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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 gearbox oil?

I have searched the threads and found no deffinative answer. Which oil should I use in the gearbox for a refill on a 1500?

I understand that it should be ep80, but some people mention synthetic oils, but also how does th GL value affect the gearbox?
At my local car spares the choice is:
Comma EP80 GL5 gear oil
Millers EP80w90 GL4 gear oil
Castrol smx-s 75w85 GL1-4 gear oil

Which of these would be the best choice.
Apologies if this has been dicussed before.
Thanks
Kevin
K Grice

Sorry, can't answer, but I have the same question for a 62 Sprite (1098cc). Hopefully someone can answer for both of us !

thanks
Jerry

JS Diccox

Castrol smx-s 75w85 GL1-4 gear oil is my vote for the 1500 midget unless you can get Mobil SHC.

For the 1098cc I'd use Mobil 1 15-50.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

I had the same question and did some research. What I came up with was mainly that you should stay away from GL5 oils. They are higher in ep-additives that might corrode yellow metals (that would be the synch rings in your 1500 gearbox if I'm correctly informed).

So, I'd go for the Castrol or Millers. My book says 80w90 making the Millers the "better" choise if you want to go by the book. I'm not an expert on these matters though.

Daniel, why do you put your vote on the Castrol? It's always interesting to hear the reasoning behind the choise.

For the 1098 my book says same as the engine oil.
(pre 1500 uses engine oil, 1500 uses transmission oil in the gearbox)

//Erik
E Lindgren

I haven't heard of Millers so went for the Castrol which in case, in the designation quoted, unless I'm mistaken, is a synthetic. It's probably not as good as Mobil SHC but readily available from crap motor factors come bicycle and pram shops like Halfords.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

I haven't heard of Millers either so I would probably also be inclined to go with the well known brand myself. (isn't Millers a beer ;) )
I would guess that 75w85 and 80w90 doesn't matter that much but if anyone has a deeper knowledge on the subject please join the thread :)

//Erik
E Lindgren

Millers oils are a british company based in west yorkshire. i went on a factory tour some time ago and would not hesitate using their products (both oils and fuel aditives)
maybe if theres enough interest, we could see if another visit could be aranged one evening?
danny

I use Lucas (not related to the prince of darkness) 85-90 oil. it has addititves that will not corrode syndhros and it yields a much smoother shifting, especially when cold.
HTH

al
ah harad

This thread was discussed between 12/06/2008 and 16/06/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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