Oil filter

[Jules51]

Hi can anyone please advice me on which oil filter I need for my javelin and where I can purchase one please? Thanks

[Chris Spencer]

Depends upon if you have the original cartridge type filter or a spin on filter conversion - Jowett Car Spares stock both - contact details within your Jowetteer - (That's if you are a club member) - If you are still unsure on what type of filter it is can you take a picture of the filter housing and attach it to this thread - then we can advise accordingly - I also keep them in stock if it makes it any easier - Chris

[Jules51]

Oh lovely thankyou Chris, we will take a photo and attached it, for you to see

[David Morris]

Hi Julie,

Chris is almost right, but there are two types of cartridge filter, one long and one a bit shorter. The clue is in the colour of the filter can. The longer and original filters were usually housed in a slim green can. The later cartridge is usually in a brown can with a metal label on the can saying 'Tecalemit'.

The longer original filters were a cloth filter and, surprisingly, could be cleaned, although I wouldn't recommend this. The later filters were a replaceable cartridge and have a part number of AC32A. These were fitted to lots of similar-aged cars and used to be widely available.

As all the cans sit horizontally, when you remove the can there will unfortunately be oil spillage. Jowett's anticipated this and on the driver's side of the engine ( RHD) there is a bolt tucked away on the side of the filter housing running horizontally into the filter housing. Unscrewing this bolt means oil retained in the filter is allowed to drain back into the sump. However, reaching this bolt is difficult, as it is under the oil pipe banjo and it's probably best to just stick with the oil spillage from removing the filter with some old newspaper under the filter can as you unscrew it.

With the new filter, if fitting the later cartridge, there should be a new rubber 'O' ring. This sits inside a recess in the aluminium filter housing. It's quite important to renew this ring, as the old one might be hardened and could have been in there for years. The old ring can be teased out with a small screwdriver, possibly even a really small watchmaker's one, but again it's difficult to see anything, as it's facing away from you.

As Chris says, if someone has bitten the bullet and fitted the conversion to a modern spin-on filter, then it's a doddle to unscrew the old one and pop on a new one. They come with a new rubber ring already fitted, and if you get the really short one's, they slide in easily behind the fan support struts. By the way, the conversion kits to the spin-on filters are readily available, possibly from JCS but certainly from the suppliers?

If you are not yet a member, I really recommend you join the club. These lovely old cars have lots of foibles and you will find lots of members who, whatever the problem, have been there before you and will be keen to help. Plus, the spares guys at JCS are a mine of parts and helpful advice.

All the best and keep safe,

David

[Jules51]

Thank you for replying Chris & Dave. My husband took the photo I've attached, I'm not quite sure if the photo is good enough. If its not then we will take another.
My husband also thinks we might need a top radiator hose too?
What is the name of the club please? ;Also how do I join it please?

Many thank. Juliehi

[David Morris]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the email and the photo. It looks like you have the later cartridge filter, which used the AC32A replaceable filter cartridge. I am sure the club spares guys, at Jowett Car Spares ( JCS ) will be able to supply one, complete with the fresh 'O' ring.

Joining the club is easy. I think you can do it on line; just Google Jowett Car Club and follow the links to 'Joining the Club'.

Otherwise, you could give our membership secretary an email, she is Barbara Atack on membership@jowett.org.

By the way, from the photo it looks as if you have the original Jowett Oil Cooler fitted, which fits around the fan spindle. These are quite rare, and for a good reason. They are reputed to be prone to developing leaks, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye on it.

It is quite permissible to fit a bypass hose in place of the cooler, in fact most Javelins will have this fitted, as the cooler is really only necessary if you are going to do a lot of hard driving. Some people who feel they need a cooler have fitted a neat competition cooler down near the front of the engine, which is a common fitment on early Mini's.

As well as the filter cartridge, I am sure JCS can supply a new top hose and advice on anything else connected with the Javelin. But access to JCS is restricted to members of the Club, so do join first.

Please do ask any of us for advice, you will find the Club very friendly!

All the best and stay safe,

David