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MG TD TF 1500 - Moss Spon-On Oil Filter Adapter

I am thinking of installing a Moss spin-on oil filter adaptor on my 52 TD. I'm looking for any information/tips
you may have on this product(does anything need to be modified, ease of installation, what filters are used)
Thanks, Tony
Tony Shoviak

Tony,
I have a spin on adapter on our '52. no modifications are necessary, and it is very easy to install. I believe the initial filter was a Fram, but it can be cross referenced to any brand that you preferr.

SPW
Steve Wincze

Tony,
I tried their spin on filter for my '50 TD that was supposed to replace the very old vertical aluminum ones for which they no longer make filter elements. Was made in India. It was a disaster! It shot oil all over the engine. I spent days on it trying different washer combinations, replacement tubes, etc. I don't believe I'm the only one who had this problem. Your '52 probably doesn't use the same exact unit, but be forewarned! Getting those banjo bolts just right seemed to be a major part of the problem for me as I remember.

Moss was very accomodating and agreed to give me a refund and I purchased a wonderful unit from John Seim after a tip from this board(kingseim at earthlink dot net). It went on in one hour and has been running with zero leaks for over a year now! I could only recommend you contact him immediately and save Moss for other good stuff!!

Ed
efh Ed

Tony,

Bob Grunau makes the only really good spin-on oil filter adapter for the T-Series. He's a professional Engineer, and is one of the very few who has successfully made a career from the T-Series cars. This is a well-engineered product and varies considerably to that supplied by others, that are made off-shore.

He also is the manufacturer and supplier of the Alfin brake drums and other go-fast stuff for the TC to the TF-1500

Bob Grunau
grunau.garage@sympatico.ca
905 274-4136

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

Tony,
I'll second Gordon...I bought the Moss unit for my 52 and have had no trouble with it...except when changing filters...instaed of the filter spinning off, the whole unit spins off...no big deal but a bit messy & a pain. From all I've heard, the unit fro Bob Grunau is a much better machined unit...FWIW
A good filter is NAPA Gold 1515, which is a WIX filter for 1/2 the price of the same filter from WIX!
Bob Doc
52 TD
Bob Dougherty

I'll second Bob's recommendation of the NAPA 1515 filter. Fits perfectly.

Cheers

Larry
L Karpman

Tony, see http://www.ttalk.info/Oil_filter.htm for a look at Bob Grunau's adapter for an XPAG with the horizontal filter. Outstanding, IMHO.
Bud Krueger

I've covered this before, but the Fram PH3600 is just about the absolute worst filter you can use. The quality reflects the price - in Canada $4.95 at Wal*Mart. I strongly suggest you don't use it.

A horizontal (T-Series) and especially a vertical filter, needs an anti-drain back valve in it, otherwise all the crud flows back into the sump, despite what is retained in the filter media. This was particularly bad on my Ferrarti 275BTB/4 with not one, but two filters mounted vertically flange-side down. Worse, the dealer stocked only the Fram filter. I could never understand why the cams made so much noise for about 2 minutes, while the oil pressure seemed OK.

With a full filter, liubrication will reach critical parts faster on start-up.

For this reason, I have been using the K&N HP-2009 which is a premium filter and sells for around $13 at Autopro/Autozone, etc. and includes the anti-back flow valve.

When comparing the Fram PH3600 to the K&N HP-2009, I can honestly say that I saw a noticable difference in oil colour between the two when I changed over, and can only hope that that is indicative of improved filtration.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qu.
Gordon A. Clark

... forgot to mention ...

When I switched filter media to K&N HP-2009, I also installed one of Roger Furneaux's magnetic sump plugs (Roger.46TC@virgin.net), and again, I was surprised with the various metallic crud that collected in the sum of the engine.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A. Clark

Wow, thanks for all the information it's been a great help. I contacted Bob today and will be sending him an order tomorrow.
Thanks all, Tony
Tony Shoviak

Gentlemen,

The Moss Motors spin-on oil filter was originally designed to simplify an otherwise messy job and provide a better filtering media than a wad of wool. While a wonderful material for sweaters and carpet, wool has never been known for its great filtering or oil retention qualities. As the original designer of this unit, the prototypes were tested on my ’53 TD, my wife’s ’54 TF and Craig Cody’s supercharged ’53 TD, with a collective test mileage of over 60,000 miles. The majority of the problems with this unit stem from improper installation. A couple of keys points to pay attention to will insure a trouble free installation. 1.) Make absolutely sure all traces of the original rubber O-rings and any other debris are removed from the groove before installing the new o-ring supplied. 2.) Ensure that the new threaded nipple is tightened securely, finger-tight is not going to suffice. Also if you over tighten the nipple, you will distort the treads and the filter will not want to thread on correctly. As with anything on a T-type, finesse not force is required here. Last time I looked, Goleta California was not an “offshore source” and still part of the USA. I believe that these parts are still made in Moss’s manufacturing facility located there (Please correct me if I am wrong). Also contrary to suggestions stated else where, please do not paint the threaded nipple as this will only contaminate your oil and as the nipple will soon spend the rest of its life submerged in oil, not necessary.

Cheers! Terry P.
Terry Peddicord

Terry,
My unit was clearly labled "Made in India" and, rest assured, I followed all your very well made points above. But, alas, it was not meant to be. But that's all water under the bridge and Moss and I have done CONSIDERABLE business since that time!
Ed
efh Ed

Have had the moss adapter on my TD for 20 years without any problems.
Bruce-C

This thread was discussed between 20/10/2008 and 23/10/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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