BEST ENGINE OIL!!

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Retroman
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#1 BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Retroman » Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:23 pm

Dear Brethren,

No doubt this question will cause some debate.

Is Castrol XL 20/50 mineral oil the best to use as it closest to Castrol GTX as recommended in the dim and distant past?

Has anybody tried Millers 20/60 or one of the other semi synthetic derivatives.

Also in the UK Classic Oils Heritage 20/50 gets a good write up and is very reasonable priced and on the face of it looks a good spec:

https://www.classic-oils.net/Classic-Oi ... tage-20W50

What are the pundits thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Nigel.

.
,
1969 E Type Series 2 2+2 Auto with Power Steering UK Registered

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chrisfell
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#2 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by chrisfell » Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:51 pm

“ Has anybody tried Millers 20/60 or one of the other semi synthetic derivatives.”
Yup.
I use semi synth and have done for years. Tried the 20W60 from Millers last year, and I’ll be honest i couldn’t tell the difference between 20W50 and 20W60. Maybe this is because the difference is when the oil is hot and is something I cannot read using just the oil pressure gauge. Cold these oils are identical.

As for those that claim synthetic oils will eat oil seals and promote leaks and give your cat cancer, all I can say is I’ve been using synthetic oils in my bag of nails’ engine for over a decade. The engine leaks no more than it did I before with mineral oil. Synthetic oil gives me more flexibility around the 3,000mile service interval of the XK engine. Useful when my annual mileage could be a little more than that almost every year. I use it for this reason and no other.

Regardless of the mileage between services, I always change the filter when I change the oil . The official service interval is 3,000 miles for oil, 6,000 miles for the filter.

As I like the stuff (Millers 20W60), my next purchase will commit me to using it for a few years. I’m buying a 20l drum of it.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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abowie
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#3 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by abowie » Fri Jul 10, 2020 9:53 pm

My own view is that given that we drive our cars infrequently and change the oil regularly it doesn't make a cracker of difference what we use. None of my cars would do 2000 miles between oil changes.

I use the cheapest brand name 20W 50 mineral based oil I can get at the time. Usually Valvoline XL.
Andrew.
881824, 1E21538. 889457. 1961 4.3l Mk2. 1975 XJS. 1962 MGB
http://www.projectetype.com/index.php/the-blog.html
Adelaide, Australia

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Joes66
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#4 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Joes66 » Sat Jul 11, 2020 6:09 am

Mineral oils are derived from the refining of crude petroleum. During the process, natural contaminants and unwanted hydrocarbons are removed.

Mineral oils are ideal for older vehicle models that were developed to run on less technologically advanced lubricants; a reason why they’re also a low-cost option for fleet managers and motorists.

However, mineral oils do flow through engine circuits slower than synthetic oils, which can result in increased fuel consumption and impacted vehicle performance. Mineral oils also need to be changed more frequently than synthetic oils. However, if they are recommended by your automotive manufacturer, mineral oils can still provide high-quality lubrication, usually more so than synthetic lubricants.

This is from the oil manufacturer Total

Don't use semi synthetic oil in your classic
1969 series 2 2+2

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malcolm
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#5 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by malcolm » Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:53 am

I use Castrol 20/50. I've also used comma, and the cheapest of therm all - Halfords classic mineral 20/50 sold in gallon cans. All work fine.
Malcolm
I only fit in a 2+2, so got one!
1969 Series 2 2+2
2009 Jaguar XF-S
2015 F Type V6 S

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chrisfell
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#6 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by chrisfell » Sat Jul 11, 2020 8:24 am

"Don't use semi synthetic oil in your classic"

I could not disagree more.

The OP asked about using semisynthetic oil of the same (similar) multigrade viscosity as oritinally specified by Jaguar for the XK engine in the 1960s. Millers semisynthetic is formulated specifically for older engines in car like Jaguars and Aston Martins.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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#7 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by cactusman » Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:03 pm

Agree Chris....I use Millers....fine oil...
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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#8 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by SESH » Sat Jul 11, 2020 4:27 pm

I always use Valvoline VR1 20/50 Mineral Racing Oil.

Mike
1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 OTS Signal Red
1968 Proteus Jaguar C Type Ecurie Ecosse Flag Blue
1963 Triumph TR4 Signal Red
2020 Mustang Bullitt Highland Green

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Joes66
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#9 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Joes66 » Sun Jul 12, 2020 6:25 am

Chris
The millers oil you are referring to is the racing oil they produce for modified racing engines
Millers have a range and recommend normal mineral oil for normal non race classic cars
1969 series 2 2+2

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#10 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by chrisfell » Sun Jul 12, 2020 7:47 am

Joes66 wrote:
Sun Jul 12, 2020 6:25 am
Chris
The millers oil you are referring to is the racing oil they produce for modified racing engines
Millers have a range and recommend normal mineral oil for normal non race classic cars
No it isn’t. Millers do make a fully synthetic oil formulated for racing applications. The oil I use isn’t that oil.

Image

This is from Millers’ website.
“Classic Sport 20w60 is a high performance SAE 20w60 semi-synthetic multigrade engine oil. This product is made with enhanced performance additives and shear viscosity improvers to deliver higher protection at competition temperatures. It is formulated with full ZDDP (zinc/phosphorus) for ultimate protection.
Ideally suited to Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lotus and similar high specific output engines., yet suitable for all discerning owners who want the best possible oil for their classic engine. Meets API SJ.”

Important points to note:- “protection at competition temperatures” doesn’t mean only racing cars. And “suitable for all discerning owners who want the best possible oil for their classic engine” is all the recommendation that I need from Millers.

And as the title of this thread, the OP’s original request, is (what is the) Best Engine Oil, one has to conclude, mineral oil isn’t the right answer. It might be adequate given the mileage some of our classics do each year. But, like the OP, I’m not looking for Adequate. I’m looking for Best. After all, that is why I own and drive an E-Type.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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Tom W
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#11 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Tom W » Sun Jul 12, 2020 8:04 am

I use Millers 20-50 at the moment. I went for the performance version, as it says it’s better at dealing with high temperatures. I’m not racing, but the car can get hot in traffic. The engine seems to run well on it. One of the reasons for choosing Millers initially is it was readily available from my local motor factor. Being able to easily get a can for top ups is important to me. For the same reason, I’ve also used Castrol in the past. I don’t like mixing different manufacturers/grades between oil changes. The engine seemed fine on Castrol too, no change in oil pressure behaviours.

Many reputable companies now make a classic specific oil. Apart from the marketing hype, I’ve no way of judging which is actually best. I think the only ones to avoid are the oils designed and marketed for older higher mileage engines. They’re intended to compensate for wear and leaky seals in 20 year old bangers, not specifically for rebuilt engines but of an older design.
Tom
1970 S2 FHC

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justintime
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#12 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by justintime » Sun Jul 12, 2020 8:49 am

Im new to this whats wrong with mobil 1

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Tom W
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#13 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Tom W » Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:18 am

Depends which one you’re talking about. Mobil One is a brand name that covers a range or oils.
Tom
1970 S2 FHC

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#14 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by chrisfell » Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:50 pm

“ Im new to this whats wrong with mobil 1”

Nothing, it is an excellent oil. Mobil 1 is fully synthetic and comes in a variety of weights, one of which, 15W50, is suitable for the XK engine. And Mobil 1 has 1000ppm ZDDP which the flat tappets of the XK engine need. The 15W for starting means that oil will get around the engine just a little quicker than a 20W oil. However, Mobil market this particular multigrade Mobil 1 as suitable for racing motorcycles. It is also a little more expensive than the Millers oil I use.

One engine builder I know based in Bristol recommends Mobil 1 for use after the running in period. During the first 1000 mile running in period he recommends a mineral oil, which should then be changed for the synthetic oil.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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#15 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Tom W » Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:56 pm

Mobil one is excellent. However, I looked on their website and the tool they have for identifying the correct oil for our engines comes up with some alarming results. It suggests something much too thin.
Tom
1970 S2 FHC

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AshM
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#16 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by AshM » Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:02 pm

This is a very interesting topic and I respect there is an element of personal preference.

Just checking that my choice is okay?

Penrite Classic? I change my oil and filter every 2,000 miles.

Would value views.


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Series 2 FHC 1970
1R 20607

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#17 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by Tom W » Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:10 pm

I’ve not used it myself, but I’d count the Penrite you’re using in the list of classic suitable oils, by a reputable manufacturer, and of appropriate weight. If you’re happy with it, I think it’s fine.
Tom
1970 S2 FHC

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#18 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by AshM » Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:21 pm

:thankyouyellow:
Series 2 FHC 1970
1R 20607

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#19 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by mgcjag » Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:22 pm

Well lets turn this around a bit.....who can name a 20/50 oil that isnt suitable....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#20 Re: BEST ENGINE OIL!!

Post by chrisfell » Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:00 am

mgcjag wrote:
Sun Jul 12, 2020 10:22 pm
Well lets turn this around a bit.....who can name a 20/50 oil that isnt suitable....Steve
Any 20W50 oil with low or no ZDDP. This includes mineral oils such as Coma Classic, which rumour has it is also sold by Halfords under their own brand. Zinc additive level is 800ppm or 0.08%. Flat tappet engines really need over 1000. The Millers oils, as mentioned earlier in this thread has 1100.
Chris '67 S1 2+2

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