Rowly Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 Folks the Caterham plate says I should use Shell Gemini. I like this sort of instruction. Sadly Shell don't do it any more. I know it can be an imotive subject i.e. the newer magnatec type oils are too thick, the others are too thin etc. but what is the current best recommended oil and what viscosity should I be looking for in my 18,000 mile 1600 Kent X flow. Owner of H979 FNH The Wombat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Sewell Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 On a xflow with carbs where the cylinder walls get a good washing with petrol, and the oil is changed every 3000 miles, I would use any reasonable mineral or semi-synthetic of the correct viscocity which varies according to ambient temperature requirements between 5w/40 and 15w/40. The main diffence being how easy the car is to start in the cold. I have taken the middle ground with a 10w/40 Castrol Magnatec for basic engines. Low tech luddite - xflow and proud! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7SE Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 I thought that the generally accepted wisdom was that a /50 oil is best for x/flows. The first part of the viscosity rating 15W refers to cold viscosity and is relevant to ambient winter temperatures. There are plenty of 15W/50 synth and semi-synth oils around that should do a good job. You can also get Valvoline Racing 20W/50 at a reasonable price. 7SE - Back to basix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Sewell Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 The oil specification that came with my 1995 1700 supersprint was 5w/40. At 1000rpm I get 1.5bar oil pressure on the gauge. Just double checked the manuals last night and fou8nd 15w/40 in the handbook - but the hot 40 rating is consistent. Low tech luddite - xflow and proud! Edited by - Graham Sewell on 16 Oct 2003 08:13:22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavin Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 I use Valvoline Racing in my 1600 sprint engine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowly Posted October 15, 2003 Author Share Posted October 15, 2003 I will be using the car year round and will be parking it outside at times. I can source the Valvoline racing quite easilly at a local motorfactors. What effect will the 20w bit have on a cold engine? Owner of H979 FNH The Wombat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Whizz Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 Roger King told me that he recommends Mobil 1 15 40 fully synthetic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team RogNeedham Posted October 15, 2003 Leadership Team Share Posted October 15, 2003 I'll go with Piers.....Mobil 1 is what I put in last time and no probs *thumbup* Rog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardm57 Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 used mobil 1 in bdg worn out in 4000 miles.Valvoline 20/50 racing 25000 miles just changed shells which were in g/condition.rings u/s which i knew, bores v/good condition.i think this is the best for old design engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 It has to be Castrol R, if only for the smell 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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