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Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:24 am
by KatiePotatie
I was wondering if you recommend any particular oil to use in my car? And what is best for keeping her all lubed up? :D

I'm new to this car malarkey :oops:

However, I know where to put the oil, water & petrol, so I'm doing ok.

Re: Just a bit of advice neede really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:42 am
by MarkyB
Nothing fancy, cheap 20/50 is what most of us use.

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:55 am
by LouiseM
Yes, 20/50w oil is fine for the engine. And as a new owner, get yourself a workshop manual so you know where / what everything is, how it works and how to fix it. It will also show all of the greasing points and how to carry out regular maintenance. Knowing where to put the oil, water & petrol is a start though! Good luck :D

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:53 am
by KatiePotatie
I got a workshop manual (which just confused me) and I have also managed to get hold of a Haynes manual, so that should help!

I went into Wilkos yesterday & was baffled by all the oil & various other things they had on offer. Oh dear! :

I guess there is no better way to learn than to just get on & give it a go!

Thank you :)

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:59 am
by bmcecosse
Sadly the 'inexpensive' 20W50 oil seems to have pretty much disappeared at the moment. Biggest help tip I offer is - to change the filter and make SURE the support plate and spring are present and correct inside the filter casing. Many get thrown away over the years with the filter at oil change time = no more filtering....... The engine doesn't like that.

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:24 pm
by Matt Tomkins
ESM do castrol 20/50 which is very reasonable if you spend over the £60 needed for free :D shipping.
I'd also do the gearbox oil too at the same time. get 2 gallons so you have some for topping up.
That takes 20/50 too. No filter on this.
The diff is the only thing to take ep90.

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:40 pm
by faversham999
Adsa still sell 20/50 £1.65 Ltr

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:31 pm
by simona1
I use the asda cheap oil and find its fine for the minor never had any problems and recommended by members from here. :D

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:23 am
by KatiePotatie
I like cheap! And there's an Asda up the road, splendid!!

Thank you :)

N.B. I now know where the oil for the gearbox goes. I'm getting good at this :wink:

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:01 am
by mike.perry
Ignore any oil with Synthetic or Semi Synthetic on the label, go for the good old fashioned 20/50 stuff. If it says for basic or classic engines then it is good enough for Minor engines.
Also get a decent car jack and axle stands, do not use the standard jack which comes with the car.
Do not go under the car unless it is securely supported on stands

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:37 pm
by alfabob
Do not use Synthetic or Semi Synthetic oil, its far too thin!!!

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:08 pm
by MarkyB
£1.65 Litre = £7.50 a gallon.
Better to buy in bulk.

Re: Just a bit of advice needed really

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:42 pm
by rayofleamington
I use the asda cheap oil and find its fine for the minor never had any problems and recommended by members from here.
Not by all members!!

Oil that has no ratings on it (API or ACEA rating) is probably waste oil that's been recycled. I wouldn't touch it unless you just wanted to do an engine flush...
For about the ame price it's possible to get a 20/50 with a half decent rating. I think the ESM oil is rated SF (ie. about as good as oil got in the 1980's) and worth choosing everytimne compared to one without a rating.