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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 - Spin-on OIl Filter Design Change

See http://www.ttalk.info/Oil_filter.htm for info about changing from cartridge to spin-on oil filters.
A common spin-on filter is a NAPA 1516. For many years the 1516 filter is a 3 inch diameter filter that has HAD 15 flutes around the closed end. The tool for installing/removing the filter is designed to press against these 15 flutes to do its job.
This week I bought a 1516 filter to do my annual oil change. The tool worked fine to remove last year's filter. But, It would not go onto the new filter. I went back to NAPA and tried the tool on a number of 1516 filters in their stock. None would fit. After a bit of studying I discovered that the 1516 filter has been changed. It is still 3 inches in diameter, but it now is crimped into 14 flutes around it's circumference at the sealed end instead of the 15 flutes that it has had. I have been unable to find a tool designed to match up with the 14 flute filter. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud, A K&N 2009 has a hex on it for a spanner fit
William Revit

Saw this at Home Depot. They sell various sizes. This one is 3" diameter as an example. It's 14 flutes.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steelman-75-6-mm-x-14-Flute-Oil-Filter-Cap-Wrench-in-Chrome-95989/205638547
Jim Rice

Wow, Jim. That was quick. I'll install mine today with a strap wrench so that I can get back on the road for a carclub event on Saturday (Peachtree M G Registry). Bud
Bud Krueger

One thing you probably didn't notice on the box Bud was the Made in China stamp. Thats right the last Wixx (same as Napa) I bought for my MGB had it right on the box. There have been issues with the threads on the filters now for 15 years or so and even after i spoke to NAPA's main office rep complaining about what the filter had done to the aluminum threads on my MGB mount He insisted that they were still made in the USA. Assembly maybe but my money says the threaded end plates were stamped in China...and they were crap. I got in the habit of taking a threaded bolt with the same threads as the mount and checking the filter threadsbefore leaving the counter. One trip I had 5 fileters on the counter. A couple of them the threads would bind up. One you couldn't even get the bolt started. I amde the call to the rep in the office Of the NAPA store which my nephew owns. His suggestion was to switch to Bosch...but not the American made filters. Use the German manufactured ones. I'm due some oil changes soon and I'm going to be looking for another brand myself.
L E D LaVerne

I have never used a wrench to install a filter. Makes it easier for me to remove.

I have had this type for years for removal.

https://www.amazon.com/Eastyard-Universal-Adjustable-Removal-Adapter/dp/B08GX1VMRP

Regards, Tom
tm peterson

Yikes, L E D, that's the first time that I've heard of that. The filter that I removed says 'Made in USA'. I've never had a problem with the threads. Guess I've been lucky.

Tom, I've always been able to remove the filter. It's the 3/4 turn in installation that I'm concerned with.

Bud
Bud Krueger

Filters should go on hand tight only. Cranking them down tightly is unnecessary and can distort the seal and cause a leak, as well as make it really hard to remove. Just oil the seal and thread it down nice and snug. If you do use a tool, don't overdo it.

Like William I also use the K&N HP-2009 on all my T-Series engines. Thee welded nut on the end makes removal super easy using only a standard 1" socket.
Steve Simmons

Actually Wixx sent out a service bulletin a number of years ago that I only found out about when I had mentioned to my brother in law that my 2008 GMC 6 liter engine was dripping oil around the filter seal. It stated that the filter should tightened by hand but then further an additional full turn with strap wrench. They didn't state why by my guess is that it had to do with the same crappy threads on the end cap. My days with the NAPA/Wixx filters is over.

I believe Mann-Hummel owns the WiXX, Purulator and Mobil 1 filter production rights and as such we are probably seeing some production standardization and the filters could be produced from any of their plants around the globe where production costs are the lowest. And that is rarely here in the US.

The NAPA 1068 filter is the one used with the MGB but 99 percent of those filters applications are for high volume GM and Chrysler products. The steel threads won't be damaged in those applications. In the MGB's with spin on filters using the aluminium threads it's a big issue. Here is a link to a thread on another MG site I started 10 years ago.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mgb-and-gt-forum.1/lets-try-this-again-napa-or-wix-1068-oil.2330309/


If it works. The 1516 NAPA filter used with the Moss spin on adapter was designed for Ford applications so unless they get a boat load of complaints from those owners you are unlikely to see it revert back to what you had in the past.
L E D LaVerne

I stopped using the Napa / Wix filters many years ago. At one point they were top quality but now they seem a bit hit and miss. On the MGB I use K&N also, either HP-2009 or HP-2004, depending on which filter head the engine has.
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2023 and 26/02/2023

MG TD TF 1500 index

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