[Healeys] Oil grade for 100 Le Mans

[Jim Ryan]

I also have run 20-50 Castrol in both my BJ7 and MK1 Sprite.  Never an
issue.  But, I have often wondered about the synthetic question.  Can I in
fact change over to that, and if so, what would the pros/cons be?

On Sun, Mar 20, 2022 at 4:57 PM Bob Spidell <bspidell at comcast.net> wrote:

> 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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-- 

Jim Ryan

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