"The universal averages for this engine are specific to hybrids, but not necessarily all plug in hybrids. There are 279 samples in the file currently; many are from the C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi, and there are also some traditional hybrid MKZs in the file, as well as C-Max and Fusion models that may be traditional hybrids. Not all of our customers specify whether they have a standard hybrid verses the plug in version. As more of these engines come onto the market and oil data pool increases, we'll know more about what's normal for these vehicles, but no matter the circumstances, it's hard to be concerned with every single wear metal in the single digits like we found in your sample. Even if the combustion engine was running for a fraction of the miles you provided on the oil, these would still be fantastic results."
2017 Ford C-Max Energi 6658 Miles
- Thread starter Astro_Guy
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"The universal averages for this engine are specific to hybrids, but not necessarily all plug in hybrids. There are 279 samples in the file currently; many are from the C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi, and there are also some traditional hybrid MKZs in the file, as well as C-Max and Fusion models that may be traditional hybrids. Not all of our customers specify whether they have a standard hybrid verses the plug in version. As more of these engines come onto the market and oil data pool increases, we'll know more about what's normal for these vehicles, but no matter the circumstances, it's hard to be concerned with every single wear metal in the single digits like we found in your sample. Even if the combustion engine was running for a fraction of the miles you provided on the oil, these would still be fantastic results."
Correct - it is normally aspirated. It was driven only three miles prior to changing the oil which probably explains the fuel dilution. Normally I maintain tight control over the ICE such that if it does start it also has plenty of time to fully warm up. The only two numbers I am concerned about are Silicon and Insolubles. A new air filter is in the cards next week.
The owners manual calls for a two year or 20K mile OCI. Roughly 6000 miles and 70 gallons of fuel have transpired since the oil change so two years may be possible. Time will tell.
A 20k mile or 2 year interval...am I reading that right?
Yes, that's what the owner's manual calls for. They way I operate this car is such that it won't burn 250 gallons in 20,000 miles. Looking at it from that perspective it's similar to a 10K OCI in a 40 MPG vehicle. If driven sensibly the hybrid system allows the engine to warm up gently which should be easier on the oil. The infotainment system has a display that shows how much either power source is contributing to propulsion and it is clear that the EV components allow the ICE to warm up before it becomes the dominant power source.
Awesome, I don't know a whole lot about hybrids & this is one of those details you learn from ownership. It makes sense if the ev motor is picking up the load more allowing you to have a longer drain interval. And based on your uoa even a 10k interval would still be excellent results.
There is an oil life service minder on the Energi. I am sure if you used the car in the hybrid mode a lot (there are 3 modes) the change oil warning would come on much sooner than 20,000 miles. The C-Max hybrid oil service interval, per the manual, is 10,000 miles or 1 year.
If anyone has info or oil analysis on the three oil brands (Valvoline, Mobil 1, and Amsoil) made SPECIFICALLY for hybrid engines, please share. I am not interested in brands that label their oil "suitable for hybrid engines", only those specified for hybrids.
I had a 2013 C-Max Energi, I ran 20K intervals on M1EP and the UOA showed oil life remaining.
That's fine. You probably use electric more than I. After I start I always select the third option, EV Later or as I call it Hybrid Mode. I rarely use AUTO or EV modes. If you ever try the Mobil 1 Hybrid oil let me know your results.
Why? It's much more cost effective to run in EV mode while operating within the vehicle's EV range.
Until yesterday I thought that Auto and EV Later modes were polar opposites. In the summer Auto seems to use the battery first whereas EV Later uses gasoline first. In the winter the Auto mode behavior is different; the ICE and battery share the load until you have heat. After the cabin warms up the ICE tapers off but it starts now and again to continue providing heat. I think I might just leave in Auto mode through the end of February.
Auto uses the battery as long as there are no great electrical demands, like going uphill, needed acceleration, or climate control needs. The ICE is needed more in the winter because of climate control needs, like a house the car needs more electric to heat than to cool. Why do I use EV later more? Because I do not want to greatly cycle my HV battery. EV later keeps the battery in a 7 - 8 % range. EX: If EV Later was selected when the battery was at 78% it will keep it approximately in the 72 - 80% range.
You are dragging around several hundred pounds of battery for no benefit. Plug it in and drive in EV mode for local errands. My 2017 C-Max Energi has averaged 117 MPG over the course of two years nd 20k miles. The long term mileage was at 127 MPG prior to a long ICE road trip last weekend.
What are you saving the last 72% of batter range for? You would be better off driving in EV mode when you can while keeping a half tank of gas as your back-up.