24 replies to this topic

[Tomf]

I have got an auto and i was told to use 10w-40 and not 20w-50 is this correct or what should i use??

[miniallsort]

USE 20/50 BEST OF THE BEST!!

[Tomf]

yea but not for an auto aparently

[Dan]

According to Rover in the last edition workshop manual for automatics there is no difference between manual and auto for oil viscosity requirements. For our climate group here in Britain the recommendation is 10w40 or 10w50. Rover specifically recommend against the use of 20w50 where the winter temperature may drop below freezing. However over the years many many people have found 20w50 to be ideal for Minis in this country.

The most important thing to remember with an auto Mini is to change the oil and filter no later than every 3000 miles. This is extremely important for the function of the gearbox. The oil gets sheared and chopped up a lot in a Mini engine and soon becomes unreliable for use in the gearbox hydraulics.

[Tomf]

What so should i use 10w-40 or 20w-50

[Grayedout]

For this time of year use 20W/50 and change it every 3,000 miles !

[Jay3178]

frequent oil changes and clean oil is the key to auto minis as well, i use 20:50 in my 998 auto clubby i get the tesco value oil, its 20:50 and only 94p a litre cheaper than my petrol now

[Gibbo]

Miniworld had a full article on oil 2 or 3 months ago in the technical advice section, they basically wen through every type of oil and which minis it was best for. Very useful!!!

I may be able to dig it out.

[Dan]

auto minis as well

As well as what? That's exactly what's been said above!

Tesco oil is about as good as Tesco petrol. And Tesco value oil is even worse. As you've said, clean oil is essential so why would you use something made from recycled petroleum byproducts filled with viscosity enhancers in a desperate attempt to force it to hold together. Always use good quality oil.



In theory a 20w50 will be a better quality oil than a 10w40. Although the viscosity band is the same, the starting point (the 20 bit) is heavier so on theory needs less viscosity enhancers to keep it thick when hot. If you can find an oil that has the viscosity it is labelled with without needing any enhancers to get that performance it will be better.

You might find that in the winter with a 20w50 starting will be a bit harder and thinking about it now in an auto it might affect the operation of the torque converter until warm but shouldn't affect the gearbox itself much.

Edited by Dan, 25 July 2006 - 04:37 PM.

[Garagiste]

Thoughts on Synthetics?
I've heard that the answer for Minis is "don't", reason being that they aren't designed with gearboxes in mind. I kind of get that, but then Mineral engine oils aren't either - gearbox oil is designed for gearboxes, and obviously isn't an option!
Would any harm really come from using Synthetic or semi in a mini?

[Sprocket]

Thats why you buy speciffic oil for the mini that takes the gearbox into consideration. halfords supply it and, alas, its 20W50

[Dan]

For the answers to any questions about oil except for that asked by Only16 (which oddly is a new oil question) please search the site, don't add more questions here. There have been so many discussions about oil type, grade, makeup and additives that ALWAYS last for pages and pages that it is far easier to read what's already here than start all the arguments again.

[Jay3178]

auto minis as well

As well as what? That's exactly what's been said above!

basicaly dont let it go dark brown or black! can happen before 3000 miles especialy on an older and worn engine! gees snippy remarks like that reminds me of Minifinity!

all because it says tesco value doesnt mean its automaticaly rubbish!! its basicaly esso grade oil just with a different brand name! cheap as only older cars use it! and as their are more modern cars which require modern synthetic oils the price is jacked up on them, as more demand = more expensive, but hay what would i know! i'm not an oil chemist!

Edited by Jay3178, 25 July 2006 - 10:57 PM.

[Grayedout]

You get exactly what you pay for with oils ! Good additives cost good money !!

The better quality and quantity of additives in the oil (within reason) mean a better oil and you pay for this !!!

Cheap Tesco oil wil have the minimum amount of cheap additives in it to pass whatever spec they are quoting on the side of the can !!

As for oils going black then this is GOOD !!! If your oil never goes black then its not doing its job !!!

Your engine produces millions of particles of carbon and dirt and a good oil has two specific additives in it to handle these....a detergent and a dispersant!

The former stops the particles from sticking to anything and the dispersant then traps each of these particles and holds them in suspension in the oil so when you drain it they fall out with the oil. These particles in the oil are what make it look black. If its not black then the oil is not holding the particles and they are scattered throughout your engine, slowly building up into large deposits to stick your rings and block your oilways !!!

My background is working for the world leader in lubricant additives so up to you if you believe me or not !!!!

[Jay3178]

As for oils going black then this is GOOD !!!

not for an automatic gearbox! darkened oil causes problems with the gear hydrolics! hence why modern auto engines have the gearbox fluid seperate as to keep it as clean as possible to give smoth running, one problem the mini unfortunatly has in sharing oil with engine! hence why i said clean oil is the key to a good running auto mini!