MG T-Series ArchiveMGT-SERIESMG T-Series

Servicing · Engine

Changing the engine oil & filter

Fresh oil is the cheapest insurance an XPAG or XPEG can have — and, on a T-Series, it is a job the owner can do at home in an afternoon.

Why and how often

Old engines with old-style filtration and low annual mileage benefit from frequent oil changes; most owners change annually regardless of miles, and always renew the filter with the oil. Fresh oil is the cheapest insurance an XPAG/XPEG can have.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Warm the engine and jack the car safely

    Warm the engine to running temperature (warm oil drains better and carries out more contaminants), then stop it. Chock the wheels, raise the front and set on axle stands.

  2. 02

    Drain the sump

    Position the drain pan under the sump drain plug. Slacken and remove the plug (expect a rush of hot oil). Let it drain fully (10+ minutes). Clean the plug and its washer; if it is a magnetic plug, wipe off any swarf.

  3. 03

    Renew the oil filter

    While it drains, do the filter. Identify your type: an original canister with a renewable element (pleated paper or felt), or a spin-on conversion. Early TDs (up to engine no. 14224) had a vertically-mounted filter; later TD/TF a horizontal canister — and many owners fit a spin-on adapter for easier changes. Canister type: undo the centre bolt / drop the bowl (it holds oil — pan ready), remove the old element. Oil flows from the centre outward, so any replacement element MUST have the external metal screen or it can rupture. Clean the bowl. Only renew the large sealing gasket if it is leaking or perished — and if you do, get the groove spotlessly clean or it will weep. Fit the new element and reassemble. Spin-on: unscrew the old filter (spill expected), smear clean oil on the new seal, spin on hand-tight plus about three-quarters of a turn — no more.

  4. 04

    Refit the sump plug

    Refit the sump plug with a sound washer; nip it up firm but do not overtighten.

  5. 05

    Refill with fresh oil

    Refill through the rocker-cover filler with the correct oil, a little at a time. Wait, then check the dipstick and bring it to the mark. Do not overfill (too much oil is as harmful as too little).

  6. 06

    Start and check for leaks

    Start the engine — oil pressure should show within a few seconds; if it does not, STOP and investigate. Check the filter and drain plug for leaks. Stop, wait, re-check the dipstick, top up if needed.

  7. 07

    Dispose of the waste and record the change

    Dispose of the old oil and filter responsibly at a recycling centre. Record the date/mileage in the car's history file.

Read next

This guide is a general introduction and is not a substitute for the official Workshop Manual for your car.