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MG MGA - Is there a shorter Oil Filter?

I have a persistent oil leak around the filter which is the spin-on type. The filter I’m using is a Purolator L20195. I’ve tried using a rubber strap to tighten it because the cup-type used with a socket wrench will not attach/clear the frame and brake line. If any of this makes sense can anyone recommend a shorter oil filter that is safe to use?
Danny Jacob

Danny

Are you certain that the leak is between the filter and the adapter? Hand tightening the filter has normally been sufficient for me.

A common cause for an oil leak in that area is between the adapter and the housing on the engine block. Some people (myself included) failed to remove the, often solidified, old oil seal ring from its seating and placed a new one on top when fitting the adapter. I eventually had an oil blow out through the adapter plate oil ring, losing the entire sump contents in a few minutes on a motorway.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Danny -
You may be getting the filter on too tight already. Try a new one and turn it until the rubber seal touches and then go another quarter turn by hand. Test for leaks and if still leaking, do another 1/8th to a quarter turn. If still leaking, do as Steve G. suggests and look at the seal between the adaptor and block and make sure there is only one. Might have to replace that if it has cracked.
Steven B

If you use a Fram filter they have a nice grit surface painted on to the end which gives you a much better grip by hand to tighten them or remove them.
J Heisenfeldt

Danny,
Search the archives for the spin-on filter design problem. The geometry of most filters will not let them seal correctly. It seems like the company that designed this used the Fram filter as a standard. On most others, the stamped thread boss contacts the adapter first instead of the o-ring. The Fram is the worst rated but it fits and seals correctly. The archives also have a list of compatible filters and the measured geometry.
SJS Steinhauer

My addaptor came from Moss and I have used Wix filters as well as Fram with no leaks. Wix is rated as one of the best. I believe that they also make NAPA's filters.
J Heisenfeldt

Danny, Here is a list of filters long and short. Four different makes of filters are listed.
http://users.visi.net/~kohout/SpinOnOilFilters.html
As has been mentioned you should be able to tighten it enough by hand to prevent leaks. Is your oil pressure gauge reading the approximate correct pressure? If you are sure it's leaking around the filter seal and you have normal oil pressure I would suspect a problem with the adapter seal mating surface.

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

I had a problem with filters leaking after installing the adapter also. The filter would bottom out at the attaching threads/nut before the perimeter seal would seal on the adapter. I had the nut thickness turned down by a machinist. Some filters may work depending upon how high the attaching area (in the center of the filter) is versus the seal height. I hope this is clear.
Michael Moder

Danny,

As often is the case, Barney Gaylord has addressed the issue at length on a number of his website pages (http://mgaguru.com). If you have a Moss 235-940 hanging spin-on adaptor, as I do, you should particularly see http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/faulty/ft026.htm, since it describes the need to find filters in which the threaded center hole is recessed at least 1/8" below the level of the surrounding rubber seal. (I've made up a simple plastic gauge to test prospective filter purchases at the auto-parts emporium.)

Ken
Ken Korey

If the seal is making contact it should not leak. Also be sure to "oil" the seal before installing it (ie, put some oil on it so it spins on smoothly) I use Purolator oil filters currently, but many different makes have worked for me.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2007 and 17/09/2007

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