Oil query

steady__eddie

After 20 years freedom from crawling under cars getting dirty and bruising my knuckles, I have been forced to get my overalls out of retirement to assist in the maintainence of my daughters ultra low budget '99 Ka which she bought last week.
Rather foolishly, I suggested that an oil and filter change wouldn't do any harm as it looked a bit on the black thin side. A trip to the library has provided the familiarisation of the engine layout in the form of an Haynes manual. Donations of oil received this week include 3 litres of 10w-40 and 3 litres of Semi-Synthetic 10w-40. My query is, is it permissable to mix these oils in order to obtain the required amount for the oil change ?
Back in the '90s when I last did grease monkey impressions, I don't recall the existence of these new fangled things and since then I have relied upon manufacturers "free servicing" when negotiating my px deals.

Pete268

Hi,

Looking on a few motoring Forums

http://www.rac.co.uk/web/forum/showthread.php?p=4912

and

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=i&t=23955

and also the Ford Technical site, you should use 5W30 Semi Synthetic to Ford Specification.

The 10W40 you have maybe a bit 'thick' for the car and could produce wear when the engine is cold.

As to mixing them, it should't cause too much of a problem as long as you use the mineral oil change service intervals in my opinion but you are probably best getting the 5W30 stuff as that is what Ford reccomend and if she is planning on keeping the car for any length of time.

Pete

steady__eddie

Thanks Pete, the Haynes says 10w/30 or 10w/40 so I had taken that as gospel. Looks like plan B then, she'll have to dip into her student loan and buy some.

steveo3002

yeah no worrys mixing the two together

is it the old pushrod engine ? if it is watch out for siezed spark plugs

steady__eddie

I think that it may be the old pushrod job, until I browsed the Haynes yesterday I wasn't aware of the manufacturing history. I did find a receipt from 2 months ago in the glovebox for 4 spark plugs and new ones have been fitted so I should be alright on that front but thanks for the tip anyway.
Running oil-burners for the last 20 years, I had forgot all about spark plugs, it's a good job that manual chokes are no longer the order of the day or else she'd be getting me to fire it up every day.