[Healeys] Differential oil

[Bob Spidell]

I've given some thought to the "manufacturer's recommendations." I seriously doubt--but have no proof--that the manufacturers of engines, gearboxes and differentials test all feasible brands and grades for suitability. They probably have a policy--based on experience and maybe a cross-marketing agreement (e.g. Castrol pays or otherwise encourages Jaguar to recommend their oils; just a theoretical example, no proof)--to recommend fluids they have been using with no adverse effects. For example, Tremec's recommendations for their manual transmissions differ from Ford's (Ford recommends their ATF--big surprise). I doubt Ford tested all available ATFs and came up with proof theirs was the best, but they tried Mercon and it seemed to work fine and, oh, why not recommend your company's products? 

One thing, for engine oil in particular, is to use the recommended viscosity. The owner's manual recommended Motorcraft 5W-20 Semi-Synthetic; I had a bunch of 10W-30 on the shelf and briefly thought "Well, if 5W-20 is OK 10W-30 should be too--after all the numbers are bigger and bigger is better, right?" Fortunately, I stuck with the 5W-20 and later came to find that the Modular engines have plastic, oil pressure-driven timing chain tensioners, and if you use a thicker oil the tensioners won't, well, tension as quickly at startup and the flopping about of the timing chains can break the tensioner rails. 

Bob 



----- Original Message -----

From: josef-eckert at t-online.de 
To: "Chris Dimmock" <austin.healey at gmail.com> 
Cc: "healeys" <healeys at autox.team.net> 
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 10:13:46 AM 
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Differential oil 



Chris, 


Yes, when the Owners Manual names a recommended type of oil I use it when I still can get it, as this is what they used at the factory and they knew why they recommended it. Castrol or Penrite or Millers or even others still produce the right spec.mineral oil. 

And these recommended oils kept my classic cars running for 50years plus. So why shall I use different and perhaps ruin my gearbox, engine or rear axle? 

Sorry I still can´t believe modern synthetic oils are tested in Austin-Healey engines, gearboxes and rear axles and are formulated to keep modern engines/gearboxes/axles/etc. of a much different design running. 



For me: 



No synthetic oils in my classic cars! 



I like to have crossplies fitted to my classic cars of the 50/60s, but that´s my personal taste as for me it gives a period driving experience I like. 



I can´t get the original paint anymore, so I use modern paint matching the original colour and appearance. 




Sorry I do not fill in 50 year old air in the tyres (hard to get) and I have 2bars front and 2bars rear filled in. 



And yes, I drive my Austin-Healeys, but not daily, as we also have modern cars here to drive in daily madness. Much more confortable by the way and better suitable to my daily business. 



Josef Eckert 

Konigswinter/Germany 



54BN1 

62BT7 

65Sprite 

59 DaimlerSP250 

50 Morris Minor Tourer 

78 Mercedes 240D 

and our modern Donkeys for daily business 




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