Heya!

Just curious... ...to find out what the best oil to use on a mini?
Just standard engine not "fixedup".

Thoughts? Specific types would be nice and reasons for using that particular oil.

Cheers,
Adam

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1975 Leyland Clubman 'S'
1976 Leyland Clubman 'S' *work in progress*
I smile everytime!

In the Turbo 998, i use eithr Penzoil GT or Valvoline "High Performance"

I tried HPR-30 once... dropped a HEAP of oil pressure.. not a fun experience...

J

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Hmm, this interests me too. I'm new to minis, but the fact that the mini's engine shares its oil with the gearbox makes me wonder. Like motorbikes which I'm more familiar with. On motorbikes, the wet clutches (most bikes) mean you can't use friction modified oil. Is this the same as minis?

Like Kenny, I've got a standard 998, plus a std 850.

I've heard that you shouldnt use Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic oil because it degrades the gears quickly?? Is this true?

I've tried Penrite 30-70 (supposed to stop smoke as its really thick) but since its really thick its really hard to get warm in winter (could be good oil for those summers we've been having?)

Shell Old Car Oil - tried this - 20-50sae - tis ok, but doesnt help worn engines much.

Castrol Formula 1 0-60sae - supposed to be really good but is synthetic and because it is i've never tried this. (anyone tried this one before?? results??)

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1975 Leyland Clubman 'S'
1976 Leyland Clubman 'S' *work in progress*
I smile everytime!

BP Ultimate is my weapon of choice.

With a stock mini, generaly its not too good to have super thick oil, it makes the car a bit sluggish, but its good for the gearbox.
But the thinnist i would go would be a 20/50 from whoever you choose, there almost all the same, they all turn black in no-time anyway!!!!

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68' Morris, 1100,

Willson Automotive
Tasmania's ONLY mini Specialists
(03) 62725056

http://photobucket.com/albums/a323/the_white_one/

You only have to worry about friction modifiers with the Autos. They are the only minis that have clutches that run in oil (unless you have a leaking rear main seal)

I run Penrite HPR30 and I change it every 2000 miles.

why at 2000 miles?

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1975 Leyland Clubman 'S'
1976 Leyland Clubman 'S' *work in progress*
I smile everytime!

my personal experience with oils in the motor trade is Penrite classic light most Penrite dealers dont carry it because they target newercars. Penrite classic light is a standard blend 20w/50 mixed the traditional way of the 60's & 70's besides this in standard motors castrol GTX2 is fine.

Why not!

BMC set the sevice intervals at 3000 miles (4827km) so you would be crazy to go any higher.
My car has the original 1966 engine and it has done 107000 miles without a rebuild so I change the oil more frequently.

Old fella in to Mini's for over 45 years told me that Pennzoil Multi-Vis 20W-50 was the go.
Ziff

I've used Pennzoil Multi-Vis 20W/50, Penrite HPR30, and until recently Castrol Formula R 25W/50 (same stuff as the old GP50)
I'm currently running in a new motor on Valvoline SF 20W/50, and I reckon it's pretty good. But I'll go back to the Formula R before the next track day.
Note this Formula R is the mineral one, not a synthetic. It's made for antique V8s & street machines...

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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.

iv been using Valvoline SF 20W/50 since my last oil change and it seem pretty good not bad for $9 too

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1152cc turbo A-series now with 125.7hp at the wheels !

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dont use synthetics in the mini motor weather it is a rover or a old banger the syncro ringd will chew out because of the load on the the oil just will crush if you know what i mean .... you must use mineral oil
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

I've used..

HPR30..not too impressed, quite thick and made it hard to get reverse sometimes..

Valvoline XLD 20w50 - Not bad stuff..using it currently cause it's cheaper than the stuff below and the mini likes it's oil at the moment..

Castrol forumula R - My favourite..read a booklet on it and it was recommended for cars that share the engine oil with the gearbox..get's my vote..gear changes feel much better with it..it is more expensive than the other's at about $26 for 5L

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Just wanted to throw in my support for Castrol formula R (the non -synthetic one, as the doc said). I was recommended this oil by Ken Nelson of Mini Automotive. If he thinks it is good, it is good!

I'm still running in the motor (using castrol crb30) so haven't actually used it yet

I'll let you know in 100 000 k's or so if there's any probs

Matt