13 replies to this topic

[NickJ1992]

With so many different oil's available these days it's difficult to know which is the right one for the right engine.

I've got a 1993 Rover mini sprite 1275cc and according the Haynes manual I need 10W/40 to API SH and ACEA-A2.96 but when I go onto the Castrol oil selector it says I'm best off with their Castrol Edge 5W/40 so which one do I get?

 

thanks. 

[Swift_General]

Good quality 20W/50. The recommendation by Rover was for a thinner oil on the later cars, but remember the 'engine' oil sits in and lubricates the gearbox so you don't want it too thin. You will probably find varying opinion on this, so all I will add is that whatever you go for change it frequently (every 3000 miles).

[Cooperman]

Use a 20w50 mineral oil and change it every 2000 to 2500 miles together with the filter. A very good oil is Valvoline VR1 20w50.

[Anthony30]

My gearbox felt better with Millers 20W50, from halfords 20W50. I've also tried Valvoline VR1, with no complaints.   Your choice really.

[mab01uk]

Always remember no modern car shares the same oil with both engine and gearbox like Mini's and older BMC/BL fwd cars........therefore whatever brand of oil you use it must have the extra gearbox additives suitable for BMC/BL transverse engines.......and only a few on sale now do.

 

Millers Transverse M 20w50
Mineral oil especially formulated for the combined engine and gearbox such as the mini
http://www.minispare....aspx?pid=38658

[ukcooper]

I use a new filter and Valvoline VR1 20w50 every 3000 miles.

Halfrauds, classic was ok in the past.

if you know the engines history go with Valvoline( pistons cam box ect), if you don't know its past just go with cheep stuff( regular service)

[Dusky]

Unless its an auto ofc.. :)

[NickJ1992]

thanks thats great help, I'm relatively new to mini's so all comments area great help thanks!

 

 

Unless its an auto ofc.. :)

haha no its a manual thanks anyway!

[govig]

Millers 20/50 that has the GL4 additive.

 

Otherwise Morris or Valvoline 20/50 are good choices. Castrol Edge 5/40 is not imo (understatement).

Edited by govig, 26 July 2016 - 07:25 PM.

[Cooperman]

Castrol Edge 5w40 is a thin synthetic and is entirely unsuitable for the 60+ year old design of the A- series engine and old gearbox.

[jamesmpi]

http://www.theminifo...c/#entry3401296

[blackbelt1990]

Everyone I know uses the Halfords Classic, it's apprently a good spec aswell.

[OzOAP]

+1 for Valvoline VR1.
I use it in everything from the daughters 998 to mighty minis to 7s/miglias.

[Orange-Phantom]

For normal to mildly modified Mini's,

 

Millers Classic Mini Oil

 

http://www.millersoi...sector=Classics

 

or Penrite Classic Mini Oil

 

http://www.penrite-o...lassic-mini-oil

 

For higher spec engines and racing

 

Millers CTV (what I run)

 

http://www.millersoi...ctor=Motorsport

 

Purely Racing Oil

 

Swiftune Racing Mini oil (not suitable for road use).

 

http://www.swiftune....0-race-oil.aspx

 

All these oils are 20W50 and are specifically designed for the combined engine and gearbox combination that the mini has.  They are to my knowledge the only oils designed for the Mini which also protects the gearbox to GL4 levels.

 

Some more info from Millers on their range of oils designed specifically for the Mini.

 

http://www.millersoi..._motorcycle.pdf

Edited by Orange-Phantom, 26 July 2016 - 08:59 PM.