9 replies to this topic

[Jamdog]

I’ve used Halfords 20w50 in my auto and the gearbox only slips occasionally, but I need some more oil and I’ve come across some advice on the auto register to use JASO MA2 10w40 motorcycle oil, but nobody will specify a particular brand or ‘model’ of oil because specifications change based on region.

This sort of contradicts my understanding of classic oils because all the JASO compliant oils I can find are either semi or fully synthetic.

This is what I’m thinking about buying: https://www.opieoils...engine-oil.aspx

Any UK automatic owners, what oil do you use?

[nicklouse]

that should be fine.

[whistler]

The advice I've always seen is only use Mineral Oil in a mini. Be that 20w/50 for Manual or 10W/40 for Automatics. In early days the option from Castrol was Castrol XL 20w/50 for all seasons for Manual or Castrolite 10w/40 for winter grade manual or all seasons Automatics.

Edited by whistler, 27 May 2018 - 07:28 AM.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Stay with the 20/50,  never had any bother in 35 years

 

always used 20/50 in all my classics

[Minigman]

I always used 20/50W but then having read the auto mini register info I decided to try out the 10/40W JASO MA2. I went with the Motul stuff. I converted to manual two years ago now so can’t recall the exact oil used. What I would say is the box performed far better, changed gear quicker with less slippage and less clunky. I would try it and see what you think. I changed oil every 2000 Miles on the auto so you can always change back if you don’t like it. People naturally avoid change if possible and the mini scene advice is ‘as old as the hills’ and written in folk law. Maybe embrace a new approach...

[nicklouse]

Stay with the 20/50,  never had any bother in 35 years

 

always used 20/50 in all my classics

i hope no one takes an Auto Mini to you then.

[Albannach]

Have had LOTS, at least 20, Mini Autos over the years. My tuppence ha'penny worth is....stick to the Mineral Oil. Mini Autos don't like Part/Full Synthetic oils. I always use 20/50 in the USA, and 20/40 in the UK. Your choice. Have you tried adjusting the Bands?
They are accesible through the Front cover of the Box. No need to pull Lump, but you will need to "Modify" a Spanner to get access to the Adjusting Nut.

[Jamdog]

Wow, lots of conflicting opinions here, so does anybody make a mineral JASO MA2 oil? I can’t seem to find anything and will probably just get the semi synth Castrol 10w40

[Orange-Phantom]

You can run Semi Synthetic in a mini... fact! Just Google Millers CTV. The best mini oil specifically designed for the combined Mini engine and gearbox combination and it's semi synthetic! Really only suitable for a manual though due to it being 20w50. Have a look on the automatic mini forums. MA2 spec 10w40 is their recommendation.

[bluedragon]

There is nothing wrong with running a synthetic in a Mini (A-series.) Why would a oil that resists breakdown and shearing far better than conventional oil be something to avoid?

 

However, it does appear the latest "SN" classification oils are undesirable for classic Minis due to the reduced friction of these oils impairing the effectiveness of the synchronizers, or the discs in the automatic transmission. This is true for both synthetic AND conventional "SN" rated oil.

 

A tribologist who frequents the Mini Mania board (and owns an automatic) has quantified this all here: http://www.widman.bi...ic-mini-oil.pdf

 

Nutshell of the .pdf: 1) Avoid "SN" rated oils. 2) Use JASO-MA2 oils for automatics. 3) For off-the-shelf oils, use a diesel-rated oil. 4) Shear strength of the oil is far more important than "weight."

 

 

Dave