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MG MGA - oil ?

Is there any reason why synthetic or semi synthetic oil should not be used in the B series engines, I would be interested to hear of anyones experience and any advice on the best oil to use, I currently use Castrol classic oil that I change at 3000 mile intervals, I apologies in advance if this is a really stupid question. Vin
Vin Rafter

Vin,
I have used synthetic and semi synthetic oil in B series engines when racing/sprinting and rallying for years, without problem. Like you I use Castrol classic for road engines but use synthetic oil for more extreme/competition use. Regards
David

D Townshend

Vin

Like Dave I have been using it for years, after the initial run in period on my 1800 engine. I could immediately tell that the engine was revving easier and the idle increased, which I had to then trim back. I did one season of ordinary road use with a fully synthetic 5/40 I think it was and all was fine, although I sensed it was more prone to slight oil weeps. It did not appear to have any great benefit over the semi-synthetic and, as it cost an arm and a leg in comparison, I reverted to Millers Classic semi-synthetic. Been using it ever since.

Many of our American colleagues have been on synthetic for years.

Steve
Steve Gyles

My car is now on semi synthetic 20:50 oil Vin, I initially used a standard 20:50 without any wear additives so as to help the engine run in.
I have been using semi synthetic since the engine clocked up 2000miles and it runs fine, it appears to have loosened up since I have been using it too.

I will check when I get home to find out which make of oil I have, I think it is Millers but Im not quite sure.

Colyn
Colyn Firth

Vin
I have been using semi synthetic for the past 20 years-Osselli rebuilt my MGB engine in 1990 and after running in recommended Shell Gemini semi synthetic which I have continued to use -switched to Magnatex 10w40 when Shell discontinued Gemini- so far 30000 miles later no oil leaks and motor is as good as new and doesnt use a drop of oil
When I purchased my MGA Coupe MK2 with original (rebuilt)1622 motor in 2007 I switched to Castrol Magnatex 10w40 semi synthetic and have been pleased with the results use about 1 pint per 1000 miles and still looks clean before changing at 3000 mile intervals.I suspect modern improvements in oil technology must give somewhat better protection.
Paul
P D Camp

My engine although still good is past its first flush of youth and I use a standard 20w50. Many, but not all, of the advocates for semi or fully synthetic oil seem to start with a rebuilt engine. May I ask if the condition of the engine is relevant consideration in the choice of oil.
J H Cole

Although both my engines had been rebuilt,when I got the MGA it had about 6000 miles on the clock and it was using standard 20w50 when I switched to Magnatec 10w40 I didnt notice any change in oil pressure (60lbs at hot and 20lbs at idle) or oil usage and the oil seems to keep cleaner ! I suspect a well worn engine may give a higher oil pressure on 20w50 but wether the protection is any better with synthetics thats the question-I feel happier that newer technologie may well offer better wear protection qualities?
Paul
P D Camp

I will make no comment on the oil used in our cars other than to refer you to this article. http://www.ttalk.info/Zddp.htm
Lindsay Sampford

This thread was discussed between 08/11/2010 and 09/11/2010

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