Peter Mears Posted April 24, 2002 Share Posted April 24, 2002 Having used 5/40 synthetic oil in my zetec and can only find it in Esso, would it be ok to now use 5/30 as a top up and what is the difference in the two oils. Its only that something like castrol magnatec is more readily available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted April 24, 2002 Share Posted April 24, 2002 Isn't the Halfords sythetic oil 5/40? About 28 UKP for 5 ltrs + 1 ltre free (week before last) at my local branch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Mears Posted April 25, 2002 Author Share Posted April 25, 2002 Yes, but would you use it?????????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 The 40 part of the specification is the hot viscosity. This is the characteristic of the oil that your engine is relying on when it is hot and you are giving it the beans. 30 will be slightly less suitable for elevated temperatures, but without an oil temp gauge it is a matter of guesswork. Unless someone with specific Zetec experience says otherwise, the 5W30 should be fine. 0W40 would be closer to your original spec oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Turner Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 Ford are very specific about oil spec for the Zetec engines, it is currently 5w/30 having changed from 10w/30 early in the Zetec's life due to hydraulic tappet and sticking valve problems according to my local Ford factors. I currently use a 5w/30 semi synthetic in my 2 litre, the pressure is approx. 65 psi at a hot cruise and the temp has yet to go above 70 degrees, the temp sender is in the sump. I don't have an oil cooler fitted, Dunnell told me I would not need one as the temp would never be a problem, my experience so far (800 miles) seems to bear this out but summer has yet to arrive (hopefully). Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 The Comma XTech oil (semi synthetic 5/30) specifies "designed for Zetc and other multivalve engines..". I figure if Comma actually name the engine, then it should be OK. I've been putting in in mine and it seems quite happy with it so far. Dave H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Mears Posted April 25, 2002 Author Share Posted April 25, 2002 Ok that settles it then 5/30 it is. Not that the car has ever used any oil , its just what Mr W put in it when it was serviced etc. As it happens Alfa recommends it in fully synthetic guise for their 2L twinspark engine . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julians Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 Definately use 5w-30 in a zetec, if you use a higher 'hot' rating ie 40 etc you'll get rattly tappets after its been thrashed, ie a trackday etc, dont know why it rattles if you use mobil 1/castrol RS etc (ie all 0w-40) but it definately does. I speak from experience, and I now use Shell helix ultra 5w-30 in my 2.0 zetec, no more rattly tappets now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Mears Posted April 25, 2002 Author Share Posted April 25, 2002 Shell helix ultra, thats exactly what I have, after the nice people at Alfa Romeo charged me a small fortune for a litre that they kindly left in the car after a service. Remember always check your tin top too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now