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Post by tony105 on Oct 14, 2012 19:30:45 GMT
I realise the topic of 'which oil' to use has been discussed often on the forum, but I wonder if anyone could advise the merits of either mineral or synthetic oil? I'm changing the oil tomorrow on my Mini and am aiming to give 20/50 a try but I don't really know if mineral or synthetic is best.
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Post by jockduck on Oct 14, 2012 22:16:54 GMT
Hi, yes its an interesting subject, The issue has been discussed at length on motorcycle forums and that interests us because most motorcycles use a wet clutch just like mini auto boxes, There was problems in those motorcycles with synthetic oils causing clutch slip so much so that some oil company's produced a special synthetic oil to cope with wet clutches. So I guess you could use one of them to reduce your fears of doing damage. Personally I stick to mineral oil in my mini matic, its far cheaper than synthetic especially if you change it at 2000-3000 miles. I do use synthetic in my other modern car because it is used mainly for long trips (10000km) and it saves me having to do an oil change mid trip.
Is there anyone out there using synthetic in a AP autobox without problems?
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Post by shoutforjoy on Oct 15, 2012 6:58:55 GMT
The problem of synthetic oils causing clutch slip is why most people don't recommend them for AP automatics. This advice has been around for years though and oil technology has come a long way in this time. The people who understand oil technology claim that synthetic is best and will not damage the transmission but I just can't bring myself to use it.
The previous owner of my Mini used to chuck in whatever she had to hand and the car managed 70,000 miles before the transmission failed.
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Post by tony105 on Oct 15, 2012 11:24:55 GMT
Thanks for the responses - much appreciated. I do find a huge difference to the performance of the transmission each time I replace the oil. I try to change the fluid and filter every 2, 3000 miles. I'll update with feedback when I get the car back later today.
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Post by notamini on Oct 15, 2012 18:41:01 GMT
Bought my America 1300 auto in 2004. It was slipping badly in all but 3rd gear once it was warmed up. (4th had no drive under 45mph) Being too uncertain I would end up with major repairs, I have yet to get the courage to crack the case and overhaul the transmission.
Even though I have only done 3 oil changes and put 3,200 miles on it, each change has improved the situation. Now it has a total of 27,800 miles.
The last change was 20/50 mineral for the first time. I immediately found an improvement in 'warm' performance but little change from issues which happen after 1hr. driving.
My N. American issued A+ engine was stickered for 10/30 on the valve cover. I have no idea what was ever run through it prior to me owning it.
On my first oil change, I added Lucas transmission conditioner. I saw no change good or bad.
My biggest problem is having the car idle for 6 months and then only driving in warm, sunny weather. The oil goes stale and likely acidic too in that time.
Just thought I would share this with the group in case it helps.
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Post by tony105 on Oct 15, 2012 19:00:41 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. I've just collected the Mini and so far the 20/50 seems fine with no slipping. I'm keen to see how it performs on long runs. I've never used any form of fortifier but have heard both good and bad reports on these.
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Post by asahartz on Oct 20, 2012 18:55:02 GMT
Do not use synthetic oil in a Mini!
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