10 replies to this topic

[inim_repooc]

Yeah... After the work we did on the mini, we gave it a full service, as well as some new 15 /40 carlube oil. After running about for quite a number of weeks, I then realised I haven't check the oil since doing it! So I left it on the flat road over night and checked it the next morning... It was about 1/2 way up from the bottom of the dipstick to the minimum mark! So it looks like it is burning a fair bit of oil ( no leaks anyway! ) I was annoyed at myself for not checking it before then - but these things happen I guess, and to make things worse 2nd gear has started to crunch slightly and feel notchy when engaging when the mini has stood, but it gets better once it has been running in hot oil for a while? I guess this is from bouncing it a few times with little oil splashing it?! (It took a while to get used to double decluching okay?!)

What do you guys think would be best now - should I just keep on driving it (daily) as long as I can drive around the issue, or should I set too and drop the engine out, re build the engine and gearbox etc and start again?

Thanks

[spiguy]

On the oil issue, you really need to establish the usage. How many miles did you cover and how much did it use? My car does about 700 - 1000 miles then needs a pint of oil to top up. That isn't too bad, and from discussions I have had on here it seems that back in the day the dealers wouldn't consider oil burning an issue until worse than 250 miles per pint. So don't worry too much about the oil yet. Top it up to Max, check regularly and see how much it uses.

 

Also, you may find a 20/50 oil a better choice. In theory it should burn a little less than with a 15/40, and it is what most ( myself included) use. A popular choice of oil is halfords 20/50 mineral oil (their 'classic' oil).

 

On the 2nd gear issue, if you can drive around it and the gearbox is otherwise OK, I wouldn't go rebuilding the box for that. Especially if it clears up when hot.

[Austin1987]

I agree with Spiguy, The best way to know how fast the oil is burning it to top it up, make a note of the miles you day and keep checking. As for what to use, just yesterday I went to Halfords to get the 20W50 mineral oil. Im not a fan of Halfords but this is the best oil I have found. £19.99 for 5 litres or £14.99 if you have a trade card.

 

When completing a service turn the engine over a few times so that the oil will fill the new filter ect, re check level and top up again if needed. I know its the basics but worth mentioning.

[Gerbil367]

I use the Halfords 20W50 too and oil usage took me by surprise initially.   Just on the above post - I find it better to prime a new filter with oil prior to fitting (advised by some guys on here when I first got my Mini).

[cal844]

Prime the filter, and use a quality 20/50 mineral oil...

[jaydee]

You are using cheap oil, switch to something better 

With oils, you get what you paid for

[Tommyboy12]

The Halfords 'Classic' 20W50 oil does the rounds in all sorts of names at all sorts of prices. It also goes by Comma Classic, Castrol Classic, Halfords Classic, Motul 20W50, Carlube Classic. All of those also come in exactly the same metal tin! Ive also been told that Wilko's own brand 20W50 Mineral Oil may also be the same formula.

[SMP]

The Halfords 'Classic' 20W50 oil does the rounds in all sorts of names at all sorts of prices. It also goes by Comma Classic, Castrol Classic, Halfords Classic, Motul 20W50, Carlube Classic. All of those also come in exactly the same metal tin! Ive also been told that Wilko's own brand 20W50 Mineral Oil may also be the same formula.

I thought I was doing OK by mini using the halfords classic stuff. If it is the same as Wilko's own brand I'm gutted - I've been abusing the old girl. Are you sure - the halfords stuff is green isn't it - is the wilco oil as well.

[bob540]

The Halfords 'Classic' 20W50 oil does the rounds in all sorts of names at all sorts of prices. It also goes by Comma Classic, Castrol Classic, Halfords Classic, Motul 20W50, Carlube Classic. All of those also come in exactly the same metal tin! Ive also been told that Wilko's own brand 20W50 Mineral Oil may also be the same formula.

Are you sure about this? I don't know much about oil but the halfords classic and carlube classic oils are completely different colours for one. Do you think they're just dyed or something?

[Spider]

It does sound like it's starting to get tired. Wouldn't rush out tomorrow, but I'd suggest saving and planing for an engine & gearbox overhaul.

[Cooperman]

The difference between max & min on the dipstick is 1 Imp. pint. You need to measure how many miles per pint it is doing. If a Mini does 250 miles per pint it is OK. In fact the early 1275 engines used to go down as low as 100 miles per pint from new.

These are old classic car engines which were designed over 60 years ago and will always burn oil.

Also a 20w50 oil is needed, the better quality the better. Valvoline VR1 20w50 or Millers 20w50 are about the best you can buy easily in this country.

If you use a thinner oil expect the gearbox to not last as long as well.