Best oil for MkVI Special

Kathy Warner · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 6:01 pm Post subject: Best oil for MkVI Special

I have acquired one of the Bradley Brothers' Specials and am looking for advice as to the best oil to use in these engines. It would be good to have an oil which is not black! Any views welcome. Many thanks.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 12:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Kathy,
A bit of new life into a moribund chat room.

The Bradley,s built around 6 of these specials, a bit basic/things of purpose with a variety of engines, so which one is yours please?
The engine oil always turns black in these old engines, but Comma Classic 20/50 is a good start.

SAE EP 80/90 in the gearbox, and the same in the rear axle, if you can't get hold of Castrol EP140.
C.

Kathy Warner · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 3:56 pm Post subject: Bradley MkVi Special

Many thanks for your recommendation, that's very helpful.

We have a Mk VI engine 4.25ltr, which looks standard although it does appear to have a conversion kit from bypass to full flow oil filter kit, for which we're getting a filter element from Flying Spares. We're hoping this will keep the oil golden rather than carbon black. We think the oil hasn't been changed for years.

You are right that it was very basic when we bought it and we have over the past couple of years had it fully trimmed, new screen, hood, seats, and so it's looking much better! Not to mention some attention to the engine as the car had been sitting around for 15 years since Bob Bradley's death.

Thank you again for your help.

John Robins · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 5:00 pm Post subject:

Since these oils are designed, amongst other things, to mop up carbon deposits that will happen whatever you do, please don’t set your sights too high.

My 9,000 mile old daily driver had its oil changed 50 miles ago, it’s now as black as coal.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 5:11 pm Post subject:

Kathy,

We need pictures!

Buy a spin off filter conversion from Flexolite, excellent job.

The old filters are a dirty filthy pain in the bewtocks, but a new filter element in one will not get rid of the soot.

If you do fit the Flexolite type, come back as there are further instructions.

Kathy Warner · Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 4:13 pm Post subject:

Many thanks for all the advice, we've got a full flow kit fitted and the filter is on order now. I'm not expecting the oil to remain the colour of honey, we just suspect it hasn't been changed for a long time! Smile

David Styles · Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:43 pm Post subject: Mk6 Gearbox oil.

I am told that whatever the workshop manual says use normal engine oil in the gearbox. Have just finished my Mk6 Special and the gearbox rebuilder gave this advice.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2024 12:43 pm Post subject:

The gearbox oil was changed by Service Bulletin in 1952, to Castrol EP80 due the gear wear.

It is better to use EP80/90 as all the gear boxes are well worn.

The handbook should have a slip acknowledging the change.

Your gearbox builder should know that only gear oils are suitable for gearboxes.

If he has replaced the main shaft (3rd Motion) end bearings with standards, he has done you no favours.