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MG MGB Technical - Oil filters - newbie stuff

I've just become the proud owner of a 1972 BGT that is putting a massive grin on my face :)

For piece of mind I want to do some basic maintenance while I get used to the car, prior to diving in head first. The first thing is an oil change.

Can anyone help out with what sort of oil fliter I need: i.e brand, type, serial number or just a generic pointer.

The Haynes manual is a bit vague - and I have very limited experience; so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rich
Richard

Assuming you have the top-load spin-on filter, go to your local Volvo specialist and ask for a Mann W917. It fits most 4 cyl Volvos from the 1970s through the 1990s. Purulator also make good filters (I use PL14670), but I'm not sure about availability in Spain...

HTH!
Rob Edwards

Careful about getting a filter with an anti-drainback valve. I'm having all sorts of trouble (search the archive, lots of talk about it) - the MGOC sell one which they claim has a working valve. If it doesn't work, the oil drains out of the filter over time when the engine is not running, meaning that you get zero oil pressure when you start back up again until the oil pump has refilled the filter. Not good.

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Thanks Guys,

The filter currently in situ is a FRAM 2857, but when I gave this reference to the guy in the parts store, he first looked confused and then after a bit of searching returned with a ford/saab filter from Bosch.

Confused? I should coco.

Thanks again for the tips

Rich
R Barrell

The Purolator is a pretty good filter. It also has an anti-drainback valve and soesn't cost as much as the K & N. Any auto parts store should still have a referance book to cross reference the oil filter (yes even the Fram) and should still list MGBs, 1800 cc Roadster or GT.

There is a trend on this board not to use the Fram oil filter as the anti-drain valves they contain have caused much grief.
Luigi

Motorcraft FL-300
William Bourne

I have BGT 1972, daily use. I use Unipart oil filter anti-drainback GFE121 or GFE422.
Regards.
michel

I currently have a Coopers filter (which is, apparently, a rebadged Fram filter) and the drainback valve doesn't work. However, it works much better (i.e. manages for a week or so) than the Unipart and Champion filters I tried (which only kept oil in the filter for a couple of days).

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Try the WIX brand of filter.Should find a cross reference on a filter chart. If you don't want your oil to drain out,get a filter mount that hangs the filter open side up.
G. Wayne Hardy

The oil filter is the same as used on some Fords (Escort Cosworth and several Granadas).

I've been using Wix without any problems, at the moment I have a Mann (W 916/1) waiting in the trunk.

http://www.mann-hummel.com/mf_prodkata_eur/index.html?ktlg_page=01&ktlg_lang=1&ktlg_01_fzart=1&ktlg_01_mrksl=38&ktlg_01_mdrsl=35&ktlg_01_modsl=201&ktlg_subpage=02

/jesper

Jesper Akesson

For upright mounted filters...

I fill the filter with oil (let it sit, and fill again until
full).

Then, use a thumb to cover the large filter hole;
position the filter over the tube on the mount flange;
quickly release the thumb and quickly set & screw
the filter in place.

It takes some practice, but I've got it down to where
there's hardly and oil loss.

In anycase, it beats having to prime an empty filter
by spinning the engine.
Daniel Wong

Can't do that every time you start the engine though! Does anyone know which cars the inverted/downward hanging filter conversions will fit?

Tim.
Tim Jenner

Richard,

I have found that the Purolator Catalogue lists PL20081/L20081 for the '72B. I have used Motorcraft FL-300 in the past, am currently using a K&N HP004, and may try the Purolators next oil change.
Joe

Seeing as you are in Europe, the Mann and the Bosch are both excellent choices.
Check out this site for information on why to avoid Fram... http://www.minimopar.net/oilfilterstudy-german.html
Very enlightening.

Mike!
mike!

Re cant fill the filter every time u start the car. Of course not , thats why you have the anti drain back valve. And why a good one is so important
This one reason I still have the original filter bowl on my car .
S Best

This thread was discussed between 30/06/2004 and 02/07/2004

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.