I would like to cover Rod Bearing Knock, when you first start up your MG from cold. This is more noticeable on the later MGB and Midget 1500cc engines, because on the MGB the oil filter is mounted upside down and on the Midget it is mounted at a slight angle.

The problem when using a non-Unipart or Crosland brand oil filter is that the oil in the oil filter will slowly drain back into the engine over time. So when you start your cold engine, the oil has to come back into your oil filter before you can build up any oil pressure, thus you will have rod bearing knock for a few seconds.

Unipart and Crosland brand oil filters have oil check valves built inside the filters to stop the oil from draining out, thus minimizing loss of oil pressure. Never ever use non-factory oil filters for your MG.

Paul Lewis