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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 750
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 750 |
I've changed the oil the day before yesterday (from 5k mi
old Castrol Syntec to new oil of the same kind).
The car is a '97 Zetec with 155k, I've been using synth
or blend since 110k, 5W30 always, changing between 3k-5k
depending on traffic pattern.
I'm not consistent on the kind of oil,I pick it depending
on my mood/wallet at the moment (synth or blend). Been using
Castrol frequently (not exclusively) because it's cheap.
I use Motorcraft filters all the time, FL-200 or FL-300
(Walmart gives one, dealer gives another, I guess they're
the same. Both fits.)
At this oil change what came out looked as thick and
black as I expected from an 5k / 3month old oil, nothing
particular. After filling up with the new oil, the sound of
the engine changed very much, I'd say for the better: much
smoother idle, nicer sound.
It changed so much that even a friend who occasionaly rides
in the car noticed it.
I've never had anything like this before, and I'm quite
puzzled. The engine is still in a good shape, doesn't burn
or leak oil.
Any comments ? What could cause this ?
Thanks,
Tiv
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Something may have gotten into the oil. Try to monitor the current oil you have in there (color and sound of engine). Maybe you've got a problem. Or maybe 5k miles is just to long to go on your higher mileage engine. Use the FL-200 filter and maybe you should try mobil1 sometime.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360 |
5k with that many miles...i wouldnt do that if you arent running mobil 1 full sythetic...
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,840
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,840 |
that is very strange. I've been using mobil 1 full synthetic for a long time now. Usual change intervals around 5k miles and it always comes out just as smooth and clean as it did when it went in. and it is the fl-200 filter. the fl-300 might fit but it isn't the RIGHT filter so that might be causing some of what you described.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 133
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 133 |
Originally posted by tiv:
I've changed the oil the day before yesterday (from 5k mi
old Castrol Syntec to new oil of the same kind).
The car is a '97 Zetec with 155k, I've been using synth
or blend since 110k, 5W30 always, changing between 3k-5k
depending on traffic pattern.
I'm not consistent on the kind of oil,I pick it depending
on my mood/wallet at the moment (synth or blend). Been using
Castrol frequently (not exclusively) because it's cheap.
I use Motorcraft filters all the time, FL-200 or FL-300
(Walmart gives one, dealer gives another, I guess they're
the same. Both fits.)
At this oil change what came out looked as thick and
black as I expected from an 5k / 3month old oil, nothing
particular. After filling up with the new oil, the sound of
the engine changed very much, I'd say for the better: much
smoother idle, nicer sound.
It changed so much that even a friend who occasionaly rides
in the car noticed it.
I've never had anything like this before, and I'm quite
puzzled. The engine is still in a good shape, doesn't burn
or leak oil.
Any comments ? What could cause this ?
Thanks,
Tiv
For about $10-$15 you can have your oil checked at a lab. Most the autoparts houses know where to send it. They do a whole range of tests, you might want to try this just out of curiousity and especially since you stated you noticed a marked difference in how yourengine ran after changing oil.
Ken, 99 Silver Frost SE Zetec Atx, polished alloys, Kumho's, Pioneer hi power CD/AM/FM. Factory spoiler (added) Audi side lites, Borla stainless steel muff. Stolen, recovered in pieces. Looking for another Tour, preferably V6, 5 speed.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
Newbie
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I don't mean to perpetuate any myths but this makes a certain amount of sense to me. I have heard statements and read articles by apparent experts that say that the different chemicals used by different manufacturers as oil additives can sometimes have adverse reactions. Most recommend not mixing brands or types of oil. This could be accentuated by additional blow-by from an older engine. The lab testing is a good idea. However, I usually stick with one brand and try not to mix them. There is only a few cents difference between the name brands anyway (maybe more with synthetics). I also avoid oil additives for the same reason. I don't think they are generally needed.
Bill
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 974
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 974 |
Originally posted by Bill Y.:
I don't mean to perpetuate any myths but this makes a certain amount of sense to me. I have heard statements and read articles by apparent experts that say that the different chemicals used by different manufacturers as oil additives can sometimes have adverse reactions. Most recommend not mixing brands or types of oil. This could be accentuated by additional blow-by from an older engine. The lab testing is a good idea. However, I usually stick with one brand and try not to mix them. There is only a few cents difference between the name brands anyway (maybe more with synthetics). I also avoid oil additives for the same reason. I don't think they are generally needed.
Bill
Yeah but guys, he is saying that the car seems to be running better. I'd say thumbs up. Just keep an eye on it and make sure that your levels are good, check for leaks, and monitor your performance. If I read your post correctly, I believe you said you went from the mixed-syn to the Syntec which according to Castrol is a full syn...alright Kremit, I can already hear you...in truth it is not a full synth....but since you went from the blend which Castrol says has part dino oil and part synth to a full synth (according to Castrol) then yeah, you would notice a difference. Same thing as if you went back to dino....BUT...our minds can also play trix on us. It may have been that the mix was not agreeing with your car in the first place.
Right now I am running the Royal Purple mix which is definitely full Synth
May transfer to the Racing 21 version which is compatible to 5w30 but is for 4 cyl drag race....may make a call and be sure that no ill will happen if I run the 21 during daily driver....
Take it easy guys
Rich
'04 Ecotec Cavi 140hp/150tq Fabbed intake. Header Coming, DRL's disabled, X-Drilled/slotted rotors coming....Man you really are fast. You were hauling a$$ when I passed you
RB&LB
causing problems in Huntsville
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3 |
I might be reverting to chaning oil myself. My local Wal-Mart seems to be unable to fill the oil to the correct position. I did an oil change today, and would guess that I have aproximately 1L to much oil in there  . I pretty much exclusively use Mobil1 or Penzoil 5W30 full synthetic.
2000 Mercury Mystique , 2.0L
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