10 replies to this topic

[RedMPICooper]

I'm moving to Toronto in a few weeks, and was wondering if anyone knows where I can get the right kind of oil that a mini needs? Mine is an MPI if it makes any difference.
With everything I have read about the special needs of the shared crank/gearbox, I am very hesitant to stick in any ol' motor oil.

[xrocketengineer]

Valvoline VR-1 Racing Oil non synthetic 20W-50 is very good. However, for cooler weather 10W-30 might be better since until the engine warms up for a couple of minutes, you have to be patient with second gear when shifting up.
There is some story about Mobil 1 eating up differential pins when racing. Interestingly enough, I had used Mobil 1 on everything I had since the 1970's with no problems. I bought a Japanese SPI Mini from Canada in 2009 with less than 45000 miles. I used it not even every weekend for short drives and the differential blew up a year ago with the pin worn out to half of its original diameter. Was it the oil or a soft pin material? Who knows.
Anyway, MPI's are notorious for having a soft pin material. The common comment is that "they are made of chocolate". If you feel clunking on acceleration/deceleration and your pot joints can be moved in and out of the differential casing, your differential is about to go. You need to replace it before it breaks or then you need to replace the whole gearbox.
Here is my experience:

http://www.theminifo...n-differential/

Hopefully you can prevent or avoid that,
Ivan

Edited by xrocketengineer, 07 February 2013 - 06:54 PM.

[RedMPICooper]

Thanks, that could be useful! The car runs really well, and shifts smoothly so I don't think I'll need to worry about the diff pin just yet.

[RedMPICooper]

Hi All,

Now landed back in Canada, and the Mini is in a container on the way! I'm having a tough time tracking down the Valvoline oil xrocketengineer mentioned. Any thoughts on the various oils sold at Canadian tire? They have a selection of 20w50, but I'm concerned about these satisfying the special requirements of the shared gearbox setup of the a-series.

http://www.canadiant...L.jsp?locale=en

[Gsrmini]

I too will be looking for an (easily found) recommended oil to use, as spring tune up & daily driving is anytime now.

Seems to be a common inquiry where & what oil, that would still be easily sourced.

Suggestions woul be great!

[zinzan]

I put Castrol 20w50 from Crappy Tire in mine on last change. I'm thinking of following Ivan's lead on the 10w30 though, as A) I'm in Northern Ontario and it's always freakin' cold up here, and B) he's way smarter than me.

[xrocketengineer]

.... and B) he's way smarter than me.

I might not be smarter than you. But I might have more "unintentional" experience with the Mini.

Ivan

[RedMPICooper]

Zinzan, how far north? Parry Sound, or more like Timmins? Down here in the GTA Barrie is considered the edge of nothern civilization :)

Any thoughts on the oil composition for the shared gearbox? I keep hearing that the oil should have added "stuff" in it to keep the gears in good shape. Otherwise I'm just gonna go for the cdn tire oil. I'd buy the Millers Mini Oil sold by Minispares if it didn't cost 50 bucks to ship here! I haven't found it available locally.

[UBSTANKN]

I put Castrol GTX 20w50 in my Mini and I haven't had any issues. It should be available at any of the big box auto parts stores. I have heard that synthetic is very bad for Minis.

I haven't heard anything about an additive.

-Mike

[slumkoski]

I could have ordered the Valvoline VR1 oil at CARQUEST in Ottawa, but only in a case of 12 1L's. Looks like there are at least 3 carquest's in the GTA.

[zinzan]

BUMP...sorry, haven't been around here and missed this thread for a few months or so.  Oops.

 

I haven't added anything, but then again my car's in pieces in the garage at the moment.  The old "It started off as a quick fix..." thing.

 

Haven't seen Miller's anywhere in Canada, although I'll check in with my resident Canuck Mini expert and see what he says.