4 replies to this topic

[tappouni]

I know there are many threads on this already, but I’m still a little unsure on what the best oil is for my ‘81 Austin Mini Automatic.

Been using the Halfords 20W50 for the past few months, and I’m due to change the oil soon - the manual suggests 10W40, but some forums say always use 20W50. Some also suggesting an MA2 spec oil for the automatic, but I’m unclear on mineral/part synthetic/synthetic.

As for 10W40 oil which meets the MA2 spec, Castrol’s Power 1 fits the bill, but it’s synthetic - I’m lead to believe that’s no good?

Only other I can find which seems to tick all the boxes is a mineral Motul 3000-4T motorcycle oil - it’s a 10W40 which meets the MA2 spec, plus it’s mineral - just a pain to find! But sounds like my best option?

Is there any definitive answer to it, or more down to personal preference? Only thing that made me re-think my oil choice was when going down the motorway the other day, it jumped out of gear for the first time ever. Slowed onto the hard shoulder and got back up to speed straight after.

Just finding lots of contradiction about the oil, so would love to know what the folks on here suggest...thanks in advance!

[mtjm]

One of the guys on the autominiregister put together a long document about oil choice for the Mini and for the auto in particular. You can get it here: https://www.widman.b...ic-mini-oil.pdf

 

The general consensus there is that any MA2 10W-40 is best for the engine, whether mineral or not.

[cal844]

Use the MA2 oil. If you've only just bought the car get a specialist to check your oil pressures for you so you know the motor is good

[tappouni]

Sorry I never responded, just been on holiday! 

 

One of the guys on the autominiregister put together a long document about oil choice for the Mini and for the auto in particular. You can get it here: https://www.widman.b...ic-mini-oil.pdf

 

The general consensus there is that any MA2 10W-40 is best for the engine, whether mineral or not.

 

Thanks for that, I didn't actually discover that document before you mentioned it. 

 

Use the MA2 oil. If you've only just bought the car get a specialist to check your oil pressures for you so you know the motor is good

 

 

I've put in Motul 10W40 MA2 Semi-Synthetic Oil - the car is definitely noticeably smoother generally, and the gear changes are certainly much smoother than with the 20W50 that was in it before! That's a good shout though - I should probably look into getting that checked. 

[MacGyver]

20w50 is for manual minis, autos use 10w40.
At least you have the right oil now. ?

Ben