MGA First MGA Question: Lubricants

[MGA75002]

Hey Folks, I told you that my questions would be basic. Even stupid. The books I have read seem to indicate that regular motor oil is used in the transmission. Is that right?

Also, keeping in mind that I now live in the Texas climate, can you recommend the lubricants for an MGA. My best friend has a TR3B here, and he runs 20W-50 all year 'round. Would I use this same 20W-50 in the transmission? He uses the following, and I am wondering if these are right for an MGA:

Tranny/RAX - GL4
Brake/clutch - DOT5 Silicone
Carb dashpots - 30W

Lastly, the books indicate that I need an oil GUN to fit the nipples on the rack and pinion. Is this correct? The only automotive nipples I have seen are grease nipples that fit a grease gun. Is there a special oil gun for oil nipples?

I will probably join my local MG club the first of the month (payday). They should have some good poop also.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DNK]

There is an oil gun that most buy from a marine dealer. It's for outboards.
Here's one that one of the vender sells, by the way he makes a great VC gasket

 

[Steve_S]

If you don't have an oil gun, just remove the top cap from the steering rack. Be careful not to lose the shims that may be under the cap. Once off, lift out the piston and pour your oil into the rack. Replace the piston and cap and you're done.

20W-50 is fine, and is the most commonly used viscosity in B-Series engines. You can safely use it in the gearbox as well, as many people do.

For brake fluid, use whatever is in there now. Do NOT mix silicon with DOT 3/4. If you change from one to another, you have to rebuild the entire system, replacing all rubber parts and thoroughly cleaning all metal parts. The two do not mix and can do bad things if left to play together.