Just thought I'd ask opinions on here about this. I was cruising the UK Mini forum and a guy had an auto mini stuck in first gear. I don't know ATM what ended up being the problem but it was mentioned that it may be sludged up to which I mentioned trying some flushing oil. Not the concentrate with the solvents etc in it, just straight plain flushing oil, the stuff that's been around for a zillion years. Well, some one else got on and razzed me out for suggesting it, saying it'll stuff the bands/clutch packs etc. What do you guys think?
My point is if the transmission/engine unit is stuffed up with sludge and it's being pumped around it anyway, what harm could what is basicly thin clean oil do. I'd just warm it up, drain oil and fill with FO, run it on hoist through gears etc, then change oil and filter if it came good. If it didn't its a rebuild anyway, assuming it is gunk thats causing it.

I would not use flushing oil, it's likely to affect the forward & top/reverse clutch plates (which were just glorified paper originally).
Better to drain and refill with cheapo 10W40, run until hot, drain and refill.
If it's only got 1st gear though I'd say it's gearbox strip time.

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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.

Yeah, you're probably right with the elcheapo oil idea, flushing oil is about $60-70 a 5 ltr, but what i was getting at is that the flushing oil is the same as normal oil, just thinner. It appears to have a viscousity of 20 going by literature, but looks like diesel fuel to pour in. It has no additives like the 'flush' stuff you get at repco etc. Maybe I'm just an old fart and should just get over what was said and go back out to the shed.

I would also be checking if "flushing oil" equals high detergent as well...I would also be very careful "flushing" out an auto box as dislodged crud could ruin your day...the Doc's advice is sound

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"Show me the Mini!"

I have heard many people use diesel engine oil as a flushing oil. Diesel oil does have a lot more detergents in it, so that logic is sound. Whether or not you should clean the crud out or leave it is still a pretty hot topic though.