25 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

If it's a carb model then you should defiantly be using 20W/50, no reason not too and better for your engine and gearbox.

Do not go by Halfords advice, they know nothing about cars. Any Mini enthusiast or expert will tell you to use 20W/50, unless it's an injection model which is debatable.

You won't put your car in "danger" by using 10W/40, but the gearbox will wear quicker. Why do you think people have been using 20W/50 for the last 50 years?

As above, get 5 litres of the classic 20W/50 oil that Halfords sell if you must buy from them.

Edited by Mini_Magic, 02 August 2011 - 02:37 PM.

[Mark_Pieman]

As an alternative to the Halfords, Millers Classic 20w/50 is no too dear

[northy]

If you're going to ask a question, presumably because you have little knowledge of the subject matter, don't ignore the advice.
I have not yet found the members of theses forums to be wrong, especially the more esteemed members like mini_magic and icklemini.

Use 20w/50 and get 5 litres.

Oh and Halfords know NOTHING, i worked for them for a month, i should know!

[MaxAndPaddy]

Oh and Halfords know NOTHING, i worked for them for a month, i should know!

Apologies for straying off topic but the Leeds Halfords always has a lovely Mini 30 parked outside of it...presumably they go somewhere else for servicing

[northy]

Oh and Halfords know NOTHING, i worked for them for a month, i should know!

Apologies for straying off topic but the Leeds Halfords always has a lovely Mini 30 parked outside of it...presumably they go somewhere else for servicing

Seen that a few times, but i worked in the halfords one...

I had rubbish sales figures because i gave people good advice, their returns policy is a joke aswell....

[MiniChap]

Right, it's sorted, i did as advised and bought 5 litres of Halfords 20w/50 mineral Oi, which was a steal compared to 10W/40 anyway, it was £18.99 for the 5L can,l along with 2 filters because Halfords didn't really know which one to use, turns out it's a HOF203 which has a smaller thread than the HOF213. I didn't have any trouble returning anything, but i will probably only use Halfords to get Air and Oil Filters and Oil of course. I'm pretty sure this car hadn't had an oil change for about 3 years, as prior to me buying it, it had been sitting in a garage in Eastbourne, and this Oil was as black as anything and stunk to high heaven. Anyway, the car runs a lot smoother, the Engine warms up much faster than previous and gear changes are unbelievably smooth. I used the Haynes manual along with the advice i got on here, taking the grille off to access the oil filter etc. But yeah, cheers for the advice and patience when explaining the simplest of tasks to a complete novice.

Cheers.

Chap.

[Mini_Magic]

Anyway, the car runs a lot smoother, the Engine warms up much faster than previous and gear changes are unbelievably smooth.

Told you so

Now just keep an eye on the oil level and change it regularly (between 3,000 and 6,000 miles) as good oil is so important for the A-Series engine.

[northy]

Make sure not to loose the washer for the sump plug in the oil receptacle either, that can be a frustrating problem to fix...

[998dave]

Yeah, sorry i forgot i posted that in the tech section, completely forgot about that, a mod can go ahead and close that one, simple mistake.
Chap.

Hey, No problem, have merged them, but tech questions in tech section in future please!

Right, it's sorted, i did as advised and bought 5 litres of Halfords 20w/50 mineral Oi, which was a steal compared to 10W/40 anyway, it was £18.99 for the 5L can,l along with 2 filters because Halfords didn't really know which one to use, turns out it's a HOF203 which has a smaller thread than the HOF213. I didn't have any trouble returning anything, but i will probably only use Halfords to get Air and Oil Filters and Oil of course. I'm pretty sure this car hadn't had an oil change for about 3 years, as prior to me buying it, it had been sitting in a garage in Eastbourne, and this Oil was as black as anything and stunk to high heaven. Anyway, the car runs a lot smoother, the Engine warms up much faster than previous and gear changes are unbelievably smooth. I used the Haynes manual along with the advice i got on here, taking the grille off to access the oil filter etc. But yeah, cheers for the advice and patience when explaining the simplest of tasks to a complete novice.
Cheers.
Chap.

Sounds good, and glad you've got it sorted and are looking after your mini.
If the oil was that bad have you checked coolant too? May be a good idea before winter!

Happy mini-ing!

Dave

[yellowmonster]

As mentioned: only new from the dealers the Mini (the last injection types!) came with 10W40 in their sumps.
Because 10W40 oil is thin, the engine doesn't have to work hard to get it pumped around which in turn results in a somewhat more economical running (read: cleaner emission -> enviremental crap).

Thicker oil is however better for the Mini.
Why? Because of its unique design having its gearbox bolted underneath running in the same (!!) oil.
Normal gearboxoil is thick...very thick (as in 75W90).

Older engines with some miles 'under their belts' start to burn oil due to wear.
Wear also causes lower oilpressure and seeping gaskets & seals.
Thicker oil helps compromising these side-effects.

Put two and two together and then you'll find why everyone says '20W50'....

Edited by yellowmonster, 03 August 2011 - 06:22 PM.

[bmcecosse]

Actually - the A series gears always ran in engine oil - even in the Morris Minor with separate gearbox... And there it is best to use 10W40 - less churning losses, but the engine always warrants 20W50. The Wilco stuff is fine - and as your oil was 'black' - you would be best advised to change it again very soon, to flush out all the old crap!