Yeah, but weren't they also air cooled? I have a lawn mower that's 29 years old with the same motor. I change the oil at most once a year and rarely change the air filter. Thing purrs like a kitten.
Originally Posted By: WellOiled
Originally Posted By: OneEyeJack
Originally Posted By: Kool1
In the 1950's, some car engines were made without oil filters. My boss had an old Chevy that went for 200,000 miles and it did not have an oil filter. He changed his oil regularly and kept his fingers crossed that his engine would not die.
Non-detergent oil did a lot better without a filter then modern detergent oils.
Many Volkswagen Beatles of the mid 60’s failed due to improper lubrication. Recommended Oil change interval was 2000 miles and to clean the screen. If the screen was damaged, replaced. Generally this design was less than glorious. I personally saw 20 VW needing engines after a hot 4th of July weekend. All were headed west on I80 with pedal to the metal. Of the 20, none followed the maintenance schedule.