What are peoples thoughts on oil change intervals? I quick search reveals the Doc likes to change at 1500 miles (about 2400 k's) I'm inclined to agree with him - MOst manufactureres recommend 10k changes - unless in severe operating conditions (ie most cars - short trips etc) which is 5k.

I figure in the mini, the oil never gets a rest with the gearbox thrashing it around, so we halve this again and get the Doc's figure of 2500k.

What is everyone else doing?

PS This doesn't apply to me seeing as my motor usues approx 1 litre per 100k - but will be handy for when the rebuild goes in...

I do the oil at 1500, but spin-on filter every 3000.
And the filter has 2 rare earth magnets (20mm dia) which attach themselves, limpet like, to the outside of the can.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I do the oil every 3000km without fail as the gears destroy the oil(mash it all up!!). Change more regularly if it gets dirty(black). Are you burning oil through the exhaust or just dripping on the deck(like mine...lol)? The Docs' advice is spot on WRT the change intervals and use a good filter(I use the Crosslands or at a pinch a Valvoline VO22).

The oil is upto you and there is a thread on it somewhere in here - no synthetic stuff - gearbox will hate you for it.

Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

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Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

What's the dirt on Ryco, don't people trust them anymore?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Lol - I am a tight arse - valvoline filters are cheaper...teehee

Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

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Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

Ryco are good but expensive. Were made in Oz, now in NZ.
I use whatever Karcraft has in stock- Coopers $8.42 or Delphi $7.23.
Or Valvoline VO22 (from Supercrap etc) at a pinch.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

CPOCSM - mostly out the tail pipe, but drops a lot on the deck as well. Currently on a steady diet of woollies special oil!

Engine is super reliable tho - so fixing brakes and suspension first before I worry about new motor...

yeah every 3000kms oil and filter

i generally do mine at 5000km max..btu that seems a little too late from comparisons on here....

Hey Doc, where did you get the rare earth magnets from? I only remember using them in high school.

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

Is the valvoline V022 oil filter the same as the ryco R2200P.
I just changed my oil and the sump plug was full of fine metal.
I also changed the 2 copper washers on the gearbox detent plugs due
to an iol leak.In the top plug I found a self tapper screw wedged in the spring
which I have removed.Don't know what that was doing there.
This was the first oil change 2,000 miles since I bought it from that place in Brookvale

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1966 mustang coupe 289 auto
1970 mgb roadster auto
1970 cooper S mk2
1976 mini S
1964 wolseley 24/80
http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t173/1966mini/

VO22 is listed on it's box as a Toyota Camry V6 filter but fits a Mini too.
It's a spin-on, I can't remember what the Ryco equivalent is. Isn't a R2200P a cartridge one (early type?)
Self tapper was probably put in there to add spring tension and stop it jumping out of gear..

FatMaser, I got some magnets from work (when I had a fulltime job)- try eBay or look in yellow pages.
Mine are 20mm dia x 10mm thick.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Isnt the Ryco one a Z418(??). Dont quote me on that but that is the number that springs to mind though...

Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

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Rob Forsyth
Miniot!!

Thanks Doc,
The r2200p is a paper type filter.I thought the VO22 was an equivalent ,my mistake.
As for the screw in the gearbox detent I'll try driving without it and see if the gear jumps out.If it does I'll put the screw back in.
Regards Felix

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1966 mustang coupe 289 auto
1970 mgb roadster auto
1970 cooper S mk2
1976 mini S
1964 wolseley 24/80
http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t173/1966mini/

Hey can we just confirm again - somebody was saying that the $8 per 4 litres Kmart Price Brand oil is just the 20-50 Mobil oil and is great for the mini - it that true?

Anyone used them>?