CLASSIC 1969 MINI 1000E

[Mariarita]

AFTER OWNING A MINI IN THE EARLY 70's, I'VE NOW GONE BACK TO MY ROOTS AND IN A FEW DAYS WILL HAVE A CLASSIC 1969 1000E. I WANT TO USE 100% SYNTHETIC OIL BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT, DUE TO ENGINE/GEAR BOX BEING A SINGLE UNIT IN THIS MODEL, I CAN'T DO SO. IS THIS SO? CAN ANYONE ADVISE/RECOMMEND SYNTHETIC OIL FOR THIS MODEL. THANKS.

[gonzo00]

whats the big deal about synthetic oil...the mini engine was designed to run on the oils that were available at the time...use 20/50 multigrade as anything else may be too thin to lubricate properly especially when warm..and minis do run quite hot. change this oil every 3500 miles as the gears tend to break down the structure of the oil quite quickly...do not waste money on expensive multigrade oil either ,a normal multigrade will do fine (expensive oils will break down just as quickly) belive me i know about these things! :0)

[AlBags]

The proper answer is that Mini engines have the gearbox on the bottom of the engine, and they both use a COMMON lubricating oil. Modern lubricants are pretty low viscosity, and may not lubricate the gearbox properly. There are great pressures developed between the gear teeth.
Use a branded 20/50.

[mjwman]

Cheap 20/50 and change as often as you like!

[Mariarita]

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it!. Replying to Gonzo: here in Spain 100% synthetic 5W 50 costs me 22 Euros for 5 litres. Normal which you mention is more expensive.