Oil change - Ford Forums

johnydep · 12-19-2004, 03:57

I couldn't wait any longer, the Terri was close to 5000km:
First thing, I checked the oil level (spot on), took another oil sample for analyses, dropped the sump guard, and drained the oil, next was the oil filter (a bit fiddly with the AWD set up). I fitted an ACDelco small type filter and flushed engine with the new oil.
Drained the oil & removed the filter, fitted a Motorcraft filter & filled engine with 7.6L of Full synthetic oil.
I was going to use a new type of Vegetable based synthetic made by FUCHS, TITAN GT1, I have used it before and have had good results, but I decided to let the engine run in on an oil closer to Ford’s recommendation. So I used TITAN SUPERSYN SL MB 5W30, this oil is imported from Germany so comes in 4L bottles which works out well for the Terri. http://www.fuchs.com.au/html/passeng...ngine_oil.html

While it was on the hoist, I checked out a few things and noticed the following:
• Differential backlash, I thought this was very excessive, and think Ford may have a problem here later.
• Transfer case oil, the colour was red/brown with a grey tinge. For oil that is in new machinery that is running-in I think that the colour is possibly normal, but to leave it in for the recommended 150,000km is a bit worrying. That grey colour is not a good sign. I drained the oil & filled with a synthetic fluid, 0.5L.

Results of first oil analysis are here; 300km service will post the results from second analysis of the Ford oil when they come in.

Ouzo · 12-19-2004, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnydep

While it was on the hoist, I checked out a few things and noticed the following:
• Differential backlash, I thought this was very excessive, and think Ford may have a problem here later.

So for the uneducated like me, can you explain what is "differential backlash"

johnydep · 12-19-2004, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ouzo

So for the uneducated like me, can you explain what is "differential backlash"

Backlash in a diff is the amount of clearance/movement between the pinion & ring (crown) gears.
Excessive backlash can lead to whining niose &/or clunking when selecting gears or in the case of an automatic, inbetween gear changes at certain throttle positions, especially when backing of & reaplying the accelerator.

By grabbing the tailshaft & turning it back & forward you can get a general idea on the backlash. My land cruiser diff had the same amount off backlash with 275,000km on the clock.

I don't know what the Ford specs are, but I will be keeping an eye & ear on the diff.

Ouzo · 12-19-2004, 17:01

Very interesting and useful. Bet the service department don't get too many over you!

nigwil · 12-20-2004, 00:39

Anyone know of somewhere in NSW where we could get the same level of thoroughness for an oil change as johndep or is the only option to do it ourselves?

I particularly liked the idea that the engine is flushed with the new oil, how many dealer service departments do that?

lordricey · 12-20-2004, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigwil

Anyone know of somewhere in NSW where we could get the same level of thoroughness for an oil change as johndep or is the only option to do it ourselves?

I particularly liked the idea that the engine is flushed with the new oil, how many dealer service departments do that?

I am puzzled as to why this practice is being used. Unless the new and old lubricants are incompatible with each other I see no benefit in flushing the engine with new oil. The oil failure criteria will not be greatly accelerated by residual oil contamination. Likewise I doubt using two oil filters per service is of much benefit.

Perhaps JD is only doing this during this first change as he is changing over to a full synthetic. It is possibly going to give a truer read if you are testing your new oil performance but no real advantage will be gleaned I fear. I assume future changes will be straight drop and fills...

johnydep · 12-20-2004, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordricey

I am puzzled as to why this practice is being used. Unless the new and old lubricants are incompatible with each other I see no benefit in flushing the engine with new oil. The oil failure criteria will not be greatly accelerated by residual oil contamination. Likewise I doubt using two oil filters per service is of much benefit.

Perhaps JD is only doing this during this first change as he is changing over to a full synthetic. It is possibly going to give a truer read if you are testing your new oil performance but no real advantage will be gleaned I fear. I assume future changes will be straight drop and fills...

The reason I flushed the engine was to remove all of the original oil so as to get the full benefits of the synthetic oil straight away. I could have just done a normal oil change and got the full benefits on the next service, but that would muck up my engine oil analysis regime, I plan on doing a few more analysis for interest sake.

FUCHS

Quote:

Although flushing is strongly recommended for best results TITAN SUPERSYN SL MB 5W30 is compatible with all high quality branded low viscosity synthetic engine oils.

Is the original Ford oil in the Territory a full synthetic?

The oil & filter I used to flush is going into an old Ford that I have, so it wont be wasted.

johnydep · 12-23-2004, 14:40

Just got the oil analysis back, posted it below. I am glad I changed, engine feels better & fuel economy has improved.

I have included the previous analysis numbers with the new and will be keeping an eye on those Tin wear numbers.
The viscosity numbers are heading towards a 20W grade.

Quote:

Tin wear rate slightly elevated (possible bearing/thrust washer wear). All other wear rates
normal. Silicon level is most likely due to seal and gasket material reaction with the
lubricant. Please check recorded viscosity against requirements.
Action: As oil and filter(s) already changed, Resample 5000 kms to further monitor tin
level.

Metals (ppm) -

Aluminium (Al) New - 7 Previous - 6
Copper (Cu) New - 21 Previous - 20
Chromium (Cr) New - 1 Previous - 1
Iron (Fe) New - 31 Previous - 29
Lead (Pb) New - 24 Previous - 21
Tin (Sn) New - 9 Previous - 8
Nickel (Ni) New -<1 Previous - 1
Contaminants / Additives (ppm) -
Silicon (Si) New - 92 Previous - 90
Boron (B) New -<5 Previous - <5
Sodium (Na) New - 11 Previous - 10
Potassium (K) New - 1 Previous - 2
Phosphorus (P) New - 867 Previous - 882
Molybdenum (Mo) New - 1 Previous - 1
Magnesium (Mg) New - 866 Previous - 904
Calcium (Ca) New - 1220 Previous - 1278
Zinc (Zn) New - 1032 Previous - 1061
Physical Tests -
Water (% by FTIR) New -<0.1 Previous - <0.1
Nitration (Abs) New - 11.8 Previous - 10.7
Viscosity (cSt,40°C) New -66 Previous - 65
PQ Index New - 37 Previous - 41
Glycol (Abs) New -<0.1 Previous - <0.1
Petrol (% by Distillation) New - 1.4 Previous - 0

The MaDDeSTMaN · 12-23-2004, 15:00

Can anybody get an oil analysis done, how much does it cost and where can it be done?

Looks like it would be both interesting and useful.

johnydep · 12-23-2004, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

Can anybody get an oil analysis done, how much does it cost and where can it be done?

Looks like it would be both interesting and useful.

I get mine done by an oil company which uses Australian Laboratory Services
ALS WearCheck Laboratories -
Brisbane: Tel: (07) 32347200 Fax: (07) 32437221
Sydney: Tel: (02) 87848666 Fax: (02) 87848600
Perth: Tel: (08) 92492636 Fax: (08) 92492942
Singapore: Tel: 62839268 Fax: 62839689
Santiago: Tel: (02) 2731858 Fax: (02) 2731909

http://www.als.com.au/oils/introduction.asp