TR4/4A Spin on oil filter for TR4

[doughairfield]

I just removed the drop in oil filter on my 64 TR4, man, what a pain. I am seriously considering changing it out for a modern spin on type oil filter. I have not been able to find any information for which filter would go with the spin on adapter for my TR4. Has anyone changed out the stock oil filter assembly for the spin on, and if so which filter do you recommend? Any words of wisdom for removing the old one and installing the new one?

Thanks,
Doug
--------------------
1964 Triumph TR4

 

[tdskip]

Hi Doug.

First of all - welcome!

The spin-on adaptors should be readily available. Try Moss;

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=37621&SortOrder=1

Other carry them as well.

 

[Adrio]

I did on both my TR3 and TR4 and am very happy I did. I think the filter is the 3600 very common and most brands make them. I used Fram just because I do, no real reason for it.

 

[DaveatMoon]

Fram filters have been getting a bad rap for internal paper end plates, which apparently is at least partially deserved. This was a cheapening of their construction that was done about 15 years ago. A lot of people avoid them now.

<span style="font-style: italic">Consumer Reports</span> ran a test about 20 years ago on oil filters. Their conclusions were that the best filter to use is the OEM filter, but only the OEM filter from the vehicle's manufacturer (<span style="font-style: italic">i.e. never use an AC filter in a Ford, etc.</span>). The Fram PH3600 is their replacement for the Motorcraft FL-400A. I've been using the FL-400A for a few years now on my TR6 spin-on with no complaints.

Other filters that can be used with spin on adapters, as per mgaguru.com:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Filters which can be used with the hanging spin on adapter:
AC PF-56
AC PF952 (short)
AC Delco Ultraguard Gold UPFL-400A
Bosch 72-143
Bosch 72129 (short)
Bosch 72161
CarQuest 85516
Champion C104 (short)
Crosland 529 (short)
Fram PH3512 (short)
Fram PH-3600
(Fram PH-3614)
Full PH-400
Halfords HOF200 (short)
K&N HP-2009
Kralinator L38
Lee LF-42
Mann W719/36
Mobil-1 M1-209
Moss 235-950
Motaquip VFL123 (short)
Motorcraft FL-276
Motorcraft FL-313 (short)
Motorcraft FL400A
NAPA Gold 1516
Purolator L10101 (short) (was PER 101)
Purolator L20064
Purolator L20195
Sears 45197
STP SO-400
Unipart GFE173 (short)
Unipart GFE443
Wix 51335 (short)
Wix 51516[/QUOTE]

 

[CinneaghTR]

Fram PH3600 is correct. Do a search on the forum and you'll find the cross-references for the other brands. Some of the guys here actually paint their filters the color of the original canister.

The conversion is straightforward. I bought the spin-on adapter from TRF. The drama was getting the canister off.

 

[Geo Hahn]

You'll want to be sure you get the old seal out (may be more than one in there, a dental explorer & mirror may help) and get a good seal for the install of the spin-on adaptor.

I use Fram PH2870A or equivalent just because that is the filter for the 4-cylinder German engines in my garage.

For the TRs I paint them to resemble the original canister:

Like wearin' a toupee... doesn't fool anybody but makes me feel better.


PS -- No, I do not wear a toupee (would be risky in a TR3)

 

[doughairfield]

Ah, thanks for all the great responses. I needed a few other things so I ordered the oil filter adapter kit from Victoria British and I noticed they sell a filter in the same section so I got that too. Has anyone gotten that particular adapter kit and put it on their TR4? Is the one from Moss better?

Thanks
Doug

 

[Geo Hahn]

They may be the same -- IIRC, what I got from Moss was made by 'Mocal'.

 

[martx-5]

One of the guys in our local Triumph club has one on his TR4. Also, my guess would be that all of the filter adaptors come from the same place. Everyone I've seen has looked the same...all six or eight of them! :laugh:

 

[CinneaghTR]

The TRF conversion had a Tourist Trophy sticker on the box. It was a smooth milled piece. From TRF, you just order the specific adapter to fit your oil filter housing (Tecalimit or Purolator).

I ordered a MOCAL from BAT in Florida that had pieces for both filter housings. It was a rough casting so it was an early version that supposedly leaked because the rough face did not seal to the filter gasket. I also did not like that the whole kit appeared to have been stored in a non-climate controlled warehouse for many years. I have not seen the current ones, but they obviously work and the sealing defect has been corrected.

I don't think you could lose with either TRF's or Moss's conversions.

 

[PeterK]

TRF sources several parts from Moss. I actually purchased the same TT part from Moss.

 

[trfourtune]

If you want to know about oil and filters, this is the place to go.
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
Rob
ps-I only use oem filters in my toyotas now. I am going to a full flow accusump filter for my tr4, same as on Tony Drews racer.

 

[trfourtune]

also,
the "purolator pure one" is considered one of the best oil filters.
Rob