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1955, BN-1

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I've received all kinds of info regarding the proper type and weight of oil to be used in my BN-1, ie, engine, transmission and differential. I have a reprint of the owner's manual, but the products listed either have new names or are no longer made. Would appreciate help on this one. Also, does anyone have opinions on the value of vinyl dressings? Particularly as it applies to tops and tonneau covers. I store the car with top up, during the winter, but I'm wondering if some treatment in the spring, before top down is advisable, or is it a waste of time and money?
Thanks in advance.
Thomas
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've received all kinds of info regarding the proper type and weight of oil to be used in my BN-1, ie, engine, transmission and differential. I have a reprint of the owner's manual, but the products listed either have new names or are no longer made. Would appreciate help on this one. Thomas

[/ QUOTE ]

Thomas--

You'll no doubt get lots of different opinions.

For engine oil I think that most everyone is now using a multigrade, probably either 10W40 or 20W50 depending on latitude and season. For many years I used Castrol but recently switched to a full synthetic and notice slightly higher OP at all speed and temperature ranges--plus I now feel better about myself and others.

For the transmission I have a 5-speed and use Redline MTL but when I had the stock transmission/OD I used Castrol 30 non-detergent. Some folks think that the detergent causes foaming and/or does not provide as good lubricity or whatever--I really don't know what is true here.

In the differential I use any 75-90 gear oil.

In the carbs I use SAE 20 (3-in-1 makes a 20-weight oil in a small squeeze dispenser that is handy to keep in the boot.
 
Thomas,

The best vinyl/rubber dressing I've found is Aerospace 303 Protectant. It will actually restore flexibility to vinyls and has sunblock properties. According to their website it is specified by AMCO, one of the largest vinyl top manufacturer. The website lists distributors all over the world and many Spa retailers carry it for using on vinyl covers.

303 info

Cheers,
John
 
Hi Thomas, Most of the products on the market today except Armoral will do a creditable job on the vinyl tops. However, I would suggest that it be treated regularly during storage so that it is ready to be put away come spring.---Fwiw--Keoke
 
For many years I used Castrol but recently switched to a full synthetic and notice slightly higher OP at all speed and temperature ranges--plus I now feel better about myself and others.



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Michael

Can you just clarify the above. Not sure I fully understand. - Just interested to know - thanks

Thomas

The 30W non detergent is recommended in the gearbox as the oil is also circulating in the overdrive. There is a belief that modern detergent oils, which will suspend any small metallic particles could be hazardous to the overdrive. The non- detergent oil doesn't collect anything and the small particles collect at the magnetised drain plug
 
[ QUOTE ]

For many years I used Castrol but recently switched to a full synthetic and notice slightly higher OP at all speed and temperature ranges--plus I now feel better about myself and others.



[/ QUOTE ]

Michael

Can you just clarify the above. Not sure I fully understand. - Just interested to know - thanks

Thomas

------------------------

Thomas--

Not sure which part you want me to clarify.

If it is the part about higher oil pressure it is my impiric observation that the indicated oil pressure is about 5 psi higher using the synthetic oil (Royal Purple) than was the case when using the mineral-based oil (Castrol), both being the same viscosity grade (15W40), both at start up and when the engine is up to temperature. Also the OP seems about 5 psi higher both at idle and cruising rpm's.

If it is the part about my feeling better about myself and others, that was simply an attempt at humor, albiet feeble, based on the many ads that we all see claiming all kinds of beneficial effects for various products and substances.

Your mileage, oil pressure and emotions may vary.
 
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