Engin Oil for LT Focus?

[Harryin Ford]

I have owned my LT Zetec for 2 mths, 3000 Kms on the clock. It runs well, it seems that ford have fixed most of the LS problems

I did my 3000k service by the dealer, I want to change the engine oil, but the dealer charge me $200, and they told me that the 15k km service will cost me $360....

Do I need change the engine oil now? I will consider to buy the engine oil myself and had it changed by the local machinist. Any recommendation for the engine oil?

[Ives]

Castrol EDGE 5W-30. Great synthetic oil, not too expensive.

[mudwaa]

Just had my 15000k service done at NRMA. Cost $140. They used Valvoline. Could had taken my own oil in but i will change every 5000k from now on so will later use Castol Edge or Mobil 1. For the extended dealer warranty that covers stuff all anyway id rather save the money now than pay for dealer service

[melbzetec]

With synthetic oils you get what you pay for.

Castrol Edge is a low class synthetic...it is made from cracked hydrocarbons...basically starts as mineral oil, and that's why the price is cheaper than other synthetics. Whereas better synthetics start with synthetic basestocks...that is, made in the lab. Synthetic from the start. eg Mobil 1: poly olefins, and even better Redine and Motul: pure esters and double esters

If you do just normal driving, Castrol Edge should more than adequate, and provide excellent protection

If you want to run the engine hard, and want the best, there are vastly superior synthetics available if you want them.

What is the handbook recommended specification? eg 5w-30, 0w-40 etc

Given it takes $70+ just to fill the petrol tank these days, I have no problems paying top $ for oil that I'll keep in the engine for 7500 -15,000 kms

[mudwaa]

didnt think of it that way. you make it sound cheap Melbzetec. Maybe i can afford that Redline oil afterall.

[Harryin Ford]

Thank you all for your reply :

The handbook recommend 5W-30. Can I use other specification oil? e.g. 0w-40; 10W-50 etc? :

[melbzetec]

Best to stick with 5W-30.
Mobil 1 is out as they don't sell that grade in Australia.
Unless you're pushing the engine really hard, Castrol Edge is probably your best bet, and even then it will do a good job. Easily obtainable and a good price
I use Motul 300v Racing 5W-30, a double ester synthetic, but your looking at about $25 a litre for that. But then I constantly accelerate up to 6500-7000rpm.

[melbzetec]

Best to stick with 5W-30.
Mobil 1 is out as they don't sell that grade in Australia.
Unless you're pushing the engine really hard, Castrol Edge is probably your best bet, and even then it will do a good job. Easily obtainable and a good price
I use Motul 300v Racing 5W-30, a double ester synthetic, but your looking at about $25 a litre for that. But then I constantly accelerate up to 6500-7000rpm.

[melbzetec]

dumb computer. so good I said it twice

[FOCUSonTHIS]

Originally Posted by melbzetec

But then I constantly accelerate up to 6500-7000rpm.

Make sure when you get your pensioner card you don't do that, your card might be void :P

[BlackLS]

In most parts of Australia, 10w30 should be sufficiant. Just take it easy until the cars warm.

[melbzetec]

Originally Posted by FOCUSonTHIS

Make sure when you get your pensioner card you don't do that, your card might be void :P

Just make sure you keep out of my way sonny! :