MK1 67 MGB OIL AND COOLER OPINION

[Colin01]

Hi I live in Australia. My 67 MGB with 1.8l BMC "B"series engine is fitted with a factory oil cooler. I intend to use a 15w40 mineral oil in it. I feel having a oil cooler is unnecessary for a standard tuned engine of this size and power output Oil technology has moved on and is greatly superior to 1960's. What do people think? Thanks Colin

 

[CT8]

What is the oils temps?

 

[IMSA_Racing_Fan]

If the engine has a lot of miles on it and its as hot a climate as I'm assuming the 15W-40 might be a good choice, or a 10W-40 if recently rebuild. Please ignore the inevitable 5W-20 suggestions lol

 

[Silk]

The only BMC B Series engine to have an oil cooler was the MGB, and maybe the MGA. Plenty of B Blocks in other cars pulling big loads and working harder than an MGB without any problems.

 

[SR5]

I agree that a modern 15W40 is light years ahead of what they used back in 1967

Talked about a few of them here
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4651716/

You can also get good deals on stuff like GTX UltraClean 15W40 (API SN/CF and ACEA A3/B3) regularly through the year
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/5014736/

Also don't forget mixed fleet (diesel & petrol engines) HDEOs like Shell Rimula R4 X 15W40, or Caltex Delo 400 or Castrol RX Diesel 15W40. All Good strong oils.

 

[Kira]

Flash from the past....the MGB GT was my favorite car from my kiddiehood.

 

[Bud]

I have had several MGB's starting with a 66. Last one was a 71. All came standard with the oil cooler.

 

[ka9mnx]

I loved my MGB-GT which replaced an Austin Healey Sprite. Roll up windows - WOW!

 

[Randy_R]

My BIL has a Midget and his buddy had a B and they ran 20W-50 also in the gearbox, I think. Valvoline VR1 you can get anywhere in the US. I got him a case of Brad Penn and he liked that too. Can you get 20W-50 down there?

 

[ka9mnx]

Yea, the "B" ran engine oil in the gearbox.

 

[SpitFire6]

Why would anybody use 20W50 in a road car?

 

[bullwinkle]

In a country where high temps in summer (Northern hemisphere winter) exceed 40C on a regular basis, I would think 20W50 would be on the THIN side!

 

[SR5]

Originally Posted by Randy_R
Can you get 20W-50 down there?

Yes you can, and thicker, it's Australia.

I often ran Penrite HPR 30 (20W60) plus we get a Castrol Edge 25W50, both high ZDDP if that car requires it.

Then you get Penrite HPR40 (25W-70) and HPR50 (40-70) no Winter "W" rating for that last one.

 

[Silk]

Originally Posted by ka9mnx
Yea, the "B" ran engine oil in the gearbox.


Same gearbox in the J4 van used EP90.