Stag : current thinking on oils ?

Stag : current thinking on oils ?

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Discussion

spitfire4v8

Original Poster:

4,017 posts

188 months

Tuesday 18th September 2012
quotequote all
What's the current favourites for oils for a manual Stag with overdrive? Synthetics seem to have favour with some as an aid to added cylinder head cooling I've heard, but what viscocities are best for correct chain tensioner function. And what does the collective wisdom think about evans waterless coolant in place of traditional water/antifreeze mix? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

spitfire4v8

Original Poster:

4,017 posts

188 months

Wednesday 19th September 2012
quotequote all
maybe I should have bought an MG.

LoudV8

897 posts

270 months

Thursday 20th September 2012
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Stick to 20W50 at least API SF rating.

I use good old Bluecol 50% all year round (although mine does not go out in the snow!)

PS Don't buy an MG.

Dr Interceptor

8,043 posts

203 months

Thursday 20th September 2012
quotequote all
Just done an oil change in my Stag, and have stuck to the Castrol Classic 20W50. Seems happy on it smile

spitfire4v8

Original Poster:

4,017 posts

188 months

Thursday 20th September 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for that. Car drives nice so will stay with the traditional lubes for now then. Cheers. And ps an MG wasnt really an option i promise

TV8

3,215 posts

182 months

Sunday 23rd September 2012
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Valvoline VR1 is a very good choice. Lots of technical reasons for this but I am not the best person to explain.

TV8

3,215 posts

182 months

Sunday 23rd September 2012
quotequote all
Valvoline VR1 is a very good choice. Lots of technical reasons for this but I am not the best person to explain.

mph

2,344 posts

289 months

Sunday 7th October 2012
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Why don't you ask an oil manufacturer for their recommendation ?

Castrol were very helpful when I asked about a Jag engine some years ago.

triumphkryten

369 posts

170 months

Monday 15th October 2012
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TV8 said:
Valvoline VR1 is a very good choice. Lots of technical reasons for this but I am not the best person to explain.
VR1 has a relatively high level of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, commonly called zddp, which is essential for "flat tappet" engines such as the Stag as it is an anti scuff additive. Modern oils have low zddp levels as zinc will wreck the catalyst. Modern engines commonly have roller tappets which don't have the scuffing wiping action that is the reason for zinc based additives to the oil.
It is the high level of zddp that you are after, preferably 1200 ppm or higher.

I have been using VR1 in both my Stag and ancient 2litre Vitesse for years, and can vouch for its quality...

TV8

3,215 posts

182 months

Tuesday 16th October 2012
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triumphkryten said:
VR1 has a relatively high level of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, commonly called zddp, which is essential for "flat tappet" engines such as the Stag as it is an anti scuff additive. Modern oils have low zddp levels as zinc will wreck the catalyst. Modern engines commonly have roller tappets which don't have the scuffing wiping action that is the reason for zinc based additives to the oil.
It is the high level of zddp that you are after, preferably 1200 ppm or higher.

I have been using VR1 in both my Stag and ancient 2litre Vitesse for years, and can vouch for its quality...
Hi Russ,

you used VR1 in my Stag as well!

hows things?

spitfire4v8

Original Poster:

4,017 posts

188 months

Tuesday 16th October 2012
quotequote all
Vr1 is a popular choice then, great stuff. Any recommendations for gearboxes and diffs? Iknow in my spitfire you have to be careful because of some oils eating the thrust washers, any pitfalls on the stag drivetrain ?

triumphkryten

369 posts

170 months

Thursday 18th October 2012
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Any decent GL5 spec EP90 will do great for the diff, but the jury is out regarding gearbox oil. Tradition has it for EP90, but many are using 20/50, especially if the box is a bit baulky when it's cold. The overdrive apparently isn't fussed by the change - I have no great preference, and go with whateer is in it when its in for service or repair.

Auto is a bit different, a bog stock BW35 or 65 will use AQF, but a rebuilt unit could have modern frictions and need Dex2......

Drivetrain pitfalls.... Where do you start...clutches can be fickle, but can be got under control with care, driveshaft splines get dry and sticky causing clonks and handling quirks, but again are easily dealt with - Stag owners are so used to it they accept it as part of the penalty for having such an amazing soundtrack...

Hiya Graham... Yes I did, but I wouldn't use it in your Chim... your cats would be very unhappy with all that zinc...

Edited by triumphkryten on Thursday 18th October 21:20