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 Dashpot oil??

 Created by: cincyslots
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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 02:17PM
jeg
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Understanding the operating principles behind the SU carb is essential in determining which oil best suits your situation.

Having determined that the standard 20W SU Damper Oil was providing too much enrichment during rapid accelleration, I've tested SAE 15W, 10W and 5W synthetic motorcycle fork oils.  I dispense these oils via a selection of small women's hair-color dye nalgene/polyethelyne bottles which have tapered spouts and a convenient threaded cap.  These were given to me by a girl living in one of the apartments in front of my garage and are perfect for dripping one drop at a time or giving a full shot of oil down the damper tube.

When changing damper oils, I usually use a large syringe which I've fitted a short length of hose and suck the oil out.

For my engine and driving style, I now use a SAE 10W synthetic motorcycle fork oil, and keep an assortment of oils and an extra damper in the boot. 

The peasants are revolting...          

"Gone with the Wind" - a brief yet moving vignette concerning lactose intolerance

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 01:43PM
nkerr
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That is too much, see in your photo the inner cylinder that is under the oil? That is the top, any oil you put above that level will simply be ingested by the engine and burned.

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 12:57PM
 Edited:  Jul 16, 2016 01:25PM
mini4ever
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This is how much oil i put each filling.
How do you guys asses the condition of the damper? Does it look worn out? Sir Miniman, i pull and push the damper and i still get good amount of resistance. .

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 11:19AM
minimans
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Before you go putting oil in just pull and push the damper in and out 1/2in if you feel resistance it don't need topping up! if you just keep putting oil in it will continue to find it's own level which is usually about 1/2 way down the piston tube..................

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 08:52AM
malsal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by geoO

For what it's worth, factory spec is 20-50

True. I worked at SU in their service department many years ago and all we ever used was Duckhams 20 w 50.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 08:37AM
mini4ever
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miniestate
Funny no one mentioned SU Dash Pot Oil??? That's all I ever used in all 12 Mini's that I ever owned. I think the Host with the most carries it. One small bottle lasts forever. It has the perfect neck on it to top off the SU's as well. I believe it's 20wt.      Mini Estate
Oil is oil  .... Any oil can do the task as long as the viscosity is not that of the water.

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 08:15AM
miniestate
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Funny no one mentioned SU Dash Pot Oil??? That's all I ever used in all 12 Mini's that I ever owned. I think the Host with the most carries it. One small bottle lasts forever. It has the perfect neck on it to top off the SU's as well. I believe it's 20wt.      Mini Estate

"It's a good day when you wake up with a Woody!"
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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 02:29AM
Dan Moffet
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CA
If you need to top up frequently, you are doing it wrong. As was said, you only fill the inner tube where the little plunger goes in. And leave enough space for the plunger - it will displace and push out any extra. When I check mine, I loosen the cap and angle the rod aside, leaving the plunger in the bore, then top up. No waste, no spillage into the carb. I use a large syringe with a blunted large-bore needle (like you would use for glue) to add or remove oil.

As for grade/weight of oil, it depends on how worn your carb is, which spring and needle you may have and the build and condition of your engine and how well it responds to sudden throttle input. Some engines need more damping action than others - a heavier oil. So all answers are right.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

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 Posted: Jul 16, 2016 12:18AM
 Edited:  Jul 16, 2016 12:19AM
mini4ever
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cup Cake

The oil can't go anywhere and it doesn't evaporate, so every 5 years is good enough.

Every 5years??????? Really???  Oh man, i top off my dashpot every 3days .. Something is so wrrong with my dashpotty !! Grrrrrr!!!




i hope Larry is not kidding when he said that..5yrs????????

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 04:19PM
geoO
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US

For what it's worth, factory spec is 20-50

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 03:49PM
Spitz
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CA

Read through that link.

The oil goes in the inner tube inside the dashpot.....holds less than an ounce I imagine

 

"Everybody should own a MINI at some point, or you are incomplete as a human being" - James May

"WET COOPER", Partsguy1 (Terry Snell of Penticton BC ) - Could you send the money for the unpaid parts and court fees.
Ordered so by a Judge

 

 

 

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 01:58PM
cincyslots
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How much does it hold? It seems like I fill it just above the rod and then it settles below. I did this 3 times and figured I'd better ask the pros.

Bruce

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 12:04PM
Cup Cake
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The oil can't go anywhere and it doesn't evaporate, so every 5 years is good enough.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. G.B.S. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Oscar Wilde

//www.cupcakecooper.ca/

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 12:03PM
mehinger
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US

The age old question where everyone has an opinion.....

I use 3 in 1 oil.

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 11:27AM
malsal
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I use 20/50 and it works fine but different cars will perform better/worse with different oils, 20/50 is what they used at the SU service center (in it's day) Duckhams to be exact. Monthly should be ok for checking the level and don't overfill it will only squirt out and run down the side of the shaft so just cover the hole where the plunger goes into.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 11:25AM
dr. jinG
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US

+1 on ATF.

You shouldn't need to add it often at all.  Once I settled on ATF, I never changed/added to it again.  It's simply a damper material for your needle.

**Dr. jinG**

"I tell you and you forget. I show you and you remember. I involve you and you understand." ~ Eric Butterworth
"The true charter of liberty is independence, maintained by force." ~Voltaire

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 11:16AM
Spitz
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CA

I use ATF...seems to work fine.

Here is a discussion on the matter:
//www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=198501

 

 

"Everybody should own a MINI at some point, or you are incomplete as a human being" - James May

"WET COOPER", Partsguy1 (Terry Snell of Penticton BC ) - Could you send the money for the unpaid parts and court fees.
Ordered so by a Judge

 

 

 

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 Posted: Aug 17, 2011 10:46AM
cincyslots
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do you just add regular motor oil?  how often should you have to add oil to the dashpot?

 

thanks,

bruce