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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 MGA - Flexolite Adapter Oil Filter

I have been running the Flexolite spin-on oil filter adapter successfully for 24 years. I have always used a Fram PH966B filter. None of my local suppliers had them in stock so I checked what equivalent Flexolite are currently advocating for the MGA. They stated the PH2857A so I bought one without any issue.

Problem. It does not fit a RHD MGA. It is 96mm diameter compared to the 75mm PH966B. The greater diameter version fouls the steering column. Another one mentioned in the archives is the Mann W916/1. It is also 96mm.

Now waiting for a PH966B to arrive.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
cross reference data are often full of errors, the errors are copied and compounded with longer lists of alternatives and then these lists are used by others and so it goes on.

You can't even trust the manufacturer's website information.

To find the possibly correct alternatives takes hours of searching, I done so for a mate for an oil filter for his A-series engine with cooler after he'd been to three different suppliers and got three filters that were wrong. They all consulted databases which obviously had cross reference errors.

Yours *sounds* like it's just a (1275) Spridget filter, the PH966B *sounds* familiar to me, it doesn't have a an anti drain back or bypass, the Ultra does if you can get it in this country or there are other alternatives depending on any other space restrictions you have.

PH966B - https://www.fram.com/parts-search/PH966B

Fram XG3614 - https://www.fram.com/parts-search/XG3614/

The Mann W712 (not dash or number after) may well fit but no info on valves, I'm sure they used to put the info, so probably doesn't have them.

Nigel Atkins

Steve

I am using a spin on converter, the one from Moss which may not be a Flexolite but looks very similar. I am using K&N High Flow Filters Type HP2009, Ebay item 181469087738. They have a useful hex nut form on the bottom which makes it easier to remove them although it needs a big spanner. I bought a short spanner, TRIUMPH SPANNER 15/16 X 1 INCH AF N.O.S. to help get it off. eBay item 382878711608.
I haven't had the need to change filters yet so not sure how the spanner works but I have tested the space for it.
John Francis

John

I had major grief getting the filter off, not aided by my discomfort. I could not get leverage using the standard strap method. I resorted to trying my massive plumbing wrench that has jagged teeth. Took 5 seconds or less!!!!

It will now become my method of choice.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve
Reading your post I assumed your preferred PH966B is in transit on its way to you.
I have a GFE 173 from Moss and have used that filter for some years.
If I misunderstood and you are looking for alternatives, I will happily measure the dimensions to see if it will work for you
Graham V

Steve. I have used a rope around the filter before now. If you loosely tie one end of the rope to say the steering shaft and then wind the rope, approx. 8mm diameter, around the filter in a clockwise direction from above a few times and gently tighten it before using up all the slack on the tied end. Then pull hard from above on the free end and it usually works quite easily. I have crushed the canister slightly and there is no need for much space as the rope has no rigid parts. I can do it from above as well which makes life easier. It can be a bit of nuisance to stop the rope falling off the bottom of the canister whilst winding it round hence the suggestion to tie one end to something nearby.
John Francis

The Mann 916/1 is the one specified for the MGB, which does work in that application. Another point to watch out for is that the filter has the anti drain valve. Some do, some don't, but important on the B series engines.

Peter Allen

John

While reading your post I was expecting you to say turn the steering wheel and the canister will twist off!!!

I've always used the canvas noose with my socket set and it's usually been ok. Just me getting old and trying to get into the correct position this time. When I resorted to my wrench I was amazed just how easy and quick it was. 5 seconds at the outside. It's now my preferred weapon!

Graham. The 966 was recommended with the kit 24 years ago. Mk1 Escort I believe. However, having just pulled the old one off I see I had a Halfords equivalent - HOF203W. I guess specs change over time as Nigel says so I am all ears for a list of suitable alternatives. Plenty of people with the modification so it provides good data in the archives.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
you've no worries as the HOF203 (don't know of the W bit though) was what fitted Spridgets (1275 at least), I put was as I can't remember Halfords selling oil filters for a few years now.

The Fram XG3614 that I previously linked to has "is equipped with SureGrip® technology that provides a non-slip surface allowing for easy install and removal" but I've never seen one. - https://www.fram.com/parts-search/XG3614/

You can get loads, and loads of cross-references but the filters do vary in size and many are without anti-drainback and bypass valves.

Some of the filters with different brand names on them *look* to be the same and off the same production line.

I stick with filters I've tried and that have both valves. See attached PDF for details of vavles.

The higher priced K&N ones that John mention are a bit longer and the nut on the bottom isn't convenient for a spanner on my car and a socket doesn't work on the nut as its fixing is sloped at attachment.

My choice of filter is K&N PS-1002 (black not as long as the white one and without nut, K&N HP-1002).

The following are without valves as far as I know -

. Bosch P2056 - or 0451102056 (would probably be the same as another black filter, brand name that escapes me now)
. Mann W712 (as I put before)
. Wix WL7098

Lots of Unipart numbers but beware these can lead on to loads of cross-reference numbers which may or may not be suitable -
. Unipart GFE 443 - GFE166 - GFE148

I could add a few no longer available filter numbers but again these will only turn up confusing cross-references.
Nigel Atkins

The one I couldn't remember, Borg & Beck (a First Line company) -

Borg & Beck BFO4077

Which *looks* like it's possibly the same filter as the Bosch but with a different brand name label on it.

(and the Escort might have been the Mk2, but I've not checked)

Nigel Atkins

When I bought my Flexolite Oil Filter adaptor last year the filter they sent me with the kit (Mann W 916/1) didn't fit (too wide diameter). They sent me another one (Bosch P3249) which also didn't fit (too long). I ended up buying a Unipart GFE166 which fitted fine and has been fine to date. Tim
Tim Prime

I'm not sure but I don't think any of the Unipart filters I quoted have either valve (GFE 443 - GFE166 - GFE148)

And attached the PDF about the valves I forgot to attach to my previous post.
Nigel Atkins

I mentioned I use the GFE173. But going by this website, different brands come in very different sizes!

At least you can see what you should get
Graham V

Graham,
you could see how GFE173 compares with the Fram equivalent of PH2964 -
Height: 85 mm - Ø exterior: 76 mm - Thread: 3/4"-16

or to Steve's Fram PH966B -
Height: 91 mm - Ø exterior: 78 mm - Thread: 3/4"-16
Nigel Atkins

Steve,
Fram (Europe's) on-line catalogue confirms all but the K&N and Borg & Beck filters I put up as cross-reference to PH966B (and a load more alternatives especially Ford but that's another rats nest).

Fram search our catalogue -
use the 'OE or competitor reference' tab on this page -
https://www.sogefifilterdivision.com/catalogues/FO/scripts/accueil.php?zone=FR&catalogue=FRAM&lang=GB
Nigel Atkins

Sorry forgot to include link
https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/spares-search.html?keyword=Gfe173

All these are GFE173 “equivalents” but you will see there are a range of different sizes. But at least as it does specify the size, so you should know what you’re getting.
I don’t know if the flexolite conversion has the problem that some oil filters bottom out and leak, if so that’s something else to check and worry about.
Graham V

That's a good site to see an image and dimensions of the filters, assuming all the info is correct of course, but if you put in any of the filters numbers here the results will vary showing the variations of various databases that have been combined. There can be variations in physical sizes that might or might not matter on a particular installation and the need or not for the valves.

GFE173 search there seems to bring up different filters to GFE166.

The only way to be sure is as Steve suggests to build a database here from users that can confirm which the filters actually fit well and work.

My concern would be if the valves are required for installation and at which pressure for bypass, losing a few millimetres in length might help with installation or not matter, plus some filters are better made than others.

The ones I've suggested fit the 1275 Spridgets and include at least GFE166 and possibly Halfords HOF203 confirmed to fit the Flexolite Adapter.
Nigel Atkins

Nigel

The one I have bought to the PH966B/HOF203 spec is the WIX WL7098. It is absolutely identical in every respect, including case shape, to the HOF203. Made in Poland!

All installed and working. 60+ oil pressure on start-up (1800 5-bearing). Millers 20-50 semi synthetic. New set of NGKs set to 30 thou (Aldon Ignitor electronic ignition plus their Flamethrower sports coil). Engine seems very happy.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve,
I've got a Wix WL7098 in front of me now, it looks well made, rubber seal securely fitted, looking through the small holes only, the paper looks to be folded well and evenly, no valves that I can see (ETA: confirmed by link below).

Now on the (basic) Wix box packaging it has -
OE 0650400
- Mann W 712 -
Knecht OC 21
Purflux LS205
- Fram PH966B -
Filtron OP 551

and address in Poland, written in Polish, for Mann+Hummel with www.wixeurope.com.

I wish I'd thought to look at the box before. 🤔

"In May 2016, the process of incorporating the global brand WIX Filters into the MANN+HUMMEL group was completed, which resulted in the creation of one of the world's-largest filtration-technology companies." (They also seem to be Filtron.) - https://wixeurope.com/en/company/o-nas

Now here's the interesting bit (for some only perhaps) although Wix is part of Mann the Mann W 712 filter, on the Mann on-line catalogue, outer case looks different, no indented line. Of course you can't always trust manufacturers' websites to be accurate.

The Mann W712 is also shown as being shorter overall at 77mm than the Wix WL7098 at 85mm so next time you might want to try the Mann (usually available at good prices).

Wix WL7098 (shows for Escort Mk1 and Mk2 and loads of others) -
https://wixeurope.com/en//find-a-filter?action=showFilter&filtronNumber=WL7098&formType=1&backAction=showFiltersByNumber&partNumber=WL7098

Mann W 712 - (copy&paste required) https://catalog.mann-filter.com/EU/eng/catalog/MANN-FILTER%20Katalog%20Europa/Hydraulics,%20Oil%20Filter,%20Ventilator/W%20712

In the USA where oil is king they change every 3,000 miles so there's a lot more info and interest in oil filters but it doesn't always translate to over here as they have different products and made on different production lines in different places to us. I forget the details now but there's a video of a chap cutting open various filters and one of the less expensive ones was basically the same as the higher priced better filters but the same manufacturer of that less expensive filter also had a range of quality to production and finish to their other filters.

On my modestly uprated, road use only, A-series I use K&N PS-1002 to go with my Millers Classic Sport High Performance 20w50, NGK set to + 3 thou (found best on PB's rollers) for my 123ignition dissy but I don't take too much notice of the gauge reading even though the gauge is less than 12 months old, the needle is just where it was on the previous gauge.

I think you've confirmed that if you're stuck just look for a filter that fits a 1275 Spridget.
Nigel Atkins

Thanks Nigel. Very informative.

How important is a check valve in the filter? I have never had any issue with the pressure coming up when I start. Always well on the way up by the time I release the starter pull and 60+ within a few seconds.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Don't forget I'm not a mechanic, engineer, technical or an expert in anything.

The relief (by-pass) valve is a bit belt and braces in our application as it allows for clogged oil filter or oil so contaminated and/or thick by cold.

The anti-drain back valve I'd have thought most useful for those filters fitted with their base at the top rather than the more usual at the bottom.

In the same way I like the extra margins the oil I use gives I go same with the filter as in previous lives I must have always been evil judging by the luck I have with cars and what goes wrong with them.

See attached (Fram) PDF.
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 14/05/2021 and 21/05/2021

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