Hi All

I read some interesting threads on running oil etc etc. Once the car is run in say after a 1000 miles or so what oil would you guys recommend? thanks

The Fiesta doesn't need to be "run in" - those days of staying under 2500rpm a long gone, modern engines are ready to point and press

Thanks...but my question remains, what oil should one use, a good fully synthetic (?) or something else? cheers

When I went on a long trip I checked my levels - tyres, water, oil, screen washer etc - (something everyone should do before a long journey and at regulars intervals!!) and my oil was almost minimal. I went to the dealership and they said 5/30 is the oil to use.

Actually Gandalf, modern engines do need to be run in. I quote on the running in section of the ST owners guide "Avoid driving too briskly during the first 1000 miles. Vary the speed frequently and change up a gear early. Avoid labouring the engine.

Do we need to change the oil and filter after a 1000 miles?

The manual says what oil to get and Pink is right 5/30. I bought some Castol Magnatec to keep it topped up.

I actually find it quite hard using the dipstick on the ST to know how much oil is in their. I guess at the moment it's still reasonably clear-ish and due to the design of the dipstick, slides down to collect on that lip thing.

thanks Spoon1

so one cant (shouldn't) use fully synthetic? I thought FS is the way to go, or is there a FS with a 5/30 rating? cheers Jos

Hugh, coulgdn't have put it better myself

Thanks Hugh

So FS with the rating 5/30 would be best but normal mineral oil (5/30) would be better than wrongly spec'd FS? Many thanks guys for the responses their hugely helpful, cheers Jos

Yes.

Chris22 / Hugh,

You are both totally correct - I apologise, I should have read page 3 of the manual before opening my big mouth.

It's a good job there a people here who know what they are talking about.

No sweat mate - if you listen to many dealers they say you don't need to do it anymore. I asked about my brothers new Z3 when he bought it and the dealer laughed at me, to my face. His face changed very quickly though when he realised I was serious and that I apparently knew more about it than him. I don't claim to know it all, not in any way shape or form but it does interest me greatly.

Another popular misconception is that engines are pre-run in. Even supercars don't have that treatment.

I think the oil that Ford sell through their parts dept. is quite good, as it is the oil that would be put in it from the factory and it is also quite cheap compared to the oil you can get from filling stations. If you have any problems with it what come back do Ford have on you? They cant say you used the wrong oil because it is the oil that they supplied?

I agree.

I used to use the Ford fully synthetic in my Cosworth - I was reliably informed that it was 'old' Mobil 1 before they compromised the quality of it for longevity. Pressure these days is to extend service intervals which doesn't effect me as I always change my oil every 3-4000miles.

Hi

Any recommendations on a good FS with that rating (5/30) the only one I can find is Amsoil?? thanks

In SA we can get hold of Mobil 1 and Royal Purple, which are both fully synthetic and pretty good oils overall.

However, I would wait until at least 15000 kms before putting in synthetic. Maybe modern engines have changed, but generally, fully synthetic oils lubricate TOO well, and can interfere with engine run-in (i.e. you could end up with rings that never seal properly).

Thanks Ryan, will do.

Agree with Greasemonkey, if you buy your oil from Ford they can't complain if anything goes wrong!

Guys, I don't mean to sound really stupid but how often should you change your oil anyway? It seems to me that people do it at different intervals according to opinion, but I'm not so sure myself!

J

I'd only ever get the oil changed when the car is serviced, there's no need to do it more often than that. I check the level of oil every other time I fill up though, and then top it up as appropriate.

HI EJ

I reckon it's quite subjective, personally, if you have decent oil in the car then changing the oil can be done every 20 000km (12 500 miles) when it goes in for service. But, theoretically, the oil does become tainted/damaged during that period, this then having a´negative effect on the engine (negligable but there nonetheless) that is why some guys (me included) will change oil halfway (roughly)through the service interval (10 000km or 6250 miles)Purely to keep the engine in a more 'optimal' condition. Just my thoughts, Cheers

I'll just have mine done at services as per Ford's recommendations.

Change your oil once or twice a year depending on how many miles you do
but ford say:once a year or every 12,500 thousand miles OK!