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MG MGA - Oil Leak from Moss Filter Adapter

I can remember reading somewhere about others experiencing the same problem with the Moss Spin-on oilflter adapter I installed during the rebuild but can't remember what the solution was. I was attempting the first engine start on my "A" last night and have a massive leak from the oil filter/adapter flange, any ideas as to what I've got wrong and how to correct them would be very much appreciated. I'd like to hear it run again, it's been 29 years since I took it off the road.
Thanks John Nelson
John Nelson

I recently installed the Moss spin on adapter on my 1600. I was very careful about getting the old O-ring out. I also had a difficult time in getting the adapter mounting nut tight due to the close quarters with the engine in the car. I found that the filter was really difficult to turn on the extended stud without the use of a strap wrench. Once installed it has not leaked. I installed a FRAM PH3600 filter. You might want to check Barney Gaylord's web site at:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/faulty/ft026.htm

Barney also has a listing of oil filters that work with the adapter.
Good luck.
Don Carlberg
D. R. Carlberg

Barney Gaylord's site has a lot of info on the spin on filter and potential problems. You can start here:
http://www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/of100b.htm
Good Luck
- Ken
Ken Doris

Yes, I gave up and went back to standard with a felt filter.

I plan to try again though.

The problems seems to be in my opinion and from memory that the MGB header unit is either thicker or thinner than the MGA one, on the mounting between the old and new parts.

I got an MGB MK1 header to try, but never got around to it yet.

Also be carefull if you over tighten them to fix the leak, then you can press out the pressed in centre section...

Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

I went to Barney's site, can't say as I'm very happy with what I found out though, seems the center mounting shaft on the adapter has too thick of a flange to allow the seal to sufficiently compress before it bottoms out on the filter, Sure wish I'd found that out before the engine was installed, and why would Moss sell something without correcting a know engineering problem, GRRRRR! Well at least I have an idea of what to do with it now. Thanks for the Help! John Nelson
John Nelson

I installed the same unit on my 1600, and it's never leaked a drop. Go back and double check all your work....make sure that ALL the old rubber seals are removed from the groove. I removed a seal, only to find two others flattened beyond belief under it. PO's or their mech's sometimes forgot to remove the old rubber ring when replacing the filter and just stacked an new one on. Took lots of serious digging with a scribe, in that tight spot, but got it right.
R. L Carleen

I have had the Moss spin-on adaptor on my 1500 for over 10 years with no problems.

FWIW

Larry
58A
Larry Hallanger

I also have had no trouble with mine, bought it back in 95, but I understand that the newer ones have this trouble.
gary starr

I'm one of the unlucky ones. Bought the adapter last year. Installed it and the first issue was the "nut" that holds the adaptor would hit the filter before the seal on the filter would compressed on the adapter. Had a machine shop turn down the nut to provide more clearance. I figured the issue may be the lock washer, so I had them take off about 1.5 times the thickness of this washer. Well this moved the leak to between the adapter and block. I bought a new gasket, and last wkend, took it down again. This time I assembled the adapter without the gasket in the block to learn that the threads going into the block were too long to compress the gasket very much. I ground down the bolt length until I got gasket compression. Re-assembled and did not see any leaks (from this area). I've drive the car about 40 miles since, but haven't had the heart to look under and see if it's stopped the leak. I may go back to the canister if this doesn't solve it.
Michael Moder

I bought a Fram PH 3600 filter and it has a bit more clearance between the seal face and the boss of the filter retainer flange for the hex nut. I've installed it but haven't tried to crank it up yet. I'll let you know the results as soon as I do but I feels like it's sealed. By the way Moss Motors Rep. Kelvin Dodd apparently monitors this site and contacted me concerning the problem, nice to know they're interested in any problems.
Thanks John Nelson
John Nelson

This thread was discussed between 16/06/2006 and 17/06/2006

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