Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

for those with Series MM sidevalve cars produced between September 1948 and February 1953
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RobThomas
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Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

If I were to put together sets of all the pieces needed, would anyone be interested? Modern filter that is easy and clean to change. It would probably work out at about £30 to 35 inch postage (UK). Just curious to see if it was worth trying to get them in bulk and save a few pennies.

Next on the list is 8, 9 and 10 inch drum kits to fit the early Nuffield axle with all pre-1955 parts to let me fit the 4.5 inch wide 14 and 15 inch wheels with the MM stud pattern, albeit with studs instead of bolts.

I need a pair of MGB front hubs, if anyone has some. Ta. :D
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
I take it that the spin on oil filter conversion is similar if not the same as the Massey Ferguson oil filter spin on conversion but with different mounting bolts?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Massey-Fergu ... Sw-ndTmzWF

Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

Yes. I'll need to source the correct studs and nuts, a better shaped gasket plus a suitable filter element. I hunted round for a filter but only found some Opel ones. Usually anything fits since most people seemed to have stuck with 3/4 BSP (IIRC, my memory has faded) so I'll have to confirm the dimensions with a trip to Halfrauds. The standard tractor filter is too long to fit the Minor chassis.
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
Thanks for the reply.
I use Allen headed bolts to secure the filter heads and not studs/nuts.
You can always cut your own gasket to suit.
What thread does the new filter head have for attaching the filter?
What length of filter would be suitable?
You should be able to find something to suit using this link:-

http://www.sogefifilterdivision.com/cat ... AM&lang=GB

The filter head thread may be 3/4" x 16TPI UNF as per the MG 1275cc Midget and not 3/4" x 14TPI BSP.

Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

3/4 x 16. Better memory than mine!

The new filter head has a strange taper hole for the mounting studs. 11mm at the outer end, 14mm at the block. I'll need to try out a few filters to find one that can be unscrewed without hitting the chassis rail. I'd assume that if it is the same as the standard 'ca' then it should be OK. 5 inches total length for the 'can'. 3 inch or 75mm OD for the filter.
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RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

I see what you mean by the taper holes for the studs.
Different supplier but same product. It has a photo of the inner face.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPIN-ON-OIL- ... SwbYZXd69B

The taper holes should pose no problem - the filter head will still centralise about the studs at the outer end of the filter head.

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

Thanks, Phil.
When I looked at it on the bench I wondered whether the mismatch of hole shapes, the tapered holes and the potential leakage through mounting holes (if using bolts instead of studs) might lead to leaks. I doubt the stud/bolt issue will arise so long as the threads are decent and perhaps sealed, the gasket can be improved from the Chinese one in the box made from flaky paper and the tapered holes might be far enough from the oil if the gasket seals correctly.
The original filter heads for the 918 come in 2 sizes so only half of the cars will need different studs/bolts.
I see Landrovers use a similar component with a dog-leg in it that sells for over £100. There is also a Perkins one that can take an oil cooler, which reminds me, I have a 918 cooler kit here that I'll never need to use, should anyone need one.
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
The MG Metro filter head (with heavy intercooler attached) is secured by a couple of flange headed bolts so I do not think that using bolts will pose a problem.
Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

filterhead1.png
filterhead1.png (739.4 KiB) Viewed 2404 times
MM "AC" head on the left, Tractor on the right.
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
Looks good to me.
I cannot see a problem with gasket sealing.
Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

I was having a brain fart...there isn't much of a pressure differential between the 2 ports since they are both AFTER the pump and before the bearings so they sit at about the same pressure. I had been concerned that there was only a thin strip of gasket between the 2 oil holes. Duh! The strip between the 2 holes is slightly different between the 2 filter heads.

Phil, have you ever delved into the dark and mysterious world of Gasketry? Paper, cork, neoprene, rubber?
Last edited by RobThomas on Tue Apr 03, 2018 3:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
You can always use an original BMC gasket.
I do not see that any difference in the gasket shape is going to cause a problem especially as the oil pressure will be virtually the same before and after the filter.
Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

The original has a pressure bypass valve in the flter head. Can I safely assume that I won't have issues with this one being a full flow filter without any means of bypass? Does multigrade make the small bypass valve unnecessary? How do you recognise a filter with a bypass valve built in? Is it usually visible at the bottom of the threaded hole, if you see what I mean?
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
The filter bypass valve is a non requirement if you change the filter on a regular basis.
Some performance engine builders remove the valve and fit a 5/8" UNF blanking plug so as to give full filtration through the oil filter.
It is my intention to remove the oil filter bypass valve on one of my heavy duty spin on filter heads and block the bypass so as to give full filtration.
The lightweight spin on filter head is not suitable for fitting a 5/8" UNF blanking plug.
Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

Thanks, Phil.
I did wonder if it would crush the filter fins at start-up or burst the filter. Overthinking it again, huh? :D

I'm off to kill some paper on Thursday (got a new .44 1858 Remington 6-shooter) and will drop by Halfrauds on the way home to see what is available.
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philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
To alleviate any problem with the oil filter element I would advise the following when fitting any new spin on oil filter.
Before starting up - fill the spin on oil filter container with oil and fit to filter head, remove the spark plugs, spin the engine over to get the oil pressure up. Once you have the oil pressure fit the plugs and check the oil level - then off you go.
Phil

philthehill
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by philthehill »

Rob
If you get no joy obtaining the gasket paper it is available on 'e' bay.
Here is a link:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GASKET-PAPER ... XQQQhRe6Ey

Other thicknesses are available from the same made in England manufacturer.
Phil

RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

Thanks. I've actually got boxes and boxes of it, all left over from the RAF and the local power station. Rolled tubes filled with "Klingerite" for every application. I tend to think of it as a tax refund. :D
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RobThomas
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Re: Series MM 918 spin-on filter conversion

Post by RobThomas »

Halfrauds HOF250, as used on 1800 Ford Mondeo.
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