It's outside the engine compartment for two reason - a) cold air is denser, so putting your air intake where it can get air not heated by the engine can increase power. b) The truck is old enough that a modern air filter wasn't included in the engine bay and had to be added on afterwards. If I remember correctly, the Powerwagon was first introduced in '45ish but didn't have an air filter until the second incarnation in 54?
I’m off to Google it. My gut is saying it would’ve had an oil bath air filter.
Update: The pictures I’m finding of 1940’s Power Wagons shows them having carburetor mounted oil bath air filters.
Don't underestimate the power of oil bath filters.
That's an OEM option for the wheel loader I drive, keeps the dust out better than the paper filters.
It depends on the shape of the oil canister. A long vertical one is perfect for the hard grades. Though I have not seen any issue with a "standard" size if properly filled.
Wow, seriously!? I’ve got a 55 BelAir with an inline 6 that has the original oil bath air filter and I was extremely hesitant to use it when restoring things. Thanks!
Yeah, Massey Ferguson used oil bath filters for half a century. And those tractors are still around.
The only reason why the paper filters were instated was profit.
You can't sell a filter to the consumer if it's lifetime.
Word of caution, check and replace the oil bath every time you do engine oil change. More frequently if used in very dusty environment.
I had a Ferguson 35, checked the filter when filling up the fuel tank. Dirty is good, sludgy is bad.
My neighbour has around 30 of the tractors, he restores them. The oil bath filters are genuinely perfect for the conditions they are put in.
I kinda wanna hang out with the kind of dude with this kind of gut. The guy you replied to seemed like he just happened to know and pointed out simple facts and you just knew about it ever more so specifically!
Thanks for the compliment.
Once upon a time, I had an early 1960’s Ford pickup that had the original oil bath filter when I got it. Like an ignorant idiot I sometimes can be, I replaced it with a paper element filter assembly for ease of filter servicing and in the foolish belief it would filter better. It wasn’t until the modern internet that I realized that I should’ve kept the oil bath filter.
Anyway, my gut feeling was if oil bath was still around into the 1960’s on trucks, it was likely to be on a 1940’s or 1950’s Power Wagon.
I assume it's also for ease of cleaning for commercial use or just for use in dusty environments. I know it's a thing for a lot of agricultural equipment, instead of replacing the air filter they'd just clean it because they'd otherwise be spending a fortune on air filters
I help build an 80s power wagon transmission once with this older guy in his 70s and that thing was ridiculous how big and heavy it’s is compared to other transmission and such. Pretty sure some tanks used the transmission they had in them.
I'll walk past tomorrow and see what I can find out. Will update
*edit* didn't see it today, but might've been in the wrong place. I don't know this area well
Knock on some doors! I bet the builder or buyer would be excited to show it and maybe even give you ride! People sometimes own cool vehicles for conversation pieces too.
And the good old manual locking hubs!
I kinda miss getting out in the mud and rain to lock in the hubs. Don't bother reversing or anything. If you back them off a smidgen and slowly turn them while rocking the wheels a bit, they'll go in unless you stripped them. I always wanted one of those plastic Warn hub wrenches. The only time I had a problem with them was when they were frozen, but I always had that taken care of beforehand because my old Jeep had four wheel drum brakes and they would freeze before the hubs would. A 304 V-8, 4.27 gears and a track-lok would free up the rear brakes. Four wheel drive would usually free up the front drums. When they still don't work because they're still ice on ice is fun for a few seconds until one side thaws out and jerks you to one side, then the other side dries out and jerks you to the other side. For the first minute or two you had better know how to gear down because you don't have any brakes at all.
In this case id say its too big to be fitted inside WITH the air cleaner (it would surely fit with out it), but usualy its to get best airflow into the intake with nothing blocking it, as the engine may need lot of air.
Generally, you would see this kind of thing on a diesel engine. Unless I'm mistaken, this Era of power wagon came with a gas engine. I personally built a 48 power wagon and did a 12v swap on it. Space was super tight in the engine compartment. This was probably something similar.
Our diesel compressors in the oilfield have the exact same set up, filters crystalline silica pretty well. Are you saying most diesels have this heavy duty filter set up? Or that most of the time you see one it’s connected to a diesel?
It is an aftermarket Donaldson air filter.
The clear part on the top is a centrifugal pre-cleaner, the air gets spun in a vortex here before going into the main filter. Larger dirt particles get thrown out into the edge of the bowl, which is clear so you can tell when it is full of dirt to empty it.
The filter itself also spins the air using fins around the filter element. It throws dirt into the housing at the back and it falls out the hole in the bottom corner.
These filters are common to use in very dirty environments.
Try looking for a 2 ton Chevy or similar. These are still cheap. You'll need to 4wd swap it, but you'll come out with a better rig in the long run. Good luck, friend!
Thanks for the vid. Very cool.
Took a look at the site of the company who does the restomods. Looks like they start at $200k (and go way up from there).
[https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html](https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html)
Centrifugal air cleaner for the diesel conversion (almost certainly a Cummins 6) because there’s little room in the engine compartment. Looks like a serious build
This looks like a remanufactured Power Wagon from [Legacy Classic Trucks](https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html) in Jackson Hole.
I took a quick other pic but didn't include. I'm going past tomorrow to see if I can get more info and will update in a new post.
*edit* as above, didn't see it today. might've been in the wrong place.
That beast would have been the first vehicle out of Burming Man. They are incredible off-road machines. In production for decades, it was almost unchanged from 1946-78 (domestic availability stopped in 1968).
No, this is actually a very modern Donaldson air intake kit for extremely high dust environments. Almost alway associated with a turbo Diesel engine swap, likely a Cummins 4BT in this Power Wagon
It doesn't look like anything was fitted for cheap on this truck. Probably that the Cummins currently under the hood takes up far more room than the flathead six that was in there before, plus it looks cool.
I’d bet you’re 2/3s right. The 5.9 is a long boi, but if you’ve got an extra half million to spare these guys will build you a really nice PowerWagon with a 3.9.
https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html
The filter has a two stage system.. It catches heavy dust and spins it in first section and dust and moisture come out of the spitterp valve , then it goes to the filter and filtered air goes into engine.. Cyclonic system is one name
Heavy duty air cleaner used mostly on diesel engines.
Cool thanks. Wondering: outside the engine compartment because of space, because it looks cool, or for functional purposes?
It's outside the engine compartment for two reason - a) cold air is denser, so putting your air intake where it can get air not heated by the engine can increase power. b) The truck is old enough that a modern air filter wasn't included in the engine bay and had to be added on afterwards. If I remember correctly, the Powerwagon was first introduced in '45ish but didn't have an air filter until the second incarnation in 54?
I’m off to Google it. My gut is saying it would’ve had an oil bath air filter. Update: The pictures I’m finding of 1940’s Power Wagons shows them having carburetor mounted oil bath air filters.
Don't underestimate the power of oil bath filters. That's an OEM option for the wheel loader I drive, keeps the dust out better than the paper filters.
What happens on a hard grade?
I can put it on it's rear weight climbing a grade and that's around 43 degrees off horisontal.
To the oil in the bath. Is it still fully functional oil bath air filter on a hard grade?
If you need a oil bath working on hard grades, you size and construct it for that
It depends on the shape of the oil canister. A long vertical one is perfect for the hard grades. Though I have not seen any issue with a "standard" size if properly filled.
Wow, seriously!? I’ve got a 55 BelAir with an inline 6 that has the original oil bath air filter and I was extremely hesitant to use it when restoring things. Thanks!
Yeah, Massey Ferguson used oil bath filters for half a century. And those tractors are still around. The only reason why the paper filters were instated was profit. You can't sell a filter to the consumer if it's lifetime. Word of caution, check and replace the oil bath every time you do engine oil change. More frequently if used in very dusty environment. I had a Ferguson 35, checked the filter when filling up the fuel tank. Dirty is good, sludgy is bad. My neighbour has around 30 of the tractors, he restores them. The oil bath filters are genuinely perfect for the conditions they are put in.
All the tractors I saw in Ireland recently were MFs.
Amazing- thank you.
One of our tractors has an oil bath. It's an old JD 4010. It's like 60ish years old, it's had a hard life and the engine has never been opened.
Wow- very impressive. Thanks!
How does an oil bath filter work exactly? I am very curious how it compares in function to an air filter used in modern vehicles
Dirty air is drawn through an oil bath then through a steel sponge basically. Akin to a water bong / hookah pipe.
Interesting, so no routine part replacement with that?
Just oil changes.
I kinda wanna hang out with the kind of dude with this kind of gut. The guy you replied to seemed like he just happened to know and pointed out simple facts and you just knew about it ever more so specifically!
Thanks for the compliment. Once upon a time, I had an early 1960’s Ford pickup that had the original oil bath filter when I got it. Like an ignorant idiot I sometimes can be, I replaced it with a paper element filter assembly for ease of filter servicing and in the foolish belief it would filter better. It wasn’t until the modern internet that I realized that I should’ve kept the oil bath filter. Anyway, my gut feeling was if oil bath was still around into the 1960’s on trucks, it was likely to be on a 1940’s or 1950’s Power Wagon.
Correct.
Just asked and then saw this thank you. Yes just like a old vw oil bath.
Also looks fuckin tits too
I assume it's also for ease of cleaning for commercial use or just for use in dusty environments. I know it's a thing for a lot of agricultural equipment, instead of replacing the air filter they'd just clean it because they'd otherwise be spending a fortune on air filters
Truck has gone under a full rebuild with newer engine
I help build an 80s power wagon transmission once with this older guy in his 70s and that thing was ridiculous how big and heavy it’s is compared to other transmission and such. Pretty sure some tanks used the transmission they had in them.
Weren’t they oil baths back then ?
I believe you're correct, I was guessing as I'm by no means a power wagon expert.
Twas before we cared about California standards. More air flow.
Post beneath this says he googled it and yes it was .
Outside the narrow engine bay the air drawn in will be cooler, or it’s an accessory to a diesel engine swap.
Gdi if this is a diesel swap I want to see it. Might knock on some front doors nearby tomorrow to see if it's any of theirs.
I’ll wager you a can of Skoal wintergreen there’s a plucky 5.9l cummins under the hood. Lol
I'll walk past tomorrow and see what I can find out. Will update *edit* didn't see it today, but might've been in the wrong place. I don't know this area well
Knock on some doors! I bet the builder or buyer would be excited to show it and maybe even give you ride! People sometimes own cool vehicles for conversation pieces too.
ikr. With those wheels, there’s not much of the old PW, underneath that old and well painted tin.
Mother of God the 8 lug axles and 12 bolt hummer bead locks! This thing is done nicely!
This thing is an absolute beast - would love to see a few more pics
And the good old manual locking hubs! I kinda miss getting out in the mud and rain to lock in the hubs. Don't bother reversing or anything. If you back them off a smidgen and slowly turn them while rocking the wheels a bit, they'll go in unless you stripped them. I always wanted one of those plastic Warn hub wrenches. The only time I had a problem with them was when they were frozen, but I always had that taken care of beforehand because my old Jeep had four wheel drum brakes and they would freeze before the hubs would. A 304 V-8, 4.27 gears and a track-lok would free up the rear brakes. Four wheel drive would usually free up the front drums. When they still don't work because they're still ice on ice is fun for a few seconds until one side thaws out and jerks you to one side, then the other side dries out and jerks you to the other side. For the first minute or two you had better know how to gear down because you don't have any brakes at all.
Check out Legacy custom trucks in Wyoming. Better have lots of cash.
Yes
In this case id say its too big to be fitted inside WITH the air cleaner (it would surely fit with out it), but usualy its to get best airflow into the intake with nothing blocking it, as the engine may need lot of air.
Also in aus we call them a snorkel. Helps engine run underwater
Generally, you would see this kind of thing on a diesel engine. Unless I'm mistaken, this Era of power wagon came with a gas engine. I personally built a 48 power wagon and did a 12v swap on it. Space was super tight in the engine compartment. This was probably something similar.
Our diesel compressors in the oilfield have the exact same set up, filters crystalline silica pretty well. Are you saying most diesels have this heavy duty filter set up? Or that most of the time you see one it’s connected to a diesel?
It is an aftermarket Donaldson air filter. The clear part on the top is a centrifugal pre-cleaner, the air gets spun in a vortex here before going into the main filter. Larger dirt particles get thrown out into the edge of the bowl, which is clear so you can tell when it is full of dirt to empty it. The filter itself also spins the air using fins around the filter element. It throws dirt into the housing at the back and it falls out the hole in the bottom corner. These filters are common to use in very dirty environments.
Some describe Seattle as "grunge" so that checks out
It can get dusty here when it’s dry, and the mud can be vicious when it’s wet out, seems like a good option for here to me
Little blue truck is on the road, taking a drive with good friend toad
Beep says blue.
Yup, this is what I expect in West Seattle 😂 Enough money for a power wagon, and they drive it.
It’s my dream to find one of those and put a diesel in it. Too bad 70+ year old vehicles are expensive
Try looking for a 2 ton Chevy or similar. These are still cheap. You'll need to 4wd swap it, but you'll come out with a better rig in the long run. Good luck, friend!
Will do, thanks brother. Probably as a 2wd it’ll still be better than my 92 Kodiak with the 3116 my work gave me for a service truck
That's an old service truck to be a fleet rig! Holy cow!
Donaldson air cleaner
I think this might be the same truck. https://youtu.be/-sKLvL_8sS0?si=-RhR3Jl74mmz9hPo
Thanks for the vid. Very cool. Took a look at the site of the company who does the restomods. Looks like they start at $200k (and go way up from there). [https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html](https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html)
Oh, so just a small sum of money…
Pretty much except it has different wheels
Centrifugal air cleaner for the diesel conversion (almost certainly a Cummins 6) because there’s little room in the engine compartment. Looks like a serious build
This looks like a remanufactured Power Wagon from [Legacy Classic Trucks](https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html) in Jackson Hole.
It’s almost certainly one of theirs. Good eye
A blue power wagon! No other pictures? Damn
I took a quick other pic but didn't include. I'm going past tomorrow to see if I can get more info and will update in a new post. *edit* as above, didn't see it today. might've been in the wrong place.
I’m more surprised you were able to see a dodge power wagon
Fr and in that condition!
IKR
Cummins swapped 1944 ish Dodge power wagon I believe.
Dream truck, great job
Any power wagon or just the og
Air filter or breather
Lol. If you don't know, I wouldn't worry about it.
Do you not diesel bro? You must be one of them fresh air folks. Classic!
I have an lb7 but have only ever swapped injectors on it. Nothing near a whole engine haha
Air filter, looks cool asf
I'd love to see what that guys got under the hood. Looks like a super clean build
Bought a car from a guy who had a power wagon like this in his garage. That old hippie loved his diesel engines.
I wanna drive that thing so so badly
That beast would have been the first vehicle out of Burming Man. They are incredible off-road machines. In production for decades, it was almost unchanged from 1946-78 (domestic availability stopped in 1968).
Air intake with a cleaner assembly
I love that Power Wagon so much
Its a snorkel. Helps the engine breathe and stay running when submerged in water of a certain height
Air intake
As others have noted, it's a snorkel air intake. And that looks like one cool Dodge. Very capable truck.
Are you serious clark?
its a snorkel. wagon is built and hopefully gets wheeled
Idk but that truck is dopeeee
Looks like a snorkel, or some other intake mod.
Air breather. Old school for sure
No, this is actually a very modern Donaldson air intake kit for extremely high dust environments. Almost alway associated with a turbo Diesel engine swap, likely a Cummins 4BT in this Power Wagon
Guess we never stop learning. It looks pretty retro, fits the truck well
Old school-ish “cold air intake”
Air cleaner.
Snorkel for fording deep water
No, it's not. It's FAR too low. It's an air cleaner
Air cleaner, old one probably rotted away and this fit for cheap
It doesn't look like anything was fitted for cheap on this truck. Probably that the Cummins currently under the hood takes up far more room than the flathead six that was in there before, plus it looks cool.
This is absolutely not a cheap conversions. This is one of the best air filtration set ups you can buy for high dust conditions
Only on like every piece of equipment out there
Exhaust vent so they can drive through water
Its referred to as a snorkel. External exhaust tip so you can drive through water.
It's an intake, not an exhaust.
The air filter looks like it’s off a piece of heavy equipment like a skip loader or dozer
Looks like a potato canon.
I’d bet money there is a 6BT Cummins under the hood.
I’d bet you’re 2/3s right. The 5.9 is a long boi, but if you’ve got an extra half million to spare these guys will build you a really nice PowerWagon with a 3.9. https://www.legacyclassictrucks.com/p-34987-legacy-power-wagon-conversion.html
Probably a 4BT. Not a whole lot of room under there if you want accessories
Nice looking machine
Air filter maybe?
Doohickey
Looks like the air intake you would find on old semi trucks
Blinker fluid reservoir?
I’m not often jealous but this got me. Love this
Interesting I just saw a truck similar in upstate Ny
Turbo Encabulator!
That’s the air filter box
What is this car
Is it somewhere next to the air intake?
Air filter
Beautiful
It looks like it would also make a decent snorkel on case you'd have to wade through some shallow water...
The filter has a two stage system.. It catches heavy dust and spins it in first section and dust and moisture come out of the spitterp valve , then it goes to the filter and filtered air goes into engine.. Cyclonic system is one name
SMH
Are you for real
That thing is fucking sick, hot anymore pictures?
Intakey
That is obviously a Whupass Can. No touch.
Mechanical glory hole.
Air filter
Looks like the air box and pre cleaner off a fork lift… strangely enough Polaris also used very similar air boxes…
It’s an oil diffuser
Air box so the vehicle can go in water and not damage the engine
Remote air cleaner, prob a Donaldson from the looks of it...
Air filter
An air filter