General Engine Oil Enquiry

[Guest TBL]

Hi! :)

 

my fathers mechanic was off sick, so his mondeo was sent off to another chap for an oil change, He has since noticed it is a bit noisy first thing in the morning... then I spotted the numbers 15w/40 on the oil container, and I knew that the car needed something else.. the hand book says 5w/30 or 10w/30 (if the first is not available)

 

now, should he get the new oil drained out and replaced with the correct stuff, or would it be ok until the next service?

 

I myself think change it now, but my father is old school and does not think it matters :huh:

[Guest TBL]

Ah.. I found out by phoning our local Ford dealer...

 

the difference in layman's terms is "thickness"

 

Ford and Honda use thinner oils, and using the 15w/40 could actually damage the engine as it is too thick.... :huh: so its coming out tomorrow...

[Guest j_mchattie]

Yep

 

5W30 means 5 in winter, 30 when warm

 

The higher the number, the thinner the liquid is (and the faster it runs).

 

The tappets need the correct oil, because the oilways are tiny - and will only allow a thin oil to enter them.

 

As you have already said - you need to change it to ensure engine protection when cold (yet you might not have noticed any difference in the summer because it would already be warm enough to be thin).