Last year I built a NA 540. The block is a Dart big "M". I know I should have put a good oiling system on it then , but for whatever reason, I didnt. I didnt have a problem for this season, but decided that its time to upgrade. Especially with all the talk of oiling systems here lately. So, I ordered a complete system from Hardin. I spoke with Jeff from Hardin , we came up with a system that suits my needs. I went with the following:

Vertical Remote Thermostatic Oil Filter Mount part# 625-7113

H/P Cooler 3/4" NPT Oil Connections, 1" NPT Water Connection 3" Diameter / 18" Length part#620-550

Xtreme High Flow 3/4" NPT Side Inlet Oil Block Adapter part# 625-7914


Everything is 3/4" NPT, set up for #12 line. This system should work fine. I think I know the answer to my question, but want to be absolutely sure I am not making a mistake that can cost me thousands.. Looking at the Dart block where the stock oil filter adapter would go, there is no hole provided for a oil filter by-pass valve. It seems that Dart did away with it, saving me the trouble of either blocking it off, or installing a 30 lb valve. I called Dart, I explained my new system I was installing. He said it would be fine to mount the block adapter up along with the rest of the system. They dont use a by-pass valve on their blocks.
Have any of you Dart block guys done this ?

Vinnie,
I have a Dart Big M and was under the assumption that the filter pad bypass was plugged. Apparently it is not due to the fact that there is nothing to plug. I have a bypass on my T-Stat controlled filter mount (Mercury Racing). If your new setup doesn't have a bypass in the filter mount, I would make sure your oil filter has one.
Sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

Russ

Hello Russ,
The motor is in the boat. Tomorrow I am going to try to snap a picture by using a mirror under the filter pad. I looked at it that way, there is no third hole for the by-pass. So, nothing to plug.
Vinny

Here is a pciture of the filter pad on the block. Although it isnt the best quality picture, you can see there is no provision for a by-pass valve. Yes to using an oil filter with a built in by-pass. I am going to use a Fram HP-6. Its by-pass is set to 22lbs.

ttt

Don't sweat the bypass. These bypasses are for mostly vehicle applications where the oil filter can plug up with dirt or debris and starve the motors oil system. I have not heard of any low hour performance boats getting oil that dirty between changes. You can also just make sure you run a filter with an internal bypass if you are worried. If the filter plugs with your internal engine debris from serious mechanical failures, the filter plugging is the least of your problems!

Ray @ Raylar

I run mine with the bypass plugged. That way I can be sure thet all oil is going through the filter and the oil cooler. Oil pressure is measured after the filter and it never shows any change between oil changes.

Thanks guys.