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MG MGB Technical - WIX oil filter

I am a little concerned about the clearance between the top of the anti-drainback tube on the oil filter adaptor and the bypass valve in the inverted canister GFE 121 oil filters that I get from Moss. So I have been looking for filters with a bit more room.

Yesterday I found a WIX WL7124 in a local shop. It looks right and has a lot more room inside, but on all the application sources I find on the web it is stated that it is not the right filter for MGB. That is a little confusing, because it IS the right filter for a number of Volvos, and the Volvo/Mann filters have been preferred by a lot of MGB owners.

Anyone got experience with the WIX WL7124?
Tore

We have a Volvo Penta, based on the B230 block, in our boat and use the GFE121 filter (not the Moss version) on it, fits perfectly.
BTW, at least one batch of Moss filters had the wrong pitch for the thread, close but not good enough, screwed down halfway then locked up.
We now stock a Coopers filter for this application and it works well; sorry don't have the number with me offhand.
Paul Walbran

Sorry no experience with the WIX fiter. Can you not get the Mann W916/1
Michael Beswick

With the exception of the height that filter has the same dimensions as the Mann 916/1. The height of that is 95mm as opposed to 88mm. However the Mann 917/1 is 85mm, which I think is the same as the Volvo 3517857-3, so in terms of dimensions etc. it shouldn't be a problem, and I've sen it listed as one of the many equivalents for the MGB. As for quality, comparisons here http://www.minimopar.net//oilfilters/reference.html#wix. As with many there are various qualities available.
Paul Hunt

Thanks for the info, Paul. Some years ago, before I was aware of the problems with the internal clearance between the tube and the filter, I used one or two filters for the Volvo 240. Possibly the 3517857-3 you mention. They worked!

As for the quality, the WIX filter I have found is made in Ukraine. Not sure what I think about that. Wonder who makes the Moss GFE121 filters?
Tore

After some serious thinking and studying of oil filters on the web for a couple of hours, I just ordered five Mann W 916/1 filters. From Germany, just to be sure :-)

I got a reconditioned five-bearing engine in my 1963 MGB this summer, and I really want to take care of it!
Tore

GFE121 sounds like a Unipart part no, but as to who make them....
P A Allen

Tore, et al.. Wix is the O.E.M. Supplier of the Volvo oil filter 3517857-3. Many years ago I was employed at Volvo Cars of N.A. in the Parts Division. We purchased this item for production as well as stock for the dealership inventories.

Hope this clarifies this item

Cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

GFE121F was said to be made by Fram ...
Paul Hunt

The correct number for a Wix filter for the MGB is 1068. Be aware however that there have been a large number of problems reported with the quality of the threads of these filters (produced in the USA) in recent years and the subsequent damage to the aluminium threads of the filter adapter. I'd recommend you check the threads with a bolt before leaving the supplier.
MG LaVerne

I've been using the the WIX 1068 oil filter on my B for almost twenty years. It's a very good filter, but in recent years there has indeed been an issue with the threads on some of the filters that I've seen. Now, I always inspect the threads before I leave the auto parts store and make them exchange the filter if there is a problem with the threads on the unit that I've just purchased. They always claim that they have never heard about the thread problem, but I take this reply with a grain of salt. RAY
rjm RAY

Given what rjm says I'd have stopped using them by now.
Paul Hunt

Paul, as long as you check the threads when purchasing the filter, there should be no problems whatsoever. The thread fault is glaringly obvious. It's a real shame, as they are otherwise excellent filters. RAY
rjm RAY

This thread was discussed between 18/11/2014 and 23/11/2014

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