Re: SER1 Engine oil advice sought

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Hi James,
Choosing a motor oil is as  much matter of personal belief as it is  
science.  Motor oils have improved greatly from the days when the  
workshop manual was written and today's  good quality multi-grade  
will be better than a single weight oF 50 years ago.  A couple of  
things to keep in mind when you choose an oil is that your engine  
will have worn over the last 50 years and an oil like the 20W50 will  
give you the viscosity it will need as well as some cold weather  
protection.  Some oils are formulated for older engines but it is  
hard for the average user to tell if that is PR or a significant  
difference.
Many sources advise against synthetics because they are high  
detergent and will soften old seals and create leaks.  Of course a  
Series 1 owner is no stranger to leaks so that may also be a bit of a  
red herring.
The bottom line is that older engines need more frequent changes and  
if the maintenance schedule is followed it should not be a problem.   
Disposing of an expensive specialty oil every few thousand miles does  
not make good economic sense.

Wayne Perrin

On Nov 5, 2005, at 4:40 AM, James Ferguson wrote:

>
>
> I've recently bought my first Series 1. I decided that one of the  
> first things I ought to do was change all the fluids, so that I can  
> then be sure that they are correct.
>
> My Series 1 is a 1957 MY with a 2.0 litre petrol engine.
>
> EP90 and coolant are straightforward, 'cos the S1 takes the same as  
> my old S3.
>
> I need some advice on selecting appropriate engine oil though. My  
> old Series 3 used 20W50 oil, but the Series 1 workshop manual calls  
> for straight 20 grade. I can get straight 20 grade, but it's  
> expensive and only available by special order.
>
> Is there any good reason why I shouldn't use a good quality 20W50  
> changed at the appropriate intervals instead?
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
> James
> -- 
> 1956 88" Series 1 - Huffo
> http://www.ejames.co.uk
>
>
> To change subscription see www.landrover.net/series1/mail
>

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