[Healeys] Oil grade for 100 Le Mans

[Bob Spidell]

I've run 20W-50 in both my Healeys--BN2 and BJ8--for years (35+ for the 
BJ8). Note some owners swear by Penrite, which has a 60-rated oil (don't 
know what the winter value is).

The only real 'risk' would be a cold start at freezing or lower temps, 
which could conceivably result in a bit more top end--and starter--wear.

bs


On 3/20/2022 2:14 PM, Henry G Leach via Healeys wrote:
> Michaels-what a timely request. Just last week, I changed the oil in 
> my MK1 Sprite.  I normally use 30W conventional oil. When I went to 
> the various auto stores in my town, all I could find was synthetic or 
> synthetic blends. By luck one of the "Grocery" stores was selling some 
> Castrol 20-50 regular oil in a 5qt jug for $19.95. (closeout?)  I 
> bought it, and changed the oil and the car road tested ran perfect and 
> sounded great with clean oil and same oil pressure as previous. In 
> fear, I went back and bought the last two remaining jugs of this 
> elixir they had on the shelf.
>
> Back when these cars were introduced, multi-grades were just starting 
> to become available and Geoff Healey stated that although interesting, 
> they would still recommend 30W. I plan to use it in the 100 and BJ8, 
> also, as factory specified, in the Jensen-Healey. I have had occasion 
> to see synthetics, due to there small molecular size, leak out of 
> these cars whereas the conventional oil will stay in.
>
> I think if Geoff was still with us today, he would agree that there is 
> nothing wrong with multi-grades but probably not recommend synthetics 
> unless you could keep a diaper under your Healey. Hank
>
> -----------------------------------------
>
> From: "Michael Salter via Healeys"
> To: "Michael Oritt"
> Cc: "Austin Healey"
> Sent: Sunday March 20 2022 1:51:06PM
> Subject: Re: [Healeys] Oil grade for 100 Le Mans
>
> IMHO Michael that will be absolutely no problem.
>
> M
>
> On Sun., Mar. 20, 2022, 4:45 p.m. Michael Oritt via Healeys, 
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
>     Through a stupid mistake on my part today I purchased eight quarts
>     of 20w50 synthetic Amsoil rather than the 10w40 I normally use
>     year-round.  Unfortunately I discovered this mistake this
>     afternoon only after I completed the oil/filter change.
>
>     I am concerned that this higher-viscosity oil might in some way
>     damage my engine.  It has been about 60-70K miles from
>     the engine's having been professionally rebuilt and while oil
>     pressure has fallen somewhat over the last several years the
>     gauge still indicates about 40 psi at 2500-3K rpm's and about 20
>     psi at fast idle with 10w40, in both cases with hot oil and at
>     normal engine operating temperature.  I took the car for a very
>     short spin after completing the change and I am quite sure I did
>     not did not get the oil up to full operating temperatures but in
>     any case the OP did seem a few psi higher than what I am used to
>     seeing
>
>     At this point I have about $125.00 invested in the mistake:  seven
>     quarts and a new K&N filter.  If my fear is verified by your
>     opinions I am certainly willing to drain and refill--I certainly
>     do not want to be driving around if there is a real risk of
>     causing damage.
>
>     I eagerly await the group wisdom.
>
>     Best--Michael Oritt
>
>
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