22 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

As above- at what temperature is an oil cooler needed. 

 

I have just fitted a mechanical smiths gauge into the oil filter housing. The oil reaches 105 degrees after a spirited 20 minute drive. 

[nicklouse]

what is the oil?

 

different base oils have different recommended working temps.

[minisilverbullet]

Millers Classic 20W-50 Engine Oil

https://www.millerso...0w50-engine-oil

[nicklouse]

mmmm would like more info on a longer drive.

 

i am not sure how the temp changes from your measuring point to the bearings.

 

basically you have two things to consider. the temp the oil stops working Circa 150C and also the temp oil "burns" carbonises (higher)

 

i would not have picked that oil for your build though.

 

you need one of the engine guys to advise on the temps. but again if you do fit an cooler in will need a stat.

 

a different oil may have a higher max temp that may be a better option.

[Rorf]

105 deg C is a normal temp for oil in the engine.

[Cooperman]

That sounds fine to me.

[Sprocket]

millers suggest anything over 110 is bad

[minisilverbullet]

So a longer run today to a car show. Temp never went over 105. It was about 20 degrees outside. 

 

I guess I keep my eye on it. 

 

Nick - would you have used a semi synthetic oil? 

[nicklouse]

i just love Valvoline VR1

 

to me Millers are still the new boy on the block. I remember when they first really started retailing out their brands. love their assembly lube.

[Orange-Phantom]

Millers Oils was established in 1887 so they are most certainly not the new boy on the block
You'll have no problem with that oil or if you want a higher performance oil try their Nanodrive semi synthetic CTV oil.
The one you are using and the CTV oil is specifically blended for the Mini with it's shared gearbox design of which both these oils will protect it to GL4 spec which a normal engine oil won't.
I'm sure the VR1 oil is very good but to what spec will it protect the gearbox, with it being just an engine oil in comparison to the Millers?

Edited by Orange-Phantom, 18 July 2017 - 09:36 PM.

[nicklouse]

Millers Oils was established in 1887 so they are most certainly not the new boy on the block
You'll have no problem with that oil or if you want a higher performance oil their Nanodrive semi synthetic CTV oil.
The one you are using and the CTV oil is specifically blended for the Mini with it's shared gearbox design of which both these oils will protect it to GL4 spec which a normal engine oil won't.
I'm sure the VR1 oil is very good but to what spec will it protect the gearbox, with it being just an engine oil in comparison to the Millers?

read what i said about Millers. yes i know them very well  as they were local and customers but as a retail customer you could not buy their product till the 1990s or lets say none of the many garages i stopped off at between Huddersfield and Brighouse stocked any not even my Brighouse engine builder.

 

i would put the VR1 as a more modern oil  but still having the zinc and phosphorous package. both seem to have a comparable ZDDP content.

[minisilverbullet]

After a 20 minute motorway trip the temperature was around 117. 

 

I am guessing this is too hot? And I need a cooler. 

 

I do have four larges spots and a sump guard. 

[Northernpower]

After a 20 minute motorway trip the temperature was around 117. 

 

I am guessing this is too hot? And I need a cooler. 

 

I do have four larges spots and a sump guard. 

I'm surprised you're managing to keep the coolant in it with the oil at that temperature. Are you using it with the openings in the bonnet?

[Midas Mk1]

I'm very interested in this, are you sure its calibrated right? ( I know its mechanical but still, maybe worth checking with a kettle and water?

 

I've fitted the DSN oil filter sender with an MPi type sensor from Minispares (new), and my oil was getting to 140 deg after a 30 min motorway run.

Discovered MPi's used a 170 deg sender, tracked one down from an rover, and now its hitting 90 degs on a fast 4.5-5k 85mph motorway session (30 mins)

 

Not managed to get it anywhere near 120 degs yet.

 

I run CTV and have two oil coolers ready to fit for my Minis if needed, just reluctant to fit too if its not needed, but then again don't want to ruin bearings. 

Edited by Midas Mk1, 26 July 2017 - 09:17 AM.

[minisilverbullet]

 

After a 20 minute motorway trip the temperature was around 117. 

 

I am guessing this is too hot? And I need a cooler. 

 

I do have four larges spots and a sump guard. 

I'm surprised you're managing to keep the coolant in it with the oil at that temperature. Are you using it with the openings in the bonnet?

 

 

Are you sure? Above it was suggested that 105 degrees was fine. 

 

Coolant temp is just slightly above halfway on the gauge. 

 

The bonnet cut outs are open.