Oil for Focus 1.8 TDCi sport 2003

aslco · 29 Jan 2013 at 21:31

Hi

I think i'll get some 5w30 part synthetic for my Focus, but i've been reading some very dodgy stuff online such as 'you can only use ford oil for those models' and similar.

Just double checking that 5W30 will do the job, the cars got a good MOT and service history but when i bought it the handbook was missing....

Cheers

DannyW · 29 Jan 2013 at 21:38

for an extra £5-10 id just put fully sythetic in it

Simon · 29 Jan 2013 at 23:29

You need a Ford 913C 5W-30

bitslice · 30 Jan 2013 at 00:32

DannyW said:
for an extra £5-10 id just put fully sythetic in it

Given that 5w30 semi synth only costs £20 I'd put semi synth in and do it more frequently.
On a 2003 model it isn't going to be that critical, that's why they have semi synth oils.

Dogbreath · 30 Jan 2013 at 06:50

aslco said:
Hi

I think i'll get some 5w30 part synthetic for my Focus, but i've been reading some very dodgy stuff online such as 'you can only use ford oil for those models' and similar.

Why do you think this is "dodgy"? Ford recommend a specific specification which you should stick to.

Matt82 · 30 Jan 2013 at 07:50

That sounds like we should follow manufacturer recommendations like gospel.

Why's that?

Jonnycoupe · 30 Jan 2013 at 08:08

Using non OEM oils has been known to cause the edge of driveways to crack!

Matt82 · 30 Jan 2013 at 08:52

Jesus, got any links?

Simon · 30 Jan 2013 at 09:30

Matt82 said:
That sounds like we should follow manufacturer recommendations like gospel.

Why's that?

Because to meet a specification you have to pass tests for that exact hardware, hence Ford specs have tests on Ford engines.

BMW specs have engine tests on BMW engines etc etc.

Or you could buy some Pro ESTER yo which has ran on old Peugeots, GM V8s and a few Mercedes diesels.

bitslice · 30 Jan 2013 at 10:33

Simon said:
Because to meet a specification you have to pass tests for that exact hardware, hence Ford specs have tests on Ford engines.

And after 10 years what makes a Ford Focus engine any different from a lawnmower? Mechanically the tolerances will be the same as any other old car.

Simon · 30 Jan 2013 at 13:18

bitslice said:
And after 10 years what makes a Ford Focus engine any different from a lawnmower? Mechanically the tolerances will be the same as any other old car.

Well one is a 4 stroke the other is a 2 stroke.

Jonnycoupe · 30 Jan 2013 at 15:02

bitslice said:
And after 10 years what makes a Ford Focus engine any different from a lawnmower? Mechanically the tolerances will be the same as any other old car.

Tolerances or wear?

The wear is kinda the point of the oil in the first place such that it doesn't burn oil after 10years like a lawn mower.