I just thought I would share this bit

[dan_erickson]

I was at my parents place today for a while and mom said that she is running a little late on the oil change for her 2009 Fusion. She said that the car was at 8,000 miles on this OCI and she would go next weekend to get it changed at Ford. I checked the oil level and I was not really surprised but it was 1 quart low. So one quart low, 8,000 mile OCI........on a 215,000 mile 3.0 V6 Fusion.

Not bad, and of course I topped it off.

She takes it to the dealer and I assume they use Motorcraft stuff, at least the filter is a Motorcraft. Sometimes the oil changes are free because she builds up points for oil changes and tires.

 

[ls1mike]

That is really good!

 

[dan_erickson]

Originally Posted By: ls1mike
That is really good!


I told her it was a quart low and she was a little concerned. I said that is pretty good with the miles on the car.

 

[Run]

Originally Posted By: dan_erickson
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
That is really good!


I told her it was a quart low and she was a little concerned. I said that is pretty good with the miles on the car.


Good chance to show her how to check and top off.

 

[dishdude]

As long as it's topped of it'll be fine! 1 quart in 8k miles on an engine with 215k miles is very respectable.

 

[bluestream]

Why top it off if its due for a change? Just move the oil change up a week

 

[dan_erickson]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Why top it off if its due for a change? Just move the oil change up a week


It's snowing today and Ford dealer is 20 miles away. It can wait a week more until she has time to make it there. Also that car averages 100 miles a day so I think a top off is a good idea.

 

[Bud_One]

Wow...that's really good for that mileage.
I'm 4k in with my accord and I've used a quart already.
Car has 185k on it.

 

[bluestream]

Originally Posted By: dan_erickson
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Why top it off if its due for a change? Just move the oil change up a week


It's snowing today and Ford dealer is 20 miles away. It can wait a week more until she has time to make it there. Also that car averages 100 miles a day so I think a top off is a good idea.


You drive 20 miles for an oil change? Biggest danger with low oil is the oil getting too hot and thinning out, that wont happen in winter.

 

[Branson304]

Not bad at all. My Fusion loses less than half a quart over a 5,000-6,000 mile OCI. I don't have near as many miles as your mom's though. These 3.0s are beasts though.

 

[Kira]

Hello,
1) A lousy dealer might use cheaper oil for promotions. I'd hope not.
1a) A diligent dealership network might have QC in that area.
1b) Such consumption in that engine over 8K indicates "All's well" to me too.

2) Is this 3.0 liter engine a known quality workhorse?
2a) Is it a standout?

thanks, Kira

 

[dan_erickson]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: dan_erickson
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Why top it off if its due for a change? Just move the oil change up a week


It's snowing today and Ford dealer is 20 miles away. It can wait a week more until she has time to make it there. Also that car averages 100 miles a day so I think a top off is a good idea.


You drive 20 miles for an oil change? Biggest danger with low oil is the oil getting too hot and thinning out, that wont happen in winter.


Yes, 20 miles to the Ford dealer. They live in the sticks and there is nothing around the little town they live in. The trip to the dealer gets incorporated with other things that need to be taken care of like going to the grocery store and whatever else she does, so not it is not a big deal.

 

[dan_erickson]

Originally Posted By: Kira
Hello,
1) A lousy dealer might use cheaper oil for promotions. I'd hope not.
1a) A diligent dealership network might have QC in that area.
1b) Such consumption in that engine over 8K indicates "All's well" to me too.

2) Is this 3.0 liter engine a known quality workhorse?
2a) Is it a standout?

thanks, Kira


I would like to say yes it is a quality workhorse, I do not know if it is considered a standout because I am not that familiar

 

[147_Grain]

You could also consider a bandaid approach with Walmart's $19.88 Pit Crew LOF change with Quaker State motor oil.

Your folks can get the vehicle serviced while shopping for groceries at Walmart.

 

[oilmaven]

I think that the first-generation Fusion (2006-09) was a real sleeper...Ford pulled out the stops on that car and they proved themselves. From what I know, the 2.3L 4cyl. was also a great engine...not a lot of power but reliable and good mpg...even with the 5 speed auto (a Jatco unit I believe...and the 6 speed auto used with the 3.0 was an Aisin transmission (?)...Ford utilized their own 6 speed auto that they co-developed with GM on the 2010 and newer models and had a few glitches with that transmission...hopefully they have that sorted out...might be wrong on that...someone correct me if I am). I wasn't a huge fan of the interior on those cars but they were decently comfortable and handled well. I know a few owners of those cars and all were very happy with them. All in all a great vehicle and a testament to what the "Big Three" can do when they set their minds to it.

I recently sat in a 2015 Fusion at a local dealership and really liked the styling and technology but was a little surprised how cramped the interior felt...somehow I expected more room.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Branson304
Not bad at all. My Fusion loses less than half a quart over a 5,000-6,000 mile OCI. I don't have near as many miles as your mom's though. These 3.0s are beasts though.


My 07 Fusion has the 4 cyl Duratech and uses 3-5 oz in 10K. The Focus doesn't drop off the full mark. Ford has some very good engines.

 

[53' Stude]

+1 TIG1 as my 11' Focus doesn't use a drop of oil and it's very clean looking thru the oil fill hile

 

[53' Stude]

Hole***

 

[SirTanon]

The Fusions are definitely excellent in this respect. My 2010 Fusion 2.5l has 209,000 miles on it, and over the course of a 7,500 mile OCI, the oil barely even moves on the dipstick.

 

[dan_erickson]

Oil was changed today. 9000 miles on motorcraft syn blend according to the last service ticket.