Oil change

I need to change the oil in the 66. I still have the original canister type filter and need to replace the oil. I ruined an B engine once by overtightning. What is the best method to tighten? tourqe? hand tight? It has to be done and I am nervous

Jeff,

Don't worry, be happy. Hand tighten the filter, then use your filter wrench to "snug it up" a little more. That should work. Don't crank it super tight any more than you would a light bulb. Somewhere between light bulb snug and lug nut snug. If you can loosen it by hand, it's too loose. If you can't loosen it with the oil filter wrench, it's too tight.

Run the engine and check for leaks. Then, if you're worried, check again in a few miles or the next day.

Be sure to spread some oil on the rubber gasket before you mount the filter to help seal it. And use a really good filter--NAPA, Wix, etc.

- Oilcan Harry

> I ruined an B engine once by overtightning.

I've got to ask - how could you ruin an engine by overtightening the filter? At the very worst they are a devil to get off when overtightened but I can't think how you could ruin an engine.

I believe Jeff is talking about the OE canister that used disposable filter elements. Both type filters are shown in this link.
http://www.mgexperience.net/article/mgoc-basic-1.html
The MGB shop manual specifies 15 lb. ft. of torque for the oil filter center-bolt.
The torque information is also on page 25 in the Haynes MGB Manual.

Clifton

Not to insult your intelligence there Mr. Jeff, but be sure that you keep and reinstall the spring and plate that goes with that canister type filter. Lots of times DPOs toss them along with the fabric element. Without it there is no filtering action.

Jack

A human being has a 30% chance of changing that filter by himself.

With 5 loose parts, two O rings and all that room working under the cat, I gave up and got the Moss screw on kit.

Get an assistant to help. 5 quarts of oil on the floor is a mess to clean up. I know well.

Larry

DrewM Wrote:

I still want to know how you can ruin an engine by overtightening the filter - regardless of what type it is? :)

No answer posted yet Terry but he must have cranked down on the cover so tightly that the seal was split and the oil was lost. ??? Jack

Terry, I believe I over tightened and caused the rubber gasket to fold over the side of the canister. All t,he oil came out bearing washed, rod sheared and wedged between the cam and crank. Rebuild, new rods, bore.40 over, rv cam(sucked).

I overtightened and the gasket folded on the outside of canister. The bearing in rod washed , and the rod bolts sheared ,wedged a rod between the cam and crank. Block crank was ok ,but had to relpace pistons, .40 over , new cam ,crank turned. That was not a good day. Was on my way to go camping with girlfriend , I had to call my dad. I was 18. now the car is gone and the girl is my wife.