11 replies to this topic

[abe46]

Just a question,

This oil seems quite cheap at 4.5L!

http://www.diy.com/d...ELAID=266990224

Will it be okay for my 1995 cooper spi engine??

I have been using the more expensive halfords stuff, but if this will work just as well why not buy this!

[Cooperman]

Best advice is never use a cheap oil in a Mini which shares its oil with the gearbox. You won't be saving anything if you end up needing a new gearbox or an engine rebuild sooner than you might have expected.
Go for a top-quality 20w50 like Castrol Classic, Penrite, Millers, Halfords or Valvoline Racing (to name some, but not necessarily all of the good 20w50 oils). None of them are cheap, but all are very good for the Mini.

[abe46]

thank you for your advice cooperman! Think il stay clear of the Carlube stuff then haha and stick with Halfrauds

[Big_Adam]

Nuts to it, I'll give that stuff a try.

Oils oil is oil. It all gets sucked out the ground by roughnecks.

Edited by Big_Adam, 28 June 2011 - 06:51 PM.

[AVV IT]

I'm using that stuff from B&Q at the moment, but then as my engine looses most of it onto the road surface and then burns the rest, then I doubt that it stays in there long enough to do any damage!!

[Tamworthbay]

Worth looking at the 'S' code SE is quite an old spec, might not be a problem but suggests its cheaply made, you get what you pay for and all that. If you go to your local motor factors they do 25L tubs for about 50 quid and its good stuff. I but them in 10w40 and 20w50 as I have a bit of a collection. I always change the oil every 3 months as well. Not much to pay for peace of mind. I have a thread on about oil at the moment and am surprised most folk are using 20w50, i was going to put 10w40 in. Glad I asked!

[Cooperman]

Worth looking at the 'S' code SE is quite an old spec, might not be a problem but suggests its cheaply made, you get what you pay for and all that. If you go to your local motor factors they do 25L tubs for about 50 quid and its good stuff. I but them in 10w40 and 20w50 as I have a bit of a collection. I always change the oil every 3 months as well. Not much to pay for peace of mind. I have a thread on about oil at the moment and am surprised most folk are using 20w50, i was going to put 10w40 in. Glad I asked!

Interestingly, the MGB 'B-series' engine is just a larger version of the 'A-series'. Both are happiest on 20w50, especially as the Mini shares it's engine oil with the gearbox. ideally a Mini gearbox needs an EP80 gear oil, like the MGB, but the Mini has to compromise and the 20w50 is the best compromise.
Halfords is, I understand, identical to the old Duckhams 20w50 and that was a great oil. Castrol Classic 20w50 is also very good. I use valvoline racing in my 1310 cc 'S', but it's a rally car and in my Innocenti 1300 Cooper I use Castrol Classic.
Engines and gearboxes are not cheap to re-build, so go on, look after them with top-grade oils.

[abe46]

thank you for all the replies guys!

I sent a cheeky text to my mate who works in halfords, walked in picked up the can of 20w50 and got it for £15 with the discount added

[Cooperman]

thank you for all the replies guys!

I sent a cheeky text to my mate who works in halfords, walked in picked up the can of 20w50 and got it for £15 with the discount added

Result!!!

[Turbo Nick]

im using that valvoline vr1 20/50 at the minute as its less than £20 a throw at my local motor factors, seems pretty good at dealing with the heat and not thinning out/dropping pressure like the halfords stuff.

also the millers trans m semi synth 20/50 is good if you can get hold of it.

[Cooperman]

im using that valvoline vr1 20/50 at the minute as its less than £20 a throw at my local motor factors, seems pretty good at dealing with the heat and not thinning out/dropping pressure like the halfords stuff.

also the millers trans m semi synth 20/50 is good if you can get hold of it.

That Valvoline Racing 20w50 really is tops for the Mini and you get it at a great price too.

[abe46]

might try that next then! see if i can get it down the local mill auto

Edited by abe46, 01 July 2011 - 05:50 PM.