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MG MGA - Oil Filter Adaptor - Flexolite

I've just fitted a Flexolite oil filter adaptor so that I'll no longer have to struggle with the spring loaded cartridge arrangement. It was a pretty simple install and didn't require the removal of anything other than the old Tecalemit filter. Flexolite include a spin on filter with their adaptor as part of the package but it was the wrong size that didn't fit in the space available. They readily sent a replacement filter in the post when I explained the problem. Happy with the service and the product. I still need to take the car for a good run but no leaks detected as yet! The BBS archives were very helpful in identifying potential pitfalls in the instal so thanks to all the regular contributors - much appreciated.
Tim Prime

Well done Tim. Shame, you will no longer experience that lovely warm feeling of oil down your arm when you change the oil!
Out of interest, do you know if there’s any difference between the Flexolite and Moss adapters?
Do be careful when you buy a replacement filter. I suggest you keep with the make and model you have, as you know it fits. Some are a little prouder on the face and have a problem screwing in, as they bottom out before a tight seal is achieved. There is much on the internet about grinding down the adapter a little, but in my experience that’s not necessary if you have the right filter.
Graham V

Thanks Graham. The filter I used was a GFE 166 that was badged as WIX WL7098. The Flexolite adaptor has no issues with the spin on filter as the hex bolt doesn't protrude at all. No need for any grinding. Tim (MGA 1961 Coupe Mk 1)
Tim Prime

Probably too late by now but did you remove the old gasket in the housing? Mine had solidified after so many years and I thought it was metal and part of the channel. I fitted the gasket supplied by Flexolite on top of it. 50 miles later it all blew apart and I had a very oily underside of the chassis, with the remainder on the M6 carriageway.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks Steve. Yes,your previous posts on this were really helpful. I checked several times & in various ways and I'm as sure as I can be that there was no old gasket hidden there. I'll be keeping an eye for a while however on the oil pressure gauge! Tim
Tim Prime

Steve
Sounds nasty. Assuming no damage was done to your engine?
Graham V

Graham. I was on my way to Silverstone for the MGCC annual gathering in my freshly rebuilt car. On the M6 south of Preston I saw the oil pressure suddenly drop to zero. Fortunately I was just approaching an exit. I switched off and coasted all the way to the junction at the end of the slip. I walked into the nearby village. Got some oil and managed to tighten it all up to get me home.

PS. I wonder if Colyn carries a waste oil container in his tool kit?

Steve

Steve Gyles


Tim
Just checking!
When you say you looked carefully to ensure there was no rubber sealing ring in there before fitting the new adapter, I presume you mean that there was originally a single one in there which you removed and you could see bare metal there, then you put a new rubber sealing ring in there for the adapter?
I’ve been there!
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

Steve
If that were me I'd say I got lucky, but I assume your training and experience meant you would not miss a movement like that on a dial.
I see your car once had a proper windscreen!

As for Colyn, you're right. He probably carries the oil and filter
Graham V

Bruce. Thanks. On the Flexolite adaptor the ring that needs removed is the one that sat above the telcamit cartridge that was changed on each oil change. It has therefore been regularly removed and replaced each year. I definitely took the old ring out and put the new ring in that came with the adaptor, also checking that there wasn't another one hiding there. I could see only bare metal. I believe on some adaptors it requires the removal of the original filter head and it is the ring between the block and the original filter head that can solidify & be hard to detect as it is rarely changed. Photo attached of the Flexolite adaptor in place.


Tim Prime

GFE166 is a bit of a generic number now, you need to be careful with some of the cross-reference tables from some suppliers as they're not always accurate.

GFE166 – GFE148 (eqv 12G2400) - Unipart GFE 443

Some filters externally look like they might be off the same production line regardless of brand name on them but they might differ in having, or not having, anti-drain and/or bypass valves.

The WIX WL7098 is fine as a standard filter, I got one from MGOC this year as I thought I might go back to ordinary classic engine oil but I didn't and couldn't bring myself to use the basic filter (without bypass and anti-drainback). - http://wixeurope.com/en

The Mann W 712 would be an equivalent. - http://catalog.mann-filter.com/EU/eng

I use - K&N PS-1002 – http://www.knfilters.co.uk/ps-1002-oil-filter

Another alternative for those in the USA - Fram XG3614 - http://www.fram.com/parts-search/XG3614/

ETA: now I've seen that photo you might need to check the height of these filters but I think they're all ok for you. Note the indent ring on the WIX filter, it's not on the Mann (or Bosch) filter IIRC.

If you live near Northampton you could have a spare WIX WL7098 for free, no NEC this year to pas on my unused parts.
Nigel Atkins

Ok Tim. You seem to covered everything. Well done.
On my Moss adapter, much modified to prevent the “filter bottoming out too early” problem, I use the K&N filter, HP 2005 from memory, as they seem to be a well respected manufacturer. No more expensive than others, from Amazon or eBay. Has the very useful hex shape on the bottom to take a socket for removal A quick rattle can spray with engine maroon, cover important end by sitting it on a piece of wood.
I’m not a concours fanatic, it’s just so quick and easy to do!
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

No problem Steve,
I have the oil leak issue covered!

Once I started to use my new oil-catching attachment, it completely solved the problem.

Like Bruce, I am also not a concours fanatic, but even so, I am confident that this attachment will not upset the purists.
It attaches neatly to the rear of my car and it has has proved to be almost completely invisible in that position. :^)

See attached picture.

Cheers
Colyn

Colyn Firth

This thread was discussed on 28/09/2020

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