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MG TD TF 1500 - Air Cleaner Oil

OK, dumb question, but I have to ask. Today when I was disassebling the air cleaner to remove the valve cover, I noted the oil in the air cleaner ('53 TD) was red in color. What's this about? I'm pretty sure the shop that just installed the cork gasket (which leaks like a seive) replenished the oil. Why would they use something besides engine oil?

Larry
L Karpman

Larry,

It may be an oil normally used on foam filters ( like the K&N type ) if it is a red colour and somewhat sticky or it may be Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF)if it is slippery between the fingers but not sticky at all.

If it is filter oil there are a few possibilities for it being used...it is less likely to run than engine oil , it is somewhat stickier than engine oil and has a "tacky" feel and so traps and holds dust better.

If it is ATF , they may have one "all purpose" product for these intended uses ( a lot of places do this regardless of the customers requests ).

I would check the service docket and see what comments if any are on that or ring them and ask to clarify the point.

Cheers , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Thanks Peter. It appears to be ATF as it's quite slick.

Larry
L Karpman

If it smells sweet it might be Marvel mystery oil, which is red.
SEAMUS
F. HEALY

larry
I don't know what the red oil is in your air cleaner, I use Marvel Mystery Oil.
I also use it in my SU dashpots. Seems to not get as dirty as regular Castrol 40 weight. Sure smells better when it get warm.

Tom
T. L. Manion Thomas

my vote for the red fluid a shop would add would be marvel mystery oil, but a quick call to the shop should solve the mystery. no? regards, tom
tm peterson

I called the shop, and they did not add any. I checked when I first got the car for proper oil level, but in my garage light, the color was not evident, so the PO did it. Just for my own pyschotic mind, even though the fluid type really does not matter that much, I will change it over to 20W-50 or such. Now, if I could only get Abingdon air into these tires... :-)


Larry
L Karpman

Marvel Mystery Oil?

Oh enlightened ones... impart to us the knowledge so that we too might aspire to this product of which you speak so highly.

Thanks in advance , Pete.
Peter Thomas

Pete -- Marvel Mystery Oil was developed for a "top-level oiler" as far as I can tell. You can still find the oil in small cans but the oiler mechanism is no longer available. It really was a good lubricant for some jobs, I remember using it on an anemometer. The bearings would become so free that the anemometer would spin quite well just walking up an aisle.

I doubt that you could find it "downunder" but you can never tell.
Cheers,
Bob
R. K. (Bob) Jeffers

Thanks Bob.
I have not heard of it this far South but then again it may be here just waiting to be found.
I'll see if I can find it here. Sounds like good stuff.

Thanks , Pete.
Peter Thomas

I use Marvel Mystery Oil all the time in my Judson Supercharger. You can find it in small bottles or buy like I do by the gallon. Good stuff and yes I to use it in my dashpot/ I used it in both carbs before I got the Judson.It is an excellent upper cylinder oil.
Tom

I don't think it really matters what kind, as long as it wets the mesh so dust and grit will stick. Back years ago, some of the Ford diesel tractors used oil bath aircleaners. If you overfilled, it would suck the oil in and the engine would run away- rather thrilling to say the least.
George Butz

I use Marvel Mystery Oil in my air tools.
Bullwinkle

Marvel Mystery Oil works better than Coke for freeing up rusted nuts & bolts. A week before I removed my exhaust system I sprayed all the clamp bolts with the stuff and they undid like new ones. Great stuff, great smell, but unfortunately you can't drink it like Coke. The viscosity seems about comparable to 10W motor oil.
SEAMUS
F. HEALY

"Marvel Mystery Oil" !
Have used this for years...great stuff.
If your looking for it in the "old familure tin can" ...they don't make that anymore....but you can still find it in a red plastic bottle now! (my local NAPA & Advance Auto stores both carry it).
I have had really good luck starting old engines that have not run in a long time using this product! (Pull the plugs ..and I use a section of clear hose to inject a measured amount into each cyc ...just stick the hose in the bottle and put your thumb over the end to transfer) Let it sit for a few days...and then turn the engine over slowwly by hand for a day or two. It'll smoke for a few minutes but does a really good job freeing rings that are stuck!
I have a couple of the "old-school" tin bottles that fit great next to my "LUCAS" battey in the TF. (One of them actually filled with Castroil 20/50 ...but get a lot of comments on it ....just "looks" better than one of those new "plastic" oil bottles! LOL)
http://www.ttalk.info/images/Sheward/mini-Bonnet%20D%20side.JPG
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

oops ..sorry bad link in last post ...try here:
http://www.ttalk.info/Sheward.htm
David Sheward

SEAMUS,
More years ago than I want to admit to a mechanic I worked with on a used car lot put a couple of rusted bolts in a glass of Coke and made me watch it for a few days.
(I started drinking coffee at a young age after that!) As a "lot-boy" I used coke a lot to free up those old metal lisence plate bolts.....not so sure at this age I wouldn't rather drink the Marvel Mystery Oil! ;-) LOL!!
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Thanks to all of you who responded. I got a RCBS parts tumbler, As I also reload my bullets. Put a few old parts in with some ole brass that I needed to clean up. I checked the parts every hour to see the progress. This tumbling takes a long time. At six hours the bolts were free of rust and tarnish. At ten hours the were like new. Again thanks for all the advise.

Dave Sheward: OSH, ABA, Marvel Mystery Oil, Dave who need help. See you when the sun shines in Ohio.

Tom
T. L. Manion Thomas

Tom,
Not to mention my normal Burbon & Heroin ...but only when working!

On a serious note (rare for me) ....but after seeing this under the picture of your car: "Tom Manion IV - Serving in Iraq - US"
Know that my prayers are with you daily ...God speed for a safe & quick return (hopefuly for the Holidays) and Merry Christmas to all our young men serving to protect us! God Bless.
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Dave
From myself and for my son.For some reason he is blocked from viewing this site. I however will clip your knid words and forward them to him.

THANK YOU

Tom
T. L. Manion Thomas

This thread was discussed between 26/11/2006 and 01/12/2006

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