MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - MGA Lubricants

Hello Folks. This question is so basic that I cannot find a thread on it. I have just read the MGA 1600 Driver's Handbook. It has quite an eclectic collection of lubricants, including an "oil gun" for lubricating a nipple. I have never had an oil gun. To put me on the right track, can you tell me what lubricants you use for your MGA, assuming that you live in a hot climat like Texas? I will be happy to get what I need, I just don't want to get something I DON'T need. Thanks in advance.
G. A. Boley

For a hot climate such as Australia or Texas.

engine 20W/50 Multigrade
gearbox 20W/50 Multigrade
Rear axle 80W/90 EP Hypoid oil
Steering rack 80W/90 EP Hypoid oil. Do not use grease.
SU dashpots 20W/50 Multigrade.

The oil gun is for getting the 80W/90 Hypoid oil into the steering rack oiling fittings. It has to fit the oiling fittings. However, this can be also be done by loosening the telescopoic gaiters on the rack and squirting oil in there.
It is best to have some type of oil gun for the rear axle, a simple one with a squeeze handle and a long, narrow neck.

Mick
M F Anderson

Mick, My early A is not at it's best till the gearbox warms up, after that it is fine. I believe that the syncro ( baulk ) rings are baulking due to oil viscosity. Has auto trans oil been tried for Winter running ? It has a lower viscisity than 20/50 and has friction additives for the paper type clutches. Heavy duty applications in early Ford Autos had brass clutches. I remember the Mk 2 Ford Zephers (late '50s) were impossible to get into 2nd when cold , Melbourne Winters, the only cure that worked was a friction additive from Bardhal. I believe the cause was a hydraulic lock behind the balk ring, as it was known as then. I don't remember what oil Ford recomended.
I'm always a bit confused about multi grade oil, does it realy do what the advertising claim ? Sean
S Sherry

Sean,

I would not put low viscosity auto trans oil in an MGA gearbox. The 1950's design (or earlier) type gearboxes require a reasonable viscosity oil for their heavily loaded helical gears and large component clearances. My Triumph gearboxes use 80W/90.
Sluggish operating gearboxes when cold are just a fact of life with these old designs, you get it on the MG, Triumph, Jaguar etc...

I forgot to mention the MGA water pump. The book says to use 140W oil, but 80W/90 is satisfactory. The important point is to just use a few drops every 6,000 miles. Do not over oil.

Mick
M F Anderson

Thanks Mick, The major problem for me with both my MGA and RMB 2.5 Riley was not knowing what was normal to these cars. Eg., I tried to sort the front wheels locking under guick hard breaking until Barney told me that how they are. Most later cars had the opposite problem due to weight transfer. Maybe some people with detailed knowledge of particular models could write up "What to expect " articles. I for one would appreciate them to have on file.
Now I know. Many thanks Sean
S Sherry

Mick,
Finally someone else who uses 20W-50 in the dashpots. I have been using this since new on my '73 MGB and 2003 after restoring my '57 MGA. I have never had a problem with fluttering, and both the cars accelerate smoothly. I think it is the best oil for this use.

Ralph
Ralph

I have a large (about A2) poster dated 1956 that is a complete diagram of all the lubrication points at various ,mileages on the MGA. It also says which oils to use where.

I've been thinking of making some full size reproductions of these if anyone is interested. Please mail me offline at dominicATclancy.ch
dominic clancy

I have a SUNOCO service chart that will print page size at 200 dots per inch, easy to read. See here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/care/cf105.htm
Barney Gaylord

As many of you will know in a previous post from me, to save using the oil gun on the steering box in almost impossible access angles, I modified the oilers to take a drip feed system, similar to pre-war MGs. Picture attached.

Steve


Steve Gyles

Hadn't seen Barney's one before, mine id a factory issue one.
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed between 14/08/2010 and 16/08/2010

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.