53 MGTD Domestic Lubrication

[Double M]

Looking for recommendations for Domestic Engine Oil, Transmission Gear Oil and Differential Oil for my 53 MGTD.

 

[Trav]

Domestic in USA or UK or somewhere else?

 

[michaelluscher]

I believe it takes 5.4 (US .qts) of any 10w40/20w50
Valvoline VR1 or Castrol Classic will give you extra Zinc, or you could splash a zinc additive into any other oil
What's the climate?

 

[oliver88]

Vavlvoline VR1 20w50 for the engine , Redline MT-90 for the gearbox or straight 30 weight motor oil, and any 75w90 gear oil you can find for the diff. Have used this combo in my English Austin Healey for decades.

 

[wings&wheels]

Redline states that their gear oils are yellow metal safe and what I use in my fun fleet, so I will second that recommendation. I have used Mobil1 15w-50 in all of my old English cars over the years, but none of your vintage so the VR1 recommendation is sound. That said if it was my vehicle, assuming the motor is sound and not too gunky inside, I would probably use the M1 product and a few short interval changes to start.

 

[Astro14]

While this has flat tappets, it’s a low compression engine with low valve spring pressure and low cam lift. No need to get OCD about Zinc. Just about any 10W40 - 20W50 oil will do. I think the simplest way to get good detergency, which you need with a carburetor, and good zinc, is a 15W40 HDEO. Relatively cheap, very available, more than it needs. Go with 5W40 if you want easier winter starting.

 

[gaff]

I had an MG. Sorriest car i Ever had. But there was one positive about them. They wouldn't run long enough to use any oil!