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Category Overview
The Lubrication & Paint category brings together the consumables needed to keep an MGA engine correctly lubricated and to restore the correct finish to the engine and body. Three sub-categories are available: Classic Engine Oils formulated for flat-tappet classic engines, Body & Engine Paint in the correct original colours, and Primers, Undercoats & Lacquer for proper preparation and finishing. Each sub-category is tailored to the needs of classic MG restoration and regular maintenance rather than the demands of modern vehicles.
Classic Engine Oils
The MGA engine requires oil formulated for the specific demands of a flat-tappet B-series engine. Modern low-viscosity oils developed for catalytic converter-equipped cars lack the zinc and phosphorus (ZDDP) additives that protect the camshaft lobes and cylindrical cam followers found in all pushrod MGA engines. Using modern low-ZDDP oil in an MGA will cause accelerated camshaft and follower wear, a failure that typically manifests as rough running, loss of power, and declining compression as the cam lobes wear flat. The recommended engine oil grade is a classic-formulation 20W-50 for normal use, providing adequate viscosity at operating temperature while remaining fluid enough for cold starting.
Monograde SAE 30 is an alternative for owners following strictly period specification, and a running-in oil is available for newly rebuilt engines. Classic engine oils are also available in larger workshop drums for owners undertaking multiple oil changes across a collection or a full restoration.
Body & Engine Paint
All MGA pushrod engines were finished in a dark red or maroon paint. The block, head, sump, rocker cover, thermostat housing, front cover, pulleys, carburettor balance pipe, heat shield, oil filter housing, and water pump were all painted this colour. The dynamo and starter motor were also painted engine red, though replacement units are often supplied in black. No precise factory colour reference has been definitively established, reproduction engine paints in red, together with black, BMC green and MGC green, are available as synthetic engine enamel in 500ml tins and are formulated to approximate the original finish as closely as possible.
The Twin Cam engine was finished in the same red on the block, head, sump, front cover, inlet manifolds, and heat shield, with the camshaft covers left in natural aluminium and the MG badges picked out in red. Engine mounting brackets and the chassis frame were painted black.
Primers, Undercoats & Lacquer
Correct surface preparation underpins any lasting paint finish. Primers and undercoats provide the adhesion layer between bare metal and the top coat, with separate products available for steel bodywork and for painted engine components. Top-coat lacquers give the final depth and protection to the finished paint, with formulations matched to the base coats in use. Preparation products, degreasers, and the primers required to rework a bare panel or to refinish an engine casting are all available within this sub-category.
Ordering Notes
When selecting engine oil, the key requirement is a classic-formulation product with adequate ZDDP for the flat-tappet B-series engine, standard grade 20W-50 suits most owners. Engine paint in the MGA-correct red is stocked alongside the other original engine enamel colours for owners restoring or refreshing their engine bay. Primers, undercoats, and lacquers complete the paint range for preparation and finishing work. Lubricants for the gearbox and rear axle, and chassis greases, are handled separately under the Service & Lubrication section of the catalogue.