I have a slight concern with which oil to use on a 1997 MK2 Mondeo with the 1800 115bhp Zetec-E unit. It is currently being run on 5-30 Semi Synthetic oil made by Shell Helix.
The Ford dealer recommends this as it meets basic Ford specification. It is an API SJ oil. I am considering running the car on 5-30 Mobil One Fully-Synthetic. I am not really concerned with the cost of the oil but more with the long-term durability of the Zetec unit. It is running fine with the Shell Helix but I think it is only around 30% mixture of synthetic with multigrade. As I do quite a large mileage I am just wondering if any one was had experience or prior knowledge of which is the best choice for the long-term future.
Any help would be much appreciated.
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Ford's own 5W-30 is exactly what the engine needs, and it's cheap. It's what they put in at the factory so why try anything else?!
PP
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There is no such item as Ford's own 5-30W it is oil made by either Shell, Castrol or Valvoline and is simply badged Ford and put a blue container. It will either be API-SJ or API-SL depending on the batch number.
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Stick with the brew recommended and installed by Ford i.e. their own packaged 5w30.However,the full synthetic may be a good idea if you are going to stick to the extended servicing intervals rather than adding an interim oil change at 1/2 distance.
Andrew
Simplicate and add lightness!!
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Ford Formula "E" is the recommended oil and it is made by Texaco.It is not the oil put in at the factory.Ford-in common with most other manufacturers(including VW)-use a special brew for initial fill to assist the initial running-in(less additives).
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Well when a Ford main dealer service manager told me that the Formula "E" oil is what's put in from new, I stupidly believed him!
It seems it's made by Shell, Texaco and i've been told Valvoline too, ah well who cares, it's still the right oil for the engine.
PP
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Rapid Fit in Croyden use Castrol Magnatec in their oil changes, not "Fords" oil! Hows that for confusing!
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Ford cannot make any dealer use Ford oil or indeed Ford components in repairs;all they can do is insist that if non-Ford supplied oil or parts are used they must meet the Ford specication and the dealer must offer the same warranty as Ford would.A Ford dealer does not do oil changes using 5 litre cans,he buys a minimum of a 40 gal. drum,probably upto 5,000 ltr,at a time.Castrol must have offered a good deal.
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Many thanks for the comments. I think it would be better to stick with semi-synthetic regardless of the make of the oil, as long as it is changed every 5k.
It would seem that Ford need to get their dealers in order, they all should be using the same oil.
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Neither Ford nor any other dealer can do that unless they own the dealer which Ford don't.It's called "artificial restraint on trade".
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I used Mobil-1 in my '95 Mondeo 1.8. The oil change was often late. It once went 16,000 miles without a change. This was 90% motorway useage, at the normal 69.5 MPH (i.e. 80 - 85). When I sold the car with 155,000 miles on the clock it still used only about 1 litre per 10,000 miles.
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No use the synthetic oil- its better. I you have been using synthetic up to now continue to do so. Synthetic oils are better than semi-synthetic oils, so why change?
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Halfords do an own-brand 5-30 which they claim is suitable for Fords. Is this any good, or should I be going for a 'branded oil'? I've been using it as a top-up between services.
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Your likely to find any brand of 5w-30 will be suitable for ford engines.
I've used fords own E type, Comma (V-cheap!), Carlube triple R (again cheap condidering it claims to stick to the engine like Castrol magnatec).
Cant say ive noticed any major difference in performance, at a push id say the Ford was the best, but only by a marginal amount and probably not worth it for the extra £'s.
Dave.
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