The lubrication and paint category covers two distinct requirements: the correct engine oil specification for the XPAG and XPEG engine, and the paints needed to finish the engine and ancillaries to their correct factory appearance during a rebuild or restoration.
Engine Oil Selection
The XPAG and XPEG engines were designed for the monograde oils available in the late 1940s and 1950s. Modern classic-specific engine oils are formulated to the correct viscosities and with appropriate additive packages, specifically, low-detergent formulations that will not disturb the deposits and patina built up in a well-used engine over decades. High-detergent modern oils designed for contemporary engines can strip these deposits and cause leakage from seals and gaskets that were previously sound. Castrol Classic oils are formulated specifically for veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, and the Castrol Classic Oil Finder tool can be used to confirm the correct grade for a specific engine installation.
Historically, many motor manufacturers recommended Castrol by name in their original vehicle handbooks, and today's classic-specific formulations allow owners to follow those original recommendations using modern technology.
The Importance of Correct Lubrication
The three-bearing crankshaft in the XPAG and XPEG is particularly sensitive to lubrication quality. Oil change intervals should follow the original handbook recommendations rather than modern extended-drain intervals, the small sump capacity and the engine's generous oil consumption by modern standards mean that the oil is working harder per unit volume than in a contemporary engine. The oil filter should be renewed at every oil change, and the oil pressure monitored as a key indicator of engine health.
For cars in regular use, a mineral-based classic oil is appropriate; for cars in long-term storage, a lighter grade that will drain from bearing surfaces more slowly may be preferable, along with a brief running period before any sustained driving after storage.
Engine Paint Colours
The TD and TF engine was finished in a distinctive combination of colours that are well documented. The engine block, cylinder head, sump, and front cover were painted red. The rocker cover was finished in silver-green. Ancillary components including the dynamo, starter motor, water pump, and various brackets were painted black.
Engine paint in the original MG colours, red, black, BMC green, and MGC green, is available as synthetic engine enamel formulated to withstand operating temperatures. These are applied over appropriate primers for a lasting finish that will survive the heat cycling, oil exposure, and thermal expansion of a running engine.
Body Paint for the Engine Bay
The engine bay itself, including the inner wings, bulkhead, and chassis rails visible with the bonnet open, was painted in the body colour of the car. The TD and TF were available in a range of colour schemes that changed during production: the TD launched with five colours (Black, MG Red, Almond Green, Ivory, and Clipper Blue), later expanding to seven with the addition of Autumn Red and Sun Bronze metallic, before being rationalised to five again for the 1952 to 1953 model years. The TF was offered in five colours throughout its production: Black, MG Red, Almond Green (or MG Green, sometimes in metallic finish), Ivory, and Birch Grey. Body paint in the original factory colours is available to enable correct colour matching during restoration, and the paint technology used varied between models, TDs were finished entirely in cellulose (lacquer), whilst TFs used cellulose on the body with synthetic (enamel) on the wings and valances for improved chip resistance.
Primers and Preparation
For a complete engine rebuild finish, primers, undercoats, and lacquers are available to provide a proper preparation base before the colour coat. Correct preparation is particularly important for engine paint, as the combination of heat cycling, oil exposure, and thermal expansion will quickly reveal any shortcuts. Synthetic engine enamel in the original MG colours provides the final finish.