8 replies to this topic

[jammiedodger26]

Model: Mini Sprite
Year: 1993
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

I have a Sprite running a standard HIF38 carb....it's not running so great at the moment so going through a few different solutions, just wondering what oil I can use in the carb?

Can i use Castrol GTX...same that i use in the car itself....or does it have to be a specific carb oil?


Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Stage 1 kit...that is all!

Thanks

Jamie

[mk3 Cooper S]

GTX is too thick,
Try 3 in 1 or simular

[jammiedodger26]

Excellent....shall have a search in the garage!!!

[Retro_10s]

Yep 3-1 is a good start or 10w40 is also good, giving a smooth throttle response and no flutter at high revs.

This topic has been done to death, please do a search for previous Topics on the same subject before posting. They all have the same answer.

[Minicross498]

GTX is too thick,
Try 3 in 1 or simular

!!DO NOT USE 3 IN 1!!

It will cause you no end of problems. Just use engine oil. GTX will be fine. Tried tested and dyno proved.

Not 3 in 1, brake fluid, atf, gearbox oil, spunk, oil of Olay, wall paper paste, petrol, water or a secret blend of all of them.

Just plain boring engine oil. The oils job is to regulate the speed of the dashpot opening. Which in turn meters the fuel correctly. If the oil is to thin the dashpot opens to quickly and under fuels the engine. Costing power under acceleration. Which no one wants!

[Retro_10s]

what sort of problems did 3-1 cause you?

I've used it in all my minis at some point and it's been absolutley fine doing many, many miles. slightly sharper response than i would've liked but didn't suffer from carb flutter and didn't cause me the 'no end of problems' that you describe.

10w40 seems the perfect dampening oil for smooth action but i guess it's all relative

Whilst we're on the topic, SAE20 is the recommended oil by burlen fuels... but i've never used it

[Ethel]

Rover specify engine oil and 15W50 is the engine oil they specify for the A+. Minicross has explained the effect of using different fluids.

[Minicross498]

If you have a needle that is to rich on its progression, say from 1500 RPM on a wide throttle opening, then you may find that light oil will help mask a fuel problem. If you have a car that is to lean on progression then a heavy oil will help in this instance.
If the fueling is correct then it is better to use the correct oil, thats why we ALWAYS use engine oil. Whilst there are specific oils from SU, engine oils seem to handle it OK. We all have loads of it!
The dampening effect has no bearing on full throttle/power if the mixture and ignition are correct. The carb always gets the blame for other poor running problems with the car.
Hope this helps.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Used 3 in 1 for 20 year with no problems as I find it too damped with engine oil.
Sort the mixture out and the dashpot will not mask anything.