Oil recommendation for 1977 mk2 3.0 ghia auto

[rigden439]

Could someone make recommendation for best oil and spec to use for my Mk2 capri 3.0 auto? Also best place to buy relevant service parts. thanks.

[Andrew 2.8i]

Could someone make recommendation for best oil and spec to use for my Mk2 capri 3.0 auto?

Hi,
I haven't got any personal experience with this engine, but the Ford workshop manual recommends 20W/40 or 20W/50 to be used in temperatures above -12 degrees C. The Haynes manual agrees with this.

I use Halfords 20W/50 classic engine oil in my 2.8.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165581

Seems to be good stuff and is fairly well priced.

All the best,
Andrew.

[pbar]

I'm not sure on your engine specifically, but to quote the Ford manual -

From -23 deg C to +32 deg C: 10W-30/10W-40/10W-50
Above -18 deg C: 15W-40/15W-50
Above -12 deg C: 20W-40/20W-50
Below -23 edg C: 5W-20/5W-30

All to Ford Spec SSM-2C-9001-AA

I would be wary of using 20/50 personally, as temps in our country can get close to -12. Back in the day, your camshaft warranty was void if you used anything except for 10/40, which is bang in the middle of any temperature range, as above.

(Thanks to Bug for the above chart)

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi,

From -23 deg C to +32 deg C: 10W-30/10W-40/10W-50
Above -18 deg C: 15W-40/15W-50
Above -12 deg C: 20W-40/20W-50
Below -23 edg C: 5W-20/5W-30

All to Ford Spec SSM-2C-9001-AA

I would be wary of using 20/50 personally, as temps in our country can get close to -12.

That is true, however, I would counter that with two points.
1) Rigden439 has to consider if he will be driving or running his Capri in winter temperatures of -12 and below. If it's stored in a garage at this temperature I doubt if it would be an issue.
2) The temperature range of 10W oil is up to a maximum of 32 degrees C. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the temperature does exceed that in the summer when the car is more likely to be used.
All the best,
Andrew.

[pbar]

I think that the higher temperature refers to all oil grades. I don't understand why so many people do use the 20/50 to be honest, by using 10/40 you don't have to worry about the freezing temps at all. And it was what Ford recommended after all. 20/50 is like treacle on a cold day. But I think that these engines are very forgiving as regards to oil grades, and the important thing is that the changes are regular.

[Andrew 2.8i]

the important thing is that the changes are regular.

Excellent point!

Andrew.

[stevemarl]

Just for completeness, below that table in the handbook it says: ` for CONTINUAL high ambient temperature, above +30`c, we recommend Ford/Motorcraft Super Motor Oils SAE 15W-40 AND SAE 20W50 or oils meeting Ford specification in the viscosity grades SAE 15W-20 AND 20W-40.
This implies that 20w50 is only *recommended* when temps are CONTINUALLY +30c and above. - but 15w-40 (and 10w-40 {as the `nnW` is solely cold visc.}) are also suitable even then, but have the advantage that they are also suitable for low temp use.

Maybe just change it often?

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi,
If I'm talking out of my backside here I apologise in advance, as it will save me having to do it later!
Aren't these recommendations in the manual and handbooks made when the engines are new, and as they get older and wear the thicker oil is needed to maintain oil pressure?
And for peace of mind, does anyone know if Ford specification SSM-2C-9001-AA is still current and available?
Someone tell me if I'm wrong, as I will have to go out straight away and change my oil again!
All the best,
Andrew.

[stevemarl]

and as they get older and wear the thicker oil is needed to maintain oil pressure?

wouldn`t be able to comment on that, but I suspect, no. I`ve never seen that in any literature, and as engines wear, the clearances get bigger, the pump less efficient, just putting a very marginally more viscous (at working temp.) oil in wouldn`t make that much difference. Also of course pressure isn`t everything: you could have VERY tight clearances which would give extremely high pressure, but sieze due to oil starvation.... Complex issue.
BUt Paul is correct, Ford did recommend 10w-40 as part of the solution to cam wear problems.

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi,
More deliberation and interesting thoughts on the oil debate here:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=38881&hilit=millers
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=35970&hilit=millers

Andrew.

[pbar]

Talk/arguments of oil grades are all over this (and most likely every other classic car) forum! What I continually fail to understand though, is why people use 20/50 and the often seen comment 'old Pinto's like thicker oil'. It always seems to be a made up comment as I have never seen that in any offical Ford or Capri literature. The recommended Capri oil is 10/40, and that is documented. I have known people who, as they have age related small oil leaks, use the thicker 20/50 which will help to lessen those. But, by the same token the thicker oil is less willing to reach all the necessary nooks and crannies that the 10/40 will.

[rich_jc]

I changed from 10w40 to 20w50, instant rise in oil pressure and a much quieter engine. It's a summer car now, so no need to worry about -12 days.

Rich