Ford Formua E 15w-30 - Pd Engine ?

[Guest ratherhaveanewone]

Just been down to Fords with the intention of buying some Formual SD for my 115 PD Engine. Anyway the guy on parts says Ford list either SD or the cheaper Formula E for my engine (took reg number checked computer etc etc).

 

Also if I had my car serviced there they would use the 'E' and not the dearer 'SD'.

 

So 2 questions :

 

1) Am I safe putting in this 'E' semi-synthetic stuff

 

2) What do ford dealers normally use, if they always use 'E' then whats the point me topping it up with 'SD'

 

John

[seatkid]

1) Am I safe putting in this 'E' semi-synthetic stuff

No! I don't think this is a VW505.01 spec oil as (AFAIK) all PD oils are xx/40W grade. If it doesn't clearly state on the container "Meets specificaion VW 505.01 or VW506.01" then don't use it! All other specs e.g. 505.00 etc are NOT suitable and MUST NOT be used otherwise you WILL damage the engine.

 

2) What do ford dealers normally use, if they always use 'E' then whats the point me topping it up with 'SD'

Although some dealers may be diligent, it would seem. from evidence provided by others, they use whatever stuff comes out of the bulk oil tank which can be anything the stores foreman ordered... The Formula E oil is an oil that is used on the Ford designed and built range of engines, Zetec, Duratech etc. However, the Galaxy PD engine is a VW unit even though the model is designated "Zetec". Confused? Blame Ford marketing department.

[HJT]

When I bought a litre of oil from my local Ford Dealer they knew immediately what oil I should have in it and the back of the container states 505.01 for VW PD engines so if it doesn't have that it ain't right.

 

Howard

[tim-spam]

Castrol has just 'launched' a range of synthetic engine oils known as 'Castrol Edge'. The 5W40 diesel oil is approved to VW 505.01 - I guess this is just their 505.01 oil re-branded, but it may now be more widely available, and perhaps a little cheaper. On second thoughts, now that the marketing men have re-branded it with a trendy sounding name, it'll probably cost more.......

[Guest ratherhaveanewone]

Well the oils gone back and I've some Millers XFE PE on order, the worrying thing is how many Galaxys are getting the Ford Oil every service rather than the approved stuff !!!

 

John