28 replies to this topic

[Ruth's Mini]

Our car is a 1961 Mini Minor - being restored to original, no performance modifications...

 

I'm looking for advice on the best engine / gearbox oil to use on the assumption that modern technology can offer something better than was available 60 year ago. I know it's expensive but wonder if anyone has used motor cycle oil. After a complete rebuild of the engine & transmission spending more for oil is not a concern.

 

this is a great forum and member input has been very helpful,

regards

 

Brian

[Icey]

Prepare for a lot of noise and conflicting information.

In general some people have used motorbike oil without problem but it has specific additives to deal with the wet clutch that may be detrimental to some gearbox components. Personally I wouldnt use it.

There are specific oils for classics which you can get from most major suppliers, personally I use the 20w50 from Halfords. The mini is an odd case because of the stress the gearbox puts on the oil but the general strategy for dealing with that is short service intervals rather than fancy fluids.

[mini13]

Look at the millers stuff, it's formulated with sump gearboxes in mind,

http://www.millersoi...i-oil-20w50/131

[panky]

After reading all the debates I've switched to Valvoline VR1 20/50. It contains the high levels of zinc that helps protect the gearbox and you can get it on ebay for a couple of pounds more than the Halfords stuff.

[Cooperman]

I always use Valvoline VR1 20w50. Superb oil for all Minis including full-on competition cars.

[miniireland]

Millers Pistoneze

[Cooperman]

Millers Pistoneze

Looks OK, but I can't find out what the ZDDP level is and that is very important for a Mini which shares engine and gearbox oil.

[miniireland]

 

Millers Pistoneze

Looks OK, but I can't find out what the ZDDP level is and that is very important for a Mini which shares engine and gearbox oil.

 

http://www.millersoi...neeze-20w50.pdf

 

Millers Oils Head Office, Brighouse

General Enquiries
+44 (0)1484 713201
 [email protected]
+44 (0) 1484 721263

Technical Enquiries
+44 (0)1484 475060
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+44 (0) 1484 721263

Millers Oils Ltd
 Hillside Oil Works
Brighouse
Brighouse
England
HD6 3DP

Edited by miniireland, 10 January 2018 - 05:38 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

About 1 million oil threads on here, but simply, Millers Semi Synth CTV or Mineral 20w50, or Valvoline VR1 if that doesn't float ya boat. 

[Ruth's Mini]

I checked and can source Valvoline VR1 20w50 here in Canada with no problem so will use it.

 

 

thanks to all who responded...

[Dusky]

Looking at my owners manual the temp range we have here would need a 10-30. Maybe someone on here can explain why 10w30 valvoline vr1 wouldnt be as good as 20/50 valvoline vr1?

[hhhh]

I buy Canadian Tire's house brand Diesel rated 15W40 in the big bucket which has plenty of zinc and use it in all my vintage vehicles and change it often. Never had a problem.

Edited by hhhh, 11 January 2018 - 03:34 PM.

[cal844]

20w50 either Valvoline VR1 or miller's CTV

has anyone tried the minispares own brand stuff?
Part number GUL7005T

http://www.minispare...c/GUL7005T.aspx

[IainStallard]

20w50 either Valvoline VR1 or miller's CTV
has anyone tried the minispares own brand stuff?
Part number GUL7005T
http://www.minispare...c/GUL7005T.aspx

Have used for the past two oil changes, seems like a good oil but does seem to be thinner than Valvoline for the same rating

[dotmatrix]

I have also used the minispares oil more than once, haven't had the engine opened yet to check after starting to use the oil, but have done 20k miles and 3 oil changes on the oil and haven't noticed any problems yet.

 

but I normally buy the one with part number SO4 as it is the same oil but with a filter.