What oil? : MG Midget Forum : The MG Experience

What oil? #1
ccaster Cliff Tincher Sitka AK, USA Sign in to contact 1970 MG Midget	Topic Creator (OP) Apr 23, 2014 06:13 PM Joined 14 years ago 112 Posts

Hi guys-

What brand of engine/trans oil are people using these days? Our NAPA carries 20-50 in NAPA brand, Castrol GTX, Castrol Sytec, and Royal Purple. None list ZDDP as an additive. Also- has anyone had any issues with the spin-on filter conversion from VB?

Thanks,
Cliff

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Re: What oil? #2
refisk Rick Fisk Frankenmuth, MI, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 23, 2014 07:13 PM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 14,642 Posts

I like Valvoline VR1 20-50W conventional oil. It's formulated for use in engines with flat tappets.

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Re: What oil? #3
SoCalMike Michael Haak Fullerton, CA, USA Sign in to contact 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite 1967 Ford Mustang 1967 MG MGB 1970 MG Midget MkIII	Apr 23, 2014 07:46 PM Joined 10 years ago 91 Posts

Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil 20W-50 was recommended by John at British Connection for my 1275.

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Re: What oil? #4
66jalopy Phillip Jolliffe Lake City, FL, USA Sign in to contact 1956 Morris Minor	Apr 23, 2014 07:58 PM Joined 11 years ago 6,727 Posts

I keep hearing good things about the Valvoline, didn't know about till after using Mobil 1 high mileage 10/40. Just personal opinion but my engine runs 75lbs pressure hot at cruising speed. I am using Amsoil 30 synchro in gearbox, shifts like new. Amzoil 90 in diff.

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Re: What oil? #5
refisk Rick Fisk Frankenmuth, MI, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 23, 2014 08:38 PM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 14,642 Posts

That's the one. They also make a synthetic version of VR1 racing oil. For our Spridgets the conventional is best in my opinion.

PS - I used to live by the Hunt Foods plant on Commonwealth. Smelled like spaghetti sauce at my house most of the time. smiling smiley

In reply to # 2669914 by SoCalMike Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil 20W-50 was recommended by John at British Connection for my 1275.

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Re: What oil? #6
chris Chris Roop (RIP) Pendleton, OR, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 23, 2014 09:38 PM Top Contributor Joined 25 years ago 43,805 Posts

Kendal 20/50; has extra zinc.

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Re: What oil? #7
pacomb Paco Moreno de Barreda Madrid, Spain Sign in to contact 1965 Austin-Healey Sprite	Apr 25, 2014 05:01 AM Joined 12 years ago 555 Posts

In reply to # 2669919 by 66jalopy I am using Amsoil 30 synchro in gearbox,

But the spridget gearbox is intended to use engine oil such as 20w50, no???

How can I know a Valvolina product is mineral or synthetic??

In spain I have found this one, and would like to know if it is the correct one
http://www.pidenosaceite.es/aceite-valvoline-coche/74-aceite-valvoline-vr1-racing-20w50.html

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Re: What oil? #8
refisk Rick Fisk Frankenmuth, MI, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 25, 2014 06:00 AM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 14,642 Posts

Here in the states the synthetic version comes in a black bottle and has the word "Synthetic" prominently displayed on the label. The conventional VR1 comes in a silver bottle.

In reply to # 2671035 by pacomb

In reply to # 2669919 by 66jalopy I am using Amsoil 30 synchro in gearbox,

But the spridget gearbox is intended to use engine oil such as 20w50, no???

How can I know a Valvolina product is mineral or synthetic??

In spain I have found this one, and would like to know if it is the correct one
http://www.pidenosaceite.es/aceite-valvoline-coche/74-aceite-valvoline-vr1-racing-20w50.html

image.jpg 10.3 KB

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Re: What oil? #9
mimssandi Roger & Sandra Hobart Mims, Fla, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 25, 2014 07:47 AM Joined 11 years ago 666 Posts

Use engine oil in the gearbox.

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Re: What oil? #10
Jerram David Jerram Reading, Berkshire, UK Sign in to contact 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite "Old Yeller" 1966 MG Midget "LardArse" 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite "Mr Potts"	Apr 25, 2014 12:26 PM Joined 10 years ago 154 Posts

I put Dynolite gear oil 30 in my gearbox - is that a bad idea? Should I drop it out?

From Moss website:

Gearbox Oil Range
These two multigrade oils replace the SAE30 & 40 as well as the EP80 & EP90 commonly used in gearboxes. They are compatible with straight-cut and synchromesh gears, and safe for use in overdrive units. They do not contain any "EP" type additive that would destroy metals such as bronze, copper or brass. These oils do not contain any friction modifier additive causing slipping of overdrive clutches and preselected gearboxes (Cotal, Wilson).

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=23861

David J.

https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A4532ODWyhgHM

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Re: What oil? #11
Kerr Norm Kerr Ann Arbor, MI, USA Sign in to contact 1974 MG Midget	Apr 25, 2014 05:25 PM Top Contributor Joined 15 years ago 9,769 Posts

The A series gear box was designed for engine oil (straight 30W, actually, though 20W50 is very, very close, so that is what most people use).

Using gear oil (even though the viscosity chart makes it seem like it would be "really close to the same thing" is not the same enough, and does lead to gearbox failures.

Norm

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What oil?

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