<VV> Selecting an oil - (No Corviar)

[Bill Elliott]

Actually, that's EXACTLY where the name came from. Back when 
petroleum-based oils were in their infancy, Castrol developed a 
castor-oil based product that provided superior protection. The prewar 
MG's (and the early postwar MG's that were brought to America) ran on 
the stuff. When you hear folks talking about the "smell" of sports car 
racing, that's what they are talking about. It's _extremely_ similar to 
the stuff Momma made you take...

Some of the "hardcore" vintage racers (including the motorcycle guys) 
still use it... but others just add a little bit to the petrol tank for 
the characteristic smell. Lots of two stroke folks use it as well... but 
the difficulty in getting parts for a 50-year old two stroke engine 
means that I run synthetic there as well!

 I also found it was just about perfect to "stiffen up" Armstrong lever 
shocks.  Still available as "Castrol R" in motorcycle shops.

(I also understand that in WWII (possibly WWI as well), many of the RAF 
planes used this... some early ones with external lubrication... leading 
to undesirable effects on the pilots in the open cockpits. I further 
understand that a diet including lots of cheese was somewhat of an antidote)

Bill Elliott


Rick & Janet Norris wrote:

>
>
>
>> Castroil?  Isn't that the stuff your mother (maybe your grandmother) 
>> make you take when you were sick?  If it is for human consumption, 
>> probably not appropriate for your car.  <GRIN>
>>
>> Later, JR
>
>
> Well,
> I certainly remember what it did to me when I was forced to take it as 
> a kid so I don't want my Corvair to do that!!
>


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