I have a 2000 Ford Focus SE with the 2.0 liter Z-Tec engine with approx. 70,000 mile on the clock. It's been using about 1 quart of oil every 500-750 miles and it's not blowing blue smoke and no oil being forced out of the valve covers. I've been using 5w30 Valvoline for the last 2 years, but should I try using a heavier weight oil in the Z-Tec?
Ford Focus Using Oil
- Thread starter jackhammer
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Have your tried replacing the PCV valve? Is the EGR working properely? I had a Zetec in my '99 Escort, it would only use 1/2 qt of oil every 7K. I used M1 5W30 and did 7,500-9K OCIs. I liked that engine (and car) - no problems at all.
EGR is working properly, but I'll change out the PCV valve next week and see if that helps.
This is insane oil use for that engine, especially at those low miles.
Normally, the use can't be measured accurately, because it is so low.
A heavier weight oil might get your usage a bit better, but it is not the problem.
If you really can't tell where the oil is going, get it looked at professionally. Rings, valves, or leaks. And of course the PCV system.
Normally, the use can't be measured accurately, because it is so low.
A heavier weight oil might get your usage a bit better, but it is not the problem.
If you really can't tell where the oil is going, get it looked at professionally. Rings, valves, or leaks. And of course the PCV system.
Thanks mechtech!
I'd use only a motorcraft pcv IMO.
I have a 1996 Contour with the 2.0L Zetec and about 80,000 miles. In 5,000 mile OCI's it's never used a real measurable amount of oil, except with Mobil 1 5w30. Then it was 1/2+ quart in 5,000 miles. I had the PCV replaced under the 60,000 mile free replacement program Ford had. In the 1996 Contour the PCV valve is a real bear to get to. It's in the lower front of the engine near the pre-cat and "hot" to remove when the car is up to temperature. Also check the breather element in the aircleaner box and it's hose. If this is clogged it will affect the PCV operation. And the times I've changed the element it looked pretty grungy. It's a small fiber wirery element in the side of the airbox with a hose going to the valve cover.
It's been a great engine and still revs to redline freely without blowing oil
. With the 5 speed manual and factory low profile aluminum rims(new tires
) it's still my "poor man's" BMW
.
Whimsey
It's been a great engine and still revs to redline freely without blowing oil
Whimsey
Get it fixed as soon as possible... You don't want to have the ZDDP in engine oil ruining your Catalytic converter lifespan...
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Get it fixed as soon as possible... You don't want to have the ZDDP in engine oil ruining your Catalytic converter lifespan...
You don't me do you? I'm the one with the clean PCV. I was taking to the original OP.
Whimsey
Get it fixed as soon as possible... You don't want to have the ZDDP in engine oil ruining your Catalytic converter lifespan...
You don't me do you? I'm the one with the clean PCV. I was taking to the original OP.
Whimsey
I've got a 99 Zx2 with 31k miles with the 2.0L zetec. I usually change the oil around 1k miles since that's usually around a year on the car, but I never have noticed any loss of oil over that time.
I'd suggest against using anything heavier than 5w30 in that motor though do to the VCT.
I'd suggest against using anything heavier than 5w30 in that motor though do to the VCT.
We have a Focus wagon at work that has been drinking oil since day one. I guess it's the nature of the beast. I always feel like I'm 90 when I'm driving it.
Replaced the breather element in summer of 2008, but I'll check it again. And I'm working on replacing the PCV this week.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
Originally Posted By: Whimsey
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Get it fixed as soon as possible... You don't want to have the ZDDP in engine oil ruining your Catalytic converter lifespan...
You don't me do you? I'm the one with the clean PCV. I was taking to the original OP.
Whimsey
No it put that it was in response to you... I was responding to jackhammer...
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Get it fixed as soon as possible... You don't want to have the ZDDP in engine oil ruining your Catalytic converter lifespan...
You don't me do you? I'm the one with the clean PCV. I was taking to the original OP.
Whimsey
No it put that it was in response to you... I was responding to jackhammer...
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