LZ Focus — Oils

Ms_Jam · 12-04-2016, 12:23 PM

My LZ Focus (Trend, manual) is coming up for its 3,000 km "peace of mind" inspection.

When my Fiesta came up for this, I recall the dealer was offering to change the oil with no charge for labour, but only for the oil. In fact, if memory serves, he was recommending the oil change.

Not this time. I have read the documentation carefully, and there is no mention of any suggested oil change at the "peace of mind" inspection. However, I want an oil change, to be on the safe side.

I have two questions:

1. Approx how much should a Ford dealer charge for just an oil change at the time of the peace of mind inspection — (a) how much for labour and (b) how much for oil? Ballpark numbers are fine.

2. If I want to bring my own oil, what brand, type meet the Ford specification? (At this point I only want a mineral oil, changing to a fully synthetic at the annual service.)

Someone has told me that meeting the Ford spec exactly is more important these days than it used to be - it was claimed that non-compliant oils could be held to void the warranty in some circumstances.

CatonaPC© · 12-04-2016, 04:34 PM

I honestly think an oil change at the 3000km 'peace of mind' inspection is not warranted. I think you'd be wasting your money. The oil used no doubt (somebody can correct me if they wish) is most likely a fully synthetic type which allows the long 15,000km service schedules. Changing to a mineral type mid-stream might not be recommended for modern engines like the 1.5 Litre Ecoboost.

I have just under 8000km on the clock on my Trend and the dipstick shows a still quite clean and translucent oil.

Stick to the maintenance schedule as recommended in the service manual and you'll be right

CatonaPC© · 12-04-2016, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms_Jam

Someone has told me that meeting the Ford spec exactly is more important these days than it used to be - it was claimed that non-compliant oils could be held to void the warranty in some circumstances.

That 'someone' is quite correct. I can't comment for the LZ but I do know many European cars require specific type of oil to be used, and nothing else.

frankie86 · 12-04-2016, 05:09 PM

My missus's new LZ titanium had a oil and filter change done at 7,500, we supplied Shell Helix Ultra Professional AF 5w-30, it was the only oil on offer at the time that met fords specification WSS-M2C913-C & viscosity there may be more variety out there now though just for anyone who is looking for oil for their 1.5 ecoboosts in the future.

Im going to stick with this oil for the life of the car

Ms_Jam · 12-04-2016, 08:16 PM

Thanks, guys.

I think I may go with Frankie86's strategy — leave the oil change until 7,500 km and then go with the fully compliant full synthetic.

I have no problem with Shell. At the very least, it should be available for the life of the vehicle.

However, any other oils that comply with the spec?

frankie86 · 12-04-2016, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms_Jam

Thanks, guys.

I think I may go with Frankie86's strategy — leave the oil change until 7,500 km and then go with the fully compliant full synthetic.

I have no problem with Shell. At the very least, it should be available for the life of the vehicle.

However, any other oils that comply with the spec?

Was going to get the oil done at 3,000 but was thinking would probably be better to leave in the factory run in oil till at least 7,500, no way was I going to leave it in for 15k, want to look after this thing as our intention is to keep it for quite some time, penrite are recommending HPR5 (which is a brand i quite like) but the viscosity for that was 5w-40, being o.c.d i wanted to stick with what the people who built the car recommend.

I researched everywhere for the oil (parts interpreter by trade) and Shell was the only one that ticked all the boxes for me, castrol also make a oil suitable for our focus's but only comes in a 20 Litre drum

Ms_Jam · 12-04-2016, 10:23 PM

Thanks again, Frankie86.

Interesting.

4cyl_Turbo · 12-04-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankie86

Was going to get the oil done at 3,000 but was thinking would probably be better to leave in the factory run in oil till at least 7,500, no way was I going to leave it in for 15k, want to look after this thing as our intention is to keep it for quite some time, penrite are recommending HPR5 (which is a brand i quite like) but the viscosity for that was 5w-40, being o.c.d i wanted to stick with what the people who built the car recommend.

Supercheap has Penrite Everyday Full Synthetic 5W-30 in 6 Litres for $65 & Valvoline Synpower FE Engine Oil 5W-30, 5 Litre for $60.
Both comply with the ford spec M2C913-B/C/D.

pajoda · 21-04-2016, 05:12 PM

Nulon supply one that meets spec now, and its an Australian company.

http://www.nulon.com.au/products/Ful...ine_Oil/#intro

CatonaPC© · 21-04-2016, 06:27 PM

Unless you are driving in hot or dusty conditions or putting your car's engine under greater stress, there is no need to deviate from the schedule outlined in the service manual.

I know for some it is a personal preference, but the reality is that modern synthetic engine oils would be just fine after 15,000km, if not more. I speak from personal experience and I can vouch that long service intervals did not do any damage to my engine.

Sterling TF · 07-05-2016, 04:30 PM

Short trips where the engine doesn't get to full temp are hard on engines and oil.

I used the Valvoline FE 5-30 with OEM filters in my wife's LW sport in between dealer services with no problems, from either Supercheap or Repco usually with 20-30% off on special. Will continue to use in her new Kuga.

"SynPower FE 5W-30 is a premium full synthetic engine oil designed for use in modern Ford engines with the intent to reduce exhaust emissions and improve fuel efficiency calling for Ford WSS-M2C-913-D, C, B and A. Also suitable for other passenger cars where ACEA A5/B5 or API SL/CF is recommended."

Ms_Jam · 26-11-2017, 05:09 PM

My focus is coming up for its annual service.

I am a bit concerned, however, that I cannot find any Shell Helix Ultra Professional AF 5w-30.

Even Ebay offers it only as an import from the UK.

Any suggestions?

I live in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

frankie86 · 26-11-2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms_Jam

My focus is coming up for its annual service.

I am a bit concerned, however, that I cannot find any Shell Helix Ultra Professional AF 5w-30.

Even Ebay offers it only as an import from the UK.

Any suggestions?

I live in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

We've been using that since ours was new, apparently shell aren't bringing it in anymore, i stocked up on every bottle that was on sale at repco at the time so we're good for a few years. I have looked into a replacement and castrol are now making that oil with the proper specs in a 6 litre bottle, its called magnatec a5

Ms_Jam · 27-11-2017, 11:12 AM

Many thanks, Frankie86.

jase_elxr8 · 27-11-2017, 02:10 PM

Make sure if you get the magnatec its the A5. I have only seen this at repco. Supercheap and autobarn weren't stocking it.

frankie86 · 27-11-2017, 03:42 PM

Yes looks like a repco only thing for the time being castrols part number is 3414419

Ms_Jam · 27-11-2017, 07:15 PM

Great!

Thanks for the part no., Frankie86.

Ms_Jam · 27-11-2017, 07:18 PM

Thanks, jase_elxr8.

I'll bear that in mind.

GingerAle · 29-01-2018, 05:13 PM

Penrite has got special Ford Spec oils meeting the MCC912 spec.

Have ran HPR5 Full synthetic and now the 5w-30 Full synthetic. Very smooth.

Valvoline has always had the FE and Caltex Also has special ford oils.

Have tried them all and to be honest, cant really tell the difference between them, except that if i wait till the 15k kms, the engine starts running a little rough for the last couple of thousand kms before the service interval.

Ms_Jam · 12-11-2018, 10:47 AM

I'm due for another service on the Focus LZ (manual).

Does anyone wish to update this information on Ford-compliant fully synthetic oils?