25 replies to this topic

[Laurie]

Apologies if this has already been asked, no doubt it has but I don't have time to search right now.
I'm getting some oil for Benny, and I'm being told that 5w 50(!) Is the way to go, is it?

[panky]

Use a good 20/50, that's what they like.

[Laurie]

Use a good 20/50, that's what they like.

Many thanks x

[Spider]

Darn it,,, I thought you were putting out an offer,,,,,

 

Glass on this time,,,,

[cal844]

Use a good 20/50, that's what they like.

Many thanks x

I use comma classic oil, I do approx 5000 miles a year between changes, purely due to financial constraints however I'd recommend valvoline VR1 or the Millers stuff

[panky]

Me too - in the Morris, the Mini and the Commers

[Northernpower]

MiniSpares oil and filter offer. It works fine in my engine but I do change it regularly.

[Laurie]

It was Comma oil I bought, the can with the picture of the classic mini on the front

Edited by Laurie, 25 August 2017 - 06:57 PM.

[Orange-Phantom]

I'm not a fan of the Comma Oil, the ZDDP content is 800ppm whereas it really should be 1200-1400ppm.

 

Millers do a Mini Oil (Mineral) or a higher spec Motoracing Mini Oil (Semi Synthetic)  these also protect the gearbox to GL4 spec.

 

The Vavoline VR1 also gets good reviews.

 

If your budget is tight then the Minispares oil has the correct ZDDP content of 1300ppm.

[Laurie]

I'm not a fan of the Comma Oil, the ZDDP content is 800ppm whereas it really should be 1200-1400ppm.
 
Millers do a Mini Oil (Mineral) or a higher spec Motoracing Mini Oil (Semi Synthetic)  these also protect the gearbox to GL4 spec.
 
The Vavoline VR1 also gets good reviews.
 
If your budget is tight then the Minispares oil has the correct ZDDP content of 1300ppm.

Many thanks
I'll hands up admit I don't know the first thing about motor oil, but I am good at asking questions. I'll also be honest the only reason in the end behind purchasing the comma oil was the mini on the front after being told by the shop owner it was 'over there' classic unhelpful assistant after they've already told you the grade not telling you which is best

I'll definitely look out for those next time I'm there (or more likely buy from Minispares)

Edited by Laurie, 26 August 2017 - 03:55 PM.

[Cooperman]

The classic Mini shares its engine oil with its gearbox, so the oil requirement is a bit different from other similar aged designs.

The gearbox needs a high ZDDP level, so that is why a 20w50 mineral oil is recommended with the highest possible ZDDP level.

Change it every 2000 miles for best engine life. The original 1959 oil service interval was 1500 miles and those of us doing around 20,000 miles per annum used to have to change it monthly.

If you can buy it locally, Valvoline VR-1 is about the best you can get for the Mini.

[panky]

After hearing that I'll get VR1 for the next oil change, only do low mileage so wont break the bank. But it's still Comma for the Commers

[Orange-Phantom]

Sorry Cooperman the Millers Nanodrive CTV 20W50 semisynthetic is a much better oil for the mini than the Vavoline Vr1 Mineral Oil, which is just an engine oil whereas the Ctv oil is specifically designed for the mini and it's combined engine and gearbox design. The Millers will furthermore protect the gearbox to GL4 spec whereas the Valoline isn't spec'd to that at all. It's just an engine oil. Plus the the Millers Nanodrive oils won the Queens Award! Not wanting to start an oil war but the Vaoline is just an engine oil whereas the CTV is specifically designed for combined engine and gearbox applications and is blended for the mini. I've spoken to one of the chemists who developed the oil, and I run it along with my brother who wins his class in all the racing events he has entered and to date I've found nothing better. Millers don't recommend anything other for high performance minis than this despite blending oils for the very upper echelons of motor sport which includes F1 Hewland Gearboxes, Touring Cars, Rally cars etc. If in any doubt give them a ring. I would also recommend this for your Cooper S and I would recommend you give them a shout to clarify what I've said. There are not many companies that would go out of their way to blend a very high performance oil specifically for the olde mini!

Edited by Orange-Phantom, 27 August 2017 - 04:11 AM.

[Tobyrm1]

Sorry Cooperman the Millers Nanodrive CTV 20W50 semisynthetic is a much better oil for the mini than the Vavoline Vr1 Mineral Oil, which is just an engine oil whereas the Ctv oil is specifically designed for the mini and it's combined engine and gearbox design. The Millers will furthermore protect the gearbox to GL4 spec whereas the Valoline isn't spec'd to that at all. It's just an engine oil. Plus the the Millers Nanodrive oils won the Queens Award! Not wanting to start an oil war but the Vaoline is just an engine oil whereas the CTV is specifically designed for combined engine and gearbox applications and is blended for the mini. I've spoken to one of the chemists who developed the oil, and I run it along with my brother who wins his class in all the racing events he has entered and to date I've found nothing better. Millers don't recommend anything other for high performance minis than this despite blending oils for the very upper echelons of motor sport which includes F1 Hewland Gearboxes, Touring Cars, Rally cars etc. If in any doubt give them a ring. I would also recommend this for your Cooper S and I would recommend you give them a shout to clarify what I've said. There are not many companies that would go out of their way to blend a very high performance oil specifically for the olde mini!

+1. I like this oil!

[Dusky]

Do they advice it for the road too?