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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Original Oil FIlter vs New Spin On

I recently purchased the Moss Oil Filter spin on adapter and tried to install it this morning. After I easily removed the original filter, I was unable to remove the existing filter nipple despite applying a great degree of force (I followed the instructions as well as advice from the archives). As I was resting, I picked up the original filter and examined it. It actually looks reasonable well engineered. The actual filter part which is supposed to be wool is completely intact. Maybe I am rationalizing, but since I was unable to remove the old nipple, and because I am nervous about breaking something else, I re-installed the original. Will it substantially help my engine to install a modern oil filter so is it necessary to find a way to remove the original, or can I keep going another 50 years with the original? Comments appreciated.
Mike Iandolo

I have been using the original since I got the TD (5 years)...I only use the cardboard type filters (rather then the all felt fuzzy type)...
I just bought some beautiful magnetic drain plugs for both the sump and transmission...between the two I feel secure...?
gblawson(gordon)

Back then, most cars had NO oil filter, and aftermarket addons only tapped a drizzle, not the whole flow. The reality is oil filters catch chunks but let the fines right through. You know, there's a screen on the oil pickup to keep the debris out, but there's no filter protecting the oil pump.
Stop and think about it, why should you ever have to replace an oil filter?? Hmmm? Does the paper wear out? I usually remove mine, drain it, and slip it back on, much to my wife's dismay. How many people tear the pan off and steam clean the engine during an oil change?
You might stick a magnet in the original canister to remove some of the iron fines- not completely effective, but at least a token effort. They put them in transmissions. Drain plugs with magnets are smart.
jrn Northrup

Hi Gordon: where did you picup the magnetic drain plugs?

Thank you very much.

Stuart
Stuart J. Ramos

Hi Mike

I am a little unclear on what nipple you are removing. Is this a newer TD with the filter on the oil pump or the older with a separate filter?

I have the older and love the spin on filter. Much more likely to change my filter not.
Bruce-C

Bruce -- I have the newer oil filter mounted horizontally on the pump. The problem I have is that even though I can insert a philips head screwdriver through the hole in the shaft, I do not have enough room to get sufficient torque to loosen the thing. My initial thoughts are that this shaft should not be this tight, but it has most likely not been disturbed for 57 years. I am afraid that if I really try to pry this off I could damage the pump mounting.

BTW Gordon I am also interested in the magnetic plugs. I remember the use of these magnetic plugs triggered a healthy debate on this BBS.
Mike Iandolo

A friend bought 6 sets ... think he picked them up in the States... they were really pricey ($70.00 for the pair)...but are very well made...will post a photo when I go back out to the shed...
gblawson(gordon)

Mike,
I too had the same situation. I bought the Moss spin-on conversion several years ago and could not get the shaft off. I left it alone until this spring when I put a long #3 phillips screwdriver in the hole and pulled like crazy. It finally let loose and I then installed the conversion which is a delight.
Jim
James Neel

I wonder if you could just stick one of those little "super" magnets on the end of the drain plug. There is a name for those magnets but it escapes me right now. It would never fall off and they don't cost much. Paul
P.W. Lester

Mike, see http://www.ttalk.info/Oil_filter.htm for I did this. Bud
Bud Krueger

Blair Engle ( The Classic MG Shoppe in Tallahassee, FL) has the magnetic drain plugs for TD/TF at $35 for gearbox and $25 for engine,

bengle001@comcast.net or 850-385-2921
Don Harmer

Bud -- thank you for your suggestion. I am certain that your approach will make this very easy. Brilliant!
Mike Iandolo

Mike,
IMHO, A modern spin on filter is the way to go! Just a few reasons,,,,,,
They are more efficient than the old style.
They are less expensive that the old style.
They can be purchased at your favorite local auto parts store, so you can get a new filter and change the oil on that last warm day in the fall even if you forgot to order a filter from one of the suppliers.
They are much easier to change that the old style, no wrenches required, and there is no canister to clean out.
ALSO, I once had the old style canister cut through the "rubber" seal at the mount causing a huge leak, far from home! This won’t happen with the modern spin on type.

Hope this helps,
SPW
Steve Wincze

Hi,
To get the nipple off (I just did one.), I used a very long piece of 3/8" steel rod. I ground the end diameter down so it slid into the hole in the nipple and then I had a couple feet of leverage to undo the thing. But my engine is out, so maybe this will not work for you as the position of things would have to be just right if the thing is still in the car.
Mike Davis
MW Davis

I used the MM spin on adaptor for a few years, but eventually went back to Puralator/Tech original can type. For a filter I use the WIX 51300 or NAPA Fil 1300 a metal over paper filter which comes with new seal ring and copper washer. For a whole lot of info in filters, adaptors etc try going to www.mgaguru.com and look for the treatise on filters. Good info.
Never had a leak problem with either type.
colin stafford

This thread was discussed between 01/11/2009 and 02/11/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.