23 replies to this topic

[joewb]

Its come to that time when i need to refill my 998cc completely standard mini mayfair with oil, so wondering what brand people recommend?
I know my car isnt a performance car so not looking for amazing stuff, just something that wont screw up my engine with it being 20 years old

Sorry if its a silly question i just thought i would check before i fill up my car with something that will screw me over >.<

[SurreySprite]

Its come to that time when i need to refill my 998cc completely standard mini mayfair with oil, so wondering what brand people recommend?
I know my car isnt a performance car so not looking for amazing stuff, just something that wont screw up my engine with it being 20 years old

Sorry if its a silly question i just thought i would check before i fill up my car with something that will screw me over >.<

I use Halfords or Comma 20W50. Duckhams meant to be good also. You'll need a 5 litre tin if you're draining and then refilling.

[joewb]

I use Halfords or Comma 20W50. Duckhams meant to be good also. You'll need a 5 litre tin if you're draining and then refilling.

ill go halfords and take a look what they have there then.
Dont think i need to drain it all and refill it? its just pretty much on minimum when i checked the dipstick so figured i best sort that out! lol

[SurreySprite]

I use Halfords or Comma 20W50. Duckhams meant to be good also. You'll need a 5 litre tin if you're draining and then refilling.

ill go halfords and take a look what they have there then.
Dont think i need to drain it all and refill it? its just pretty much on minimum when i checked the dipstick so figured i best sort that out! lol

Ah ok, sorry i thought you were going to drain it completely. I got my oil from a motor factors near me actually and it was the same price as Halfords so whatever is nearest i guess

[joewb]

Thanks for the quick answer

Im not quite good enough to fully drain and such just yet, but when i have some more time on my hands and everything else is isrted im going to start sorting out all the little bits like that and maybe upgrade a few parts to get it all working better

wanting somewhere close to get to, so off to halfords i go then!

[Billy Rubin]

I've always used Asda no frills 20w50, lot cheaper than Halfords and never had a problem?

[Ouster]

Draining the oil is easy - undo the sump plug (24mm?), let the oil drain into a container, refit plug with new copper washer. Ideally you want to replace the oil every 3000 miles or so, and it's a good idea to change the oil filter at the same time.

[daemonchild]

I've always used Asda no frills 20w50, lot cheaper than Halfords and never had a problem?

Is that mineral oil? If so, here we come ASDA!

[daemonchild]

Thanks for the quick answer

Im not quite good enough to fully drain and such just yet, but when i have some more time on my hands and everything else is isrted im going to start sorting out all the little bits like that and maybe upgrade a few parts to get it all working better

wanting somewhere close to get to, so off to halfords i go then!

As Ouster says, it's easy. to drain the oil.
You'll be replacing most of it, so it's worth going the whole way and doign an oil change.
Your mini will love you for it.

[SurreySprite]

I recently changed mine and have to vouch that it is easy.

Go for a nice drive to get the oil nice and warm, undo sump plug bolt and let drain into suitable container, replace oil filter, replace copper washer then refill.

[g8ndj]

I know alot of people will think I'm mad but I use 10w40 from halfords. It make the engine run alot smoother and faster. The minis now done over 10,000 in the last 6 months on this oil and its just so much better.
Its also the recormended oil from castrol.

I also change my oil every 5000 miles

Edited by g8ndj, 30 September 2009 - 02:22 PM.

[joewb]

Just had a conversation with my brother, we've decided as im replacing most of the oil i may aswell service the car completely so i was just wondering firstly:
What parts would i need to replace while im there? filters, oil, spark plugs?
and secondly, while im at it is there anything else that would be wise to check? and if so maybe what im looking out for?

Many thanks!

[SurreySprite]

Just had a conversation with my brother, we've decided as im replacing most of the oil i may aswell service the car completely so i was just wondering firstly:
What parts would i need to replace while im there? filters, oil, spark plugs?
and secondly, while im at it is there anything else that would be wise to check? and if so maybe what im looking out for?

Many thanks!

I recently serviced my 94 Sprite (i've got elec ignition so you may need more depending on what model you have) and replaced the following parts:

Air Filter
Oil Filter
Sump Plug Washer
Oil
Spark Plugs
Rotor Arm
Dizzy Cap
Check other fluids too

If you go to you're local motor factors with that list they can check what the exact parts are by using your registration

[daemonchild]

Add a Haynes manual to the list.
The first chapter will be very useful to you...

[Ouster]

Add a condenser, HT leads and points to that list and you'll be good to go.

You'll need a set of feeler gauges to set the points. You may want to check the valve clearances as well.