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 - 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 anyone’s 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

MG MGA index

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