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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Duckhams oils

For the purist or nostalgic that might want to put say Duckhams 'Classic Q 20w-50' in their MG for the two brands associations and particularly for getting the "correct" period oils, some info.

From Duckhams website -
"2020
MAKING HISTORY AGAIN.
Duckhams successfully appoints Moove Lubricants (part of Cosan Group) as exclusive blender and marketer of the Duckhams brand across 47 European countries."

Moove (was previously called COMMA Oil & Chemicals Limited) - "one of Brazil’s largest lubricant companies in the country, which operates globally in the production and distribution of Mobil, Comma and professional brands. In Brazil, the company focuses on the production and distribution of Mobil brand lubricants, the distribution of base oils, in addition to the Zip Lube franchise network specializing in automotive services."

Moove is part of the Cosan Group - "a holding company committed to Brazil’s sustainable development and that, increasingly, invests in businesses dedicated to integrated logistics and the diversification of the Brazilian energy matrix."


The example of Duckhams 'Classic Q 20w-50' the 'Product Data Sheet' (and can label?) state - "Recommended for vehicles requiring 20W-50 oil meeting the following specifications: SAE 20W-50, API SJ/CE".

Now, SJ (for petrol engines) specification came in 1996 and specifications SB to SE, which would cover all midgets, are considered obsolete.

The 'Product Data Sheet' also has - "Suitable for use in older higher mileage petrol and non-turbo charged diesel classic car engines".

There's 0.11% (zero point one, one, percent - 1100 ppm -parts per million) Zinc in it for those that are concerned about such figures in isolation.

But -
- it does come in a gallon! metal can (or 1 litre!).

https://www.duckhams.com/duckhams-classic-q-20w-50/

So, obviously as with all these old names the oil in the can now isn't the same as the oil back in the day, it's probably a lot better, and they can be as much more of a branding, marketing and sales exercise.

It should still be a reasonably good oil and if you think it is suitable to what you want and need I doubt (as a totally non-expert, in anything including oil) it'll do any harm to use it (I used to use Halfords Classic in my Midget).

Comma also make the Comma, Halfords and Wilko classic 20w-50 oils.

Comma Classic 20w-50 (5 litres, tin can)
. "API SE CC"
. "oil change every 2000 to 3000 miles"
. "Shelf Life: 5 years from date of manufacture. • Manufacture date can be identified from an eight digit code printed on the bottle. YYYY.MM.DD."

Halfords Classic Oil 20W50 (5 litres tin can)
. "API SE CC"
. "NB. Recommended oil change every 2000 to 3000 miles"

Wilko 20W50 Classic Car Oil (now 4 litres plastic bottle)
. "API, SE, CC"
. "Contains calcium long chain alkaryl sulphonate"

More details from -
Moove Lubricants Ltd., Dering Way, Gravesend, Kent. DA12 2QX
Telephone: +44 (0)1474 564 311 - Technical Helpline: +44 (0) 1474 546319
Nigel Atkins

Coo, This means I can make use of my 70's sticker that had filed away in my collection.....


J Smith

Yeap that looks like stuff from the 70s.

Have you got or able to take a photo of the question(s) and answer(s) in the leaflet please as that'd be interesting for the language used if nothing else.

Very PC postcard too, perhaps not the perfect body bit, sort of school project feel to it.
Nigel Atkins

Here you are Nigel.

In fact looking through the Duckhams leaflets in more detail (there are a few more along with a Castrol booklet- all found inside an old car manual I bought from a charity shop) it would appear they date from early 1964.





J Smith

I bought 20 litres of Duckhams Classic Q 20w-50 in a plastic container from opie oils early last year. It was a very good price. A lot cheaper than the circa 30 quid fir 5ltrs you can buy now. The price of oil has gone up a lot recently.
anamnesis

As an aside, the price of oil has been on a downward trend since 2008 or so. There is actually plenty of oil in the world still to be had and at fairly cheap uplift costs. It's one reason why North Sea oil is pretty much stuffed unless the Brent price skyrockets, and (yet another) reason why oil remains a truly viable source of energy whilst staggeringly expensive renewables remain the scam that they truly are. Stand by for a huge increase in your energy bills to pay for the UK government folly of going down the renewables route - especially daunting for those on lower wages/benefits/pensioners etc.
Oggers

Thanks J Smith, I was only expect the leaflet to be very brief.

The inside of the leaflet is very 1960s, truly a wonder oil, can you imagine a leaflet like that now.

Note the half fill the sump with (Duckhams) flushing oil before filling with fresh.

Manufacturer's websites, aren't they marvellous, it can find my car by it's registration but provides no recommended oils for it, so do I assume as the Q 20w-50 is shown as an API SJ it's unsuitable for my car !?

Which of course it is, I'm getting mixed messaging. 🤣
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed on 07/08/2021

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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