oil filter leaking

[yesfan54]

I have a 1098cc engine, new to me,so I don't know its history with a purolator oil filter. I have bought a replacement oil filter with seal but can not make it work without leaking from the top seal of the canister. I am using the smaller seal that comes with the filter. Has anybody else had a similar problem. I have it apart on my bench and can inspect it but there seems no clear damage.
Equally I tried to bypass this problem by trying to purchase a screw on conversion kit but the usual stockist don't have any because of Quality issues. Is there another way or can someone explain possibly what I maybe doing wrong.
Any comments would be appreciated.

[RobThomas]

Have you checked that there isn't another seal still lodged in the recess of the filter casting? Has been known...

[simmitc]

Whilst you've got the filter apart, take a moment to compare that's there with the diagrams in the parts catalogues - make sure that the spring, plate, washers etc are all present. Over the years some bits tend to get lost and then the filter does not filter. If the bottom washers are wrong then it's possible that the bowl might not tighten properly. Inspect the rim of the bowl to ensure that it is level and smooth, and chips or distortion could induce a leak.

As to the seal, take the old seal out and clean the groove in which it sits. Fit the new seal, giving it a light smear of grease or vaseline. Make sure that it seat properly in the groove all the way round - it should be a snug fit, and the grease will help hold it in place. Now fit the assembled bowl and twist it lightly and slightly back and forth prior to tightening.

The conversion kits can also be sourced from Mini spares suppliers, and the filter head from a later A-series engine is a direct swap, but will need the longers studs to go with it. The later head takes the spin on cartridge directly.

[yesfan54]

Thanks for your comments, I feel sure the washers and small rubber seals were in place. With regards to the mini conversion is it an all new assembly not an adapter that sits on the existing top section because this section might be where the fault lies and I will encounter the same problem.
I am also considering assembling filter on bench with the addition of some type of gasket sealant. Any recommendations for a suitable sealant and if there was any spoil within the canister would it be on the right side of the filter. This would get me out of trouble until a proper screw on adapter comes along.
Thanks for your thoughts in advance. This problem is stopping the whole project.

[philthehill]

This or similar is what you need.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-OIL ... SwmtJXbjtX

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI- ... 1990790250

Everything is there except the filter which are readily available.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI- ... BLRI8nzUxQ

You will not want to back to the original type felt or paper filter after fitting the screw on type.
Much easier and cleaner to replace during servicing.
Fill filter with oil when fitting and before starting engine.

Phil

[bmcecosse]

As above -remove all the old seal first! And MAKE SURE the large plate and spring are inside the casing under the new paper/felt filter - don't just 'think they are ok'. It WILL all fit together and not leak - and certainly NO GHASTLY SEALER -what a bodge that would be - even if it had the slightest chance of working..... I would use the thicker seal -and yes a wipe of grease to hold it in place in the groove - and don't overtighten the bolt. You should really pre-fill the casing with some oil - but alternative is to crank the engine without starting it for say 10 seconds - and only then switch on the ignition and start it up. you do not need a cartridge filter assembly, waste of money - modern cars are returning to the paper filter !

[yesfan54]

That second hand part is the answer, thanks for that, I live in Wallington Surrey and would like to source it before weekend, is it always going to be second hand or is there a chance a motor factor might stock it.

[philthehill]

There were two different filter heads fitted to the 'A' Series and which either had thick or thin canister seal.
Make sure that you fit the right one if you choose to retain the original type filter.
Phil

[yesfan54]

Thanks to bmcecosse as well, so many times your advice has benefitted my endeavours in other threads that solutions have been found. I feel I know you. Yes it would be nice to keep the existing but after 6 attempts and gallons of oil I have to believe the casting is damaged.

[bmcecosse]

Well -it is possible it's been damaged at some point. The Mini filter head is secured with short screws in my experience - or I suppose very short studs. You may then need a different feed pipe from the block if you go that route.

[yesfan54]

Thanks philthehill. I would love to resolve the existing canister issue but I had problems with the fuel pump and could have saved so much time by buying new, which I eventually did and by the way I took bmce advice in another thread and got the one with points. Problem solved.

[philthehill]

yesfan54
No problem.
Phil

[edd_barker]

There is a classic mini garage in Leatherhead, the name escapes me but I'm sure Google will have it.

Go and pay them a visit I'm sure they will have all the parts you need for mini spin-on conversion. That's how I sourced mine. New gasket and you are away!

Edd

[philthehill]

http://www.woodandpickett.com/home/

[yesfan54]

Thanks Phil, I ordered that second hand one you linked to and it's coming tomorrow along with gasket and filter. Hopefully I can post a successful conclusion this weekend. (ps, yesterday I thought was Thursday hence the panic)

[edd_barker]

I think you need longer studs?? Someone will correct I'm sure

[amgrave]

If it's the Mini one you have coming it should fit on the old studs, the other one Phil linked to would need longer studs.

[philthehill]

With the first screw on filter head (MG Midget) link the original long studs/washers& nuts can be used.
With the second link (Mini) you will need shorter studs or qty 2 3/8" x 1" (or 1 & 1/8") x 16TPI UNC set screws Pt No: SH506091 (MOSS)
If you cannot get the set screws quickly put packing (washers or tube) between the filter head and the original washers/nuts - you will achieve the same result.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

The later Mini ones just use short UNC screws.

[yesfan54]

Update. Joy has returned. The Mini adapter came and I fitted it tonight and now no leak. Unfortunately I didn't see your comment about the UNC shorter bolts in time but I reduced the long ones by cutting out the middle bit of the studs and welding them back and with two 12mm nuts as spacers and a TEMPORARY job was achieved whilst I await proper bolts for the job.( I am impatient).
With regards to the old Purolator, I have added a picture of how I assembled it. I blocked the inlet, put an airline to the outlet, immersed it in water and bubbles came out, so I think despite it looking ok it was faulty. Anyway I now have a simpler task of changing filters.
One minor point, the filter in the link didn't fit the housing. I ended up with a Mahle OC 21 filter which has a 3/4"-16UNF-2b thread. Anyone no what the 2b means. Just in case someone else follows this approach for changing the filter housing.
Also I haven't use the metal pipe but gone rubber as I found. Any comments as to whats best.
Thanks for all the help.