15 replies to this topic

[Marc13]

Hi,

 

its time for me to do the 1st oil change since I've owend the Mini - qhats the best engine oil to use - its a 1380cc?

 

Thanks

Marc

[nicklouse]

The engine size has little to do with what oil to use.

 

what gear box has greater impact. If an Auto you should use a totally different oil to a manual but I don’t think this will be an auto?

 

the there is what you use it for. Standard road use the same as forma standard car. Competition use you might want to use something else.  But with any Mini regular oil changes are a must.

[Cooperman]

The VERY best oil for the classic Mini is, IMHO, Kendall 20w50. This is expensive and can be hard to find in th UK.

Valvoline VR-1 is the oil of choice for many of us. It has a good ZDDP level (zinc addditive) which the gearbox needs and holds its viscosity well even when used in competition. It is easily available as well.

[gazza82]

Amazon sell Kendall 20W50.. of course they do ...

https://www.amazon.c...n/dp/B00NORLQI6

[MiniCarJack]

I've used Valvoline VR1 previously and liked it, but have also had similarly good results from Millers' 20w50 Classic Mini Oil. Both are readily available and would be a good choice for a road-going mini with a manual gearbox.

[JXC Mini GT]

What is the general view on Minispares 20 / 50 oil, with a Zinc/ZDDP (1300ppm)?

 

[whistler]

What is the general view on Minispares 20 / 50 oil, with a Zinc/ZDDP (1300ppm)?

I use it on 3 engines. Alternatively I use Halfords Classic 20w50 for road use.

[Miki Leyland]

I have always used Millers Classic Mini and last year changed to Valvoline Vr1 20W50 due to lack of availability here after the Brexit. A bit of dissapointment to me as does not seem to hold the pressure as well as the Millers did on the hot Iberic days. Works fine to me under 15ºC.

[Marc13]

Just picking up on this - got delayed a little!

Oil ordered.

Are there any recommendations for the oil filter?

[PoolGuy]

Amazon sell Kendall 20W50.. of course they do ...

https://www.amazon.c...n/dp/B00NORLQI6

The fact that it's sold in 3.75litre containers is enough to put me off buying it and stick to the sensibly packaged VR1.

[stuart bowes]

How much does a mini take by the way just curious for future ref. I suppose I would have just looked it up but seeing as this is a post on topic

[imack]

How much does a mini take by the way just curious for future ref. I suppose I would have just looked it up but seeing as this is a post on topic

About 8 1/2 pints for a manual including filter. Plus another pint or so if you have an oil cooler

[cal844]

Just picking up on this - got delayed a little!
Oil ordered.
Are there any recommendations for the oil filter?

Mahle OC21

Edited by cal844, 15 July 2022 - 09:15 PM.

[cal844]

How much does a mini take by the way just curious for future ref. I suppose I would have just looked it up but seeing as this is a post on topic

An A or A+ manual engine is 4.8 litres including filter

[Magneto]

Unless you're in a hot climate (England?) or have a worn engine unable to hold pressure, I'd recommend 10W40. It flows a lot better especially in a cold start up. Any of the above brands are fine.....