MK3 2012 Focus - Oil Change 101

[teamDFL]

Originally Posted by MetalMuffins

Well I feel like an idiot Apparently it took a while for me to realize that the oil I was putting into the head was running down the dip-stick and I thought it was over-filled by a mile... Oh well, live and learn.

You can buy one for 99¢. Put it in the oil filler cap hole and pour in the oil. No harder than pouring a glass of chocolate milk, which means my nine-year-old daughter can accomplish that step.

Originally Posted by MetalMuffins

I also must say that for oil changes, ramps would be much quicker than a jack and axle stands. Jacking the car was the most time consuming part.

Yup, ramps for the win. After the oil change, we did a tire rotation which required the jack, but my son has helped me with those since he was four, so that went quickly.

[UnleashedBeast]

Originally Posted by Slo86GT

Regardless, it's good oil. If Chevy trusts the 505/638hp LS7/LS9 to it, I think our 160hp Focii will thrive on it.

Any current API SL, SM, SN formulation will get any factory assembled/tuned engine far beyond the warranty period. That wasn't the point of my post.

[teamDFL]

Originally Posted by UnleashedBeast

Any current API SL, SM, SN formulation will get any factory assembled/tuned engine far beyond the warranty period. That wasn't the point of my post.

Was the point of your post to be pedantic? The molecular change that the basestock undergoes in the GTL process to make Group III constitutes a synthetic end product in the eyes of most people. It is a completely man made process not found in nature with a end product that cannot be duplicated by natural means. More importantly, a Grp III performs as well as Grp IV or Grp V based oils in every meaningful way.

[UnleashedBeast]

Mobil 1 is still using Visom (hydrocracked petroleum), no reports of the change to GTL. If they had, and GTL was proven to have that low of NOACK, it would be on their specification sheet as a bragging right. Mobil 1, like other big oil companies, have omitted NOACK from their spec sheet to mask the base stock used in the formulation. The trained eye would know they were paying true synthetic prices for a cheaper, lower performing hydrocracked base stock.

Originally Posted by teamDFL

More importantly, a Grp III performs as well as Grp IV or Grp V based oils in every meaningful way.

Unfortunately, you are incorrect. That's big oil marketing group think.

Group III base stocks are not as resistive to oxidation, do not offer as low of frictional coefficient properties, has far higher NOACK (group III GTL still unproven), still contain impurities, not as resistive to shearing, and do not have nearly as long expected use.

[teamDFL]

Originally Posted by UnleashedBeast

Mobil 1 is still using Visom (hydrocracked petroleum), no reports of the change to GTL. If they had, and GTL was proven to have that low of NOACK, it would be on their specification sheet as a bragging right.

I stand corrected. I thought it was GTL. Carry on then.

[Deftmetal]

The Yamalube I use in my bike is blue. But doesn't say it's synthetic. Pretty stuff. I'm just going to let ford use what they want on my car.

[UnleashedBeast]

Originally Posted by Deftmetal

The Yamalube I use in my bike is blue. But doesn't say it's synthetic. Pretty stuff. I'm just going to let ford use what they want on my car.

You are fortunate that Motorcraft 5W-20 is a decent lubricant. Ford 5W-50 is junk. Most of the GT500 owners have ran from it.

One of the Snow Mobile manufacturers told buyers if they didn't use their lubricant, their warranty was void because it would destroy the engine.

Amsoil sled oil made that companies lube look like crap in comparison, and the engines tested lasted far longer on Amsoil with lower deposits.

[RAF_S197]

I'm just over 1000 miles on my 2013 and plan to do an pop change soon.
I'd like go go with mobil1 synthetic. If I'm not mistaken these cars come with synthetic blend so going with straight synthetic at such a low mileage shouldn't be an issue?

[2012sel]

Originally Posted by RAF_S197

I'm just over 1000 miles on my 2013 and plan to do an pop change soon.
I'd like go go with mobil1 synthetic. If I'm not mistaken these cars come with synthetic blend so going with straight synthetic at such a low mileage shouldn't be an issue?

As far as I know Ford doesn't use any "break in" additives so you should be fine.

I found this list of Oil Myths interesting, especially #7 as it quotes an expert at Blackstone saying he doesn't think synthetic adds MPG and another expert questions whether synthetic is worth the extra cost. I think if you've got the extra $20 each oil change and it makes you feel better it's worth it. Urban Legend #5 does sort of support changing the oil earlier than normal.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/top-...motor-oil.html

[RAF_S197]

Originally Posted by 2012sel

As far as I know Ford doesn't use any "break in" additives so you should be fine.

I found this list of Oil Myths interesting, especially #7 as it quotes an expert at Blackstone saying he doesn't think synthetic adds MPG and another expert questions whether synthetic is worth the extra cost. I think if you've got the extra $20 each oil change and it makes you feel better it's worth it. Urban Legend #5 does sort of support changing the oil earlier than normal.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/top-...motor-oil.html

Thanks. I was wondering if I should hold off on the oil change incase they use a break in additive