31-07-2018, 11:20 PM
For basic non racer Sevens there is a need for a simple maintenance guide listing suitable most readily available lubricants and devoid of dubious pet theories.
Original engine oils were somewhat thick, reduced in later Austin recommendations. Thick oil reduced performance, wear, noise, consumption, and leaks. Additives later achieved much of the wear reduction. Inexpensive 20W/50 well suited in many ways but is quite viscous at normal temps.
Any modern (non classic) engine oil is vastly superior to anything available prior about 1960.
Many are wary of detergent oils (the norm) in unknown old engines, even after sump removed and cleaned.
Note with Sevens there is no input filter so any silicon or cork bits from sump gasket leads to trouble.
Perhaps not with low use Sevens, but many with older cars overlook that leaks may eventually empty diffs etc..
Whether or not modern full EP oils damage brass bearing cages and bronze bushes seems never to have been positively established, but many avoid. (In 1957 maintenance book from Austin, EP was among the recommendations)
Levels considerably reduced from handbook are used for some/all gboxes and diffs.
The original notion of filling hubs with grease is absurd unless going wading. Esp for the typical Seven unlikely to remain untouched for 100,000 miles, packing little more than the race is fine.
Seven wheel bearings are very adequate size and long lasting. However with cost little object many replace with sealed bearings. Unnecessary at the front but at rear helps to hold back wayward diff oil.
Access to wheel bearings requires a special puller. It is important that bearings lightly clamped by the hub halves. Thick gaskets, omitted seal washers may not ensure this.
Moly grease is likely beneficial for fast wear parts such as kpins and steering.
Original engine oils were somewhat thick, reduced in later Austin recommendations. Thick oil reduced performance, wear, noise, consumption, and leaks. Additives later achieved much of the wear reduction. Inexpensive 20W/50 well suited in many ways but is quite viscous at normal temps.
Any modern (non classic) engine oil is vastly superior to anything available prior about 1960.
Many are wary of detergent oils (the norm) in unknown old engines, even after sump removed and cleaned.
Note with Sevens there is no input filter so any silicon or cork bits from sump gasket leads to trouble.
Perhaps not with low use Sevens, but many with older cars overlook that leaks may eventually empty diffs etc..
Whether or not modern full EP oils damage brass bearing cages and bronze bushes seems never to have been positively established, but many avoid. (In 1957 maintenance book from Austin, EP was among the recommendations)
Levels considerably reduced from handbook are used for some/all gboxes and diffs.
The original notion of filling hubs with grease is absurd unless going wading. Esp for the typical Seven unlikely to remain untouched for 100,000 miles, packing little more than the race is fine.
Seven wheel bearings are very adequate size and long lasting. However with cost little object many replace with sealed bearings. Unnecessary at the front but at rear helps to hold back wayward diff oil.
Access to wheel bearings requires a special puller. It is important that bearings lightly clamped by the hub halves. Thick gaskets, omitted seal washers may not ensure this.
Moly grease is likely beneficial for fast wear parts such as kpins and steering.