I've seen this thread a thousand times but now i can't seem to find it...so sorry about this.

Which oil?

What does everyone recommend for an 850?

Thank you.

Hopefully this helps:

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=39870&highlight=engine+oil

I use HPR30 in my car. How old is your 850? If the bearings etc are a bit worn you may have to step up to a heavier oil. Do you know what grade oil it is running now?

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

Ahh yes this will help. thank you.

its a 64, but i was told she had been rebuilt approx 3-4 years ago so shes got a bit of wear. Not sure how many k's since though.

Not sure off the top of my head i think i used Valvoline last time but i'm changing the oil and filter this time just want to make sure i get it right.

Do you have a oil pressure gauge in your 850? (have you added one?). Buy one and put it in and see how your oil pressure is. If it is a bit too low or high you will be better off swapping it over to a different (heavier or lighter) oil.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

I think at the end of the day, any non-synthetic oil will do the job as long as it is changed regularly.

Personally, I run 4-stroke motorbike oil. Mineral based, no additives, good viscosity rating and designed to lubricate a gearbox as well as the engine.

K mart brand KMX motor oil, made by Castrol Graham Russell highly recomends it, at inder $20 for 6 litres, it's a bargain too.


Doogie

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I won Hay once, here's the pic to prove it..


Hay, it's not about the car, it's not about the venue, it's about the people that come here. Peter Dwyer, Mayor of Hay NSW.

+1 to Harley and Doogie, they're both right. I find the bike oil is excellent but a bit exxy, while you can't beat the KMX for value

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

You're absolutely right, 50 bucks for a bottle of semi-synth motorbike oil is a little steep.....I have to cough it up for the R1 every few months.

oh...+3 KMX (or castrol edge...)

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

I use KMX oil as well. But I usually wait till it is 25% off (because I am a tightarse) I got two bottles last week when they were 10% off. I just couldn't wait any longer.

Since I changed to KMX from HPR30 I have found that it no longer leaks oil from the clutch seal.

+another one for KMX... I just rebuilt my engine (~350 miles now) and am using it

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

KMX here also

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

I've decided to give different brands a go. I'm currently using HPR30 which I've found to be much better than any of the many other brands I've used, however this is the first 'premium' oil I've used.

The oil pressure at idle is much higher, and the average oil pressure is more consistant for temperature changes. Ie, doesn't drop down low when engine is hot.

M might give KMX a go, but I think I'll give Castrol a go first, there is just something about 'kmart' that puts me off....

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1964 Morris 850, 1330 Supercharged - 81.8hp atws.
1975 Leyland Mini S 1100S powered - Nice and reliable.
1977 Leyland Mini LS - Project LS-T

I use the Castrol Activ 4T. Expensive stuff in the auto shops, but if you know where to look you'll find it cheaper.

maybe it flushed some gunk out and it conveniently stuck in the seal...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

After using Castrol Edge for the past couple of years, today some KMX went into the mini. Good enough for GR, good enough for my Monster motor.

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One should never skimp on the zip ties.