Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22919 Location: UK

Richard got in touch, asking for some advice about recommended lubricants for the classics listed below. I'd have certainly thought that a decent 20/50 would suffice in the E Type, Mini and the Minor, but thoughts welcome on what should be used in the others. I think Castrol and perhaps others also provide some info on their sites regarding lube to use in the older machines:

"Hi there,

I really like like the site, loads of information.

Any chance you might be able to answer a question for me?

I'm trying to find out the oil requirements of several cars. I know it's
not always clear-cut but I wanted to know if 20w 50w viscosity would be
suitable for these vintage cars:

Mini Cooper (1961-64)
Jaguar E Type (3.8, 61-6 Cool

Aston Martin DB5 (63-65)
Ferrari Dino (68-76)
Lamborghini Miura (66-73)
Fiat 500 (60-69)
Citroen DS (55-)
Morris Minor (48-53)

If you know, and you're happy to let me know, great, otherwise do you
know where I might find out?"
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Greeney in France · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject:

I use a YACCO oil here in france that is for limited use classics called VX300 but Millers makes some good quality classic oils
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Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

I think 20/50 is the oil to use in the more mechanically simple vehicles such as the |Mini or Minor but I would scrupulously check before filling the more expensive hardware with anything recommended on a forum. Very Happy

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22919 Location: UK

Agreed ON, the condition of the engine too will no doubt have some bearing on the best lubricant to use also

R
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4333 Location: South Cheshire

As most of my cars consumed oil at an alarming rate! I tended to use supermarket cheapo stuff!,maybe if I ever have a nice new rebuilt engine'snd did intend to do a fair few miles with it I may invest in some better stuff!

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22919 Location: UK

I use either Duckhams 20/50 classic, or else Halford's classic oil, the cheapo supermarket stuff, without even a rating on the can doesn't seem to have much body in it after a while - ok for spraying underneath the wheelarches, not sure for much else!!! Smile

R
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4333 Location: South Cheshire

As most of my cars consumed oil at an alarming rate! I tended to use supermarket cheapo stuff!,maybe if I ever have a nice new rebuilt engine'snd did intend to do a fair few miles with it I may invest in some better stuff!

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2010 Location: Glasgow

I use Penrite 20w-60w for the P2 and Castrol Magnatec for everything else
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clan chieftain · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 2041 Location: Motherwell

When the older cars were first produced the vast majority used 20/50.
Comma oils do a classic 20/50.
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47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2010 Location: Glasgow

My car originally ran on straight SAE-30
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One of Britain's Fine Cars

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

Well as some of you know, I have been running the Ford on modern 20 50. and it is burning oil left riget and centre, and then some, so I have now put some Straight 30 in, and it smells gorgeous, I think I can put up with it burning if it smells like that!

I have an inclin that my crank seal is seaping though, got a bit of judder, so some could be going that way too!

I have got 10 40 I think (not to sure actually, will check) from fuches? Is that how you spell it, in the mini, and that seems to be ok. Local too!

Cheers

Dave

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22919 Location: UK

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

Will do, cheers for the tip!

Dave

Brian M · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

Another vote for Halfords Classic 20-50. Seems to retain its viscosity longer than some other branded 20-50 oils.

Also I like the classic tin!
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ianm · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:10 am Post subject:

G'day all , has anyone used those toilet roll filters , I hear their pretty good but they can filter out some of the super additives because of their molecular size.
Ian Smile