Oil Change

coxmattycox · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:23

Right peeps,

I'm trying to get handy with my 51 reg Fiesta, and first.. I want to change the oil

I've read a few online sites and just want to check ive got this right, today i went to halfords, got the gear to get the car in the air and have oil coming tommoroow, and need to get an oil filter.

Can everyone check im doing this right..

Warm the car up, I will be using a engine flush before hand so may be very warm.
Get car in the air, at this point, place the oil tray under the oil plug, release the plug and let the oil draw out of the car, when this has done put the plug back in.
Move to the oil filler,release it with oil tray below, then put on new one and put some oil in the new filter and rub the rims with the oil.

Put new oil in.

That seems about it?

What sort of protective gear should I wear as I do not want hot oil going all over me! Also, some videos I see the oil coming out slowly, and some quickly, which is correct or is everyone different? Thanks

Matt82 · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:25

when you withdraw the sump plug youll find it probably has a washer of some sort. try and make sure you dont lose it

whats wrong with your engine that it needs a flush?

Janesy B · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:33

Do not use engine flush. It can cause more problems. Just change the oil. What engine does your Fiesta have?

Oil will come out quickly if it's hot or slow if it's cold.

Dogbreath · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:34

Janesy B said:
Do not use engine flush. It can cause more problems. Just change the oil.

This.

Lummox · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:40

Janesy B said:
Do not use engine flush. It can cause more problems. Just change the oil.

+1

Matt82 · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:43

and what engine oil/filter are you putting in?

Defcon5 · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:43

You will want a new sump plug washer, they deform when tightened

duncan bladen · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:43

as a mechanic - with 27 yrs exp - , do not use engine flush , if you havnt used it since day 1 , you are asking for trouble - blocked oilways , and blocked oil pump pickup.. - use a new sump plug washer - they cost less than 50 p in most cases , if you dont and it leaks , your gonna have to drain the oil again , & change it .

coxmattycox · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:45

It burns oil, and it was left dry for a very long time without realising, from reading around products can help. Though if its best not to, i won't.

So i need to get some kind of protective gear for my hands/arms, should I wear a face mask aswell? or am i being a bit OTT there, ill make sure I wont loose the ring

Janesy B · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:47

Can you tell me which engine it is and then I can help you. You don't need a mark, just wear gloves if you are a wimp

helpimcrap · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:47

Janesy B said:
Do not use engine flush. It can cause more problems. Just change the oil.

+2. oil should be changed regularly which negates the need for engine flush. thats for lazy people.

helpimcrap · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:49

a fiesta - 1.25 zetec or 1.3 OHV? or maybe a 1.4 or 1.6 zetec?

if a zetec motor they're normally bullet proof but the 1.3 OHV engine gets a bit noisy as it needs the tappets checking when it goes quiet.

coxmattycox · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:53

it's the 1.25 zetec

Janesy B · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:54

The the oil burning is a common issue. Mine does it a bit but clean oil helps. It should be running on 5/30 Semi Synthetic ONLY. No amount of engine flush is going to stop an engine from burning oil. If you are that worried, take the car to be compression tested which should reveal any issues.

The part number for the FoMoCo Filter is 1455760 and it should look like this:

It's quite a stubby little thing.

coxmattycox · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:00

It's been tested by garages and shows no signs of the usual sympton for burning oil, they did a compression test, this is why i was trying this as another alternative.

It had 5/40 when I got it which I soon got changed, but maybe its to late. i had been using castrol magnetic. This time i've got, FORD SPECIFIC 913B 5W-30 Ford Gasoline and Diesel engine oil Technosynthese

which was recomended by someone as its specifically for fords.

Janesy B · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:03

How severe is the usage?

duncan bladen · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:04

you should wear gloves [even though i never did ] as old engine oil is carcinogenic .. same as in the 70 s / 80s we never had extractor for exh fumes - or asbestos on drum brakes was blown off with compressed air .
if you only do it once - its prob ok , but if like me you did it anywhere between 20 - 50 times a day , it is a hazard in the long run

coxmattycox · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:05

Think I put in a litre in about 500 miles last time. I expect its the pistons or valves but as I say no smoke etc, the usual symptons, unless it burns it that clean.

duncan bladen · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:07

top it up , record mileage
check same time ev week , record mileage and see how many miles /km per pint / litre

Janesy B · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:13

coxmattycox said:
Think I put in a litre in about 500 miles last time. I expect its the pistons or valves but as I say no smoke etc, the usual symptons, unless it burns it that clean.

Rebuilds are expensive. Keep topping it up and keeping the changes regular. If/when it blows up, you can get an engine for £200 and get a local garage to fit it.