital-Green-White-Oil-Pressure-gauge-.aspx