free MGB

[1980mgb]

hey all im new to the MG world but yesterday my friend gave me a 1980 MGB thats actually in decent shape. but my question is what type of oil should i run

[Hudson]

10w-40 should be good for that car. Don't use synthetic, though. A 23-year old engine (especially one of MG heritage) will have places for oil to seep through.

[1980mgb]

never ever ever would i run synthetic in any of my engines hehe i figure if a 23 yearold car is running straight oil and still running straight oil is fine by me but thanx for the information
like i said im new to the MG world but are there any tricks to starting her up for the first time she hasnt been started for a year

[timcollard1]

20w-50 mutigrade oil is what u shoud use

[Corgitoysaver]

20W50!!!

Older engines are designed with the use of 20W50. I use 15W50 by Duckham's, wich replaces their own 20W50. This will be sufficiant because the quality improvement of the stuff. Thinner oils are perfect in their own ways but to thin in oldercars. Yes they will run but you have to considder oil pressure as well, and in addition all seals wich you do like to stay in place!! (rear end seal replacement between engine and box DOES mean taking out the engine and box!)

Another thing not to forget. New oils contain dopes to keep the engine as clean as possible. Older oil types do less. No their not bad at all but any residue left by old oil wil come loose and might get stuffed in smaller oil leads, causing them to block and this can mean damage to a otherwise good engine.

I always say, run a car on period materials according to the service manual off the car, and, follow a cars manual to keep it in good shape. Never experiment with modern things unless proven okay.

I'promise you'll get hooked on the MG virus wich has one of the largest car clubs.

Regards Raymond.

[Xterrian]

Make sure to pull the spark plugs and crank it over until the oil pressure comes up first. I recommend doing it a few times to make sure oil gets everywhere prior to putting the plugs back in and starting it.

[elballoonrat]

i dont think blowing the rear main seal could be tossed up to oil pressure, since oil is only pressurized after the oil pump, the oil inside the crank case and oil pan arent at 40+psi

[KimMG]

20-50 is what is recommended for the engine and the transmission.