Fuel filter conspiracy theorist

[caprixpack]

I've got to agree, if you've going to the hassle of changing the filter and making a mess you might as well drop the oil at the same time.

[mjb]

Your Renault dealer is breaking the law by saying if the car isn't serviced at a Renault dealer then your warranty is void!

Absolutely, however for cars under warranty, it's still best to get dealer servicing as "full dealer service history" maintains substantial resale value to the car!

My plan there was to explain that manufacturers look at the cost of ownership over the reasonable lifetime of the vehicle. Thus most manufacturers are happy their gearbox oil will last in one shape or for 10 years or 150k, by which time it's probably on it's way to the scrap yard. But I went off on a rant about oil.

Those of us who like to maintain our cars properly and go above and beyond what the manufacturer recommends are the exception.

Interesting to note that AMG cars do actually have ATF replacement as part of the service schedule; I believe something like at the 5k service, then every 25k after that! Granted, they're under a tiny bit more load then your average transmission, but it does serve as an illustration that "lifetime" fluid really isn't as magical as it's made out to be, and actually means more like "unlikely to cause a warranty repair" fluid

As for engine oil, it seems my beast takes 0w40 and 5w40 variants of MB229.5, which unlike exotic BMW/VAG/PSA oils, seems to quite openly include virtually every synthetic oil out there of those grades! Very nice, I'm sure I've got gallons of suitable stuff in the cellar...

If a high performance turbo'd car can pretty much specify "sod it - throw in what you've got, just do it regularly", I don't see why a bog standard car should be so picky, unless the whole system's just a way of selling product endorsement. Which it is.

[Bailes1992]

MB229.5 is specification that builds on ACEA A3/B4 which is a tough, 'high performance' but heavy duty car engine oil. Like you say, most A3/B4 oils meet it.

Engines really aren't that fussy. Only thing you have to watch out for is HTHS. HTHS is the viscosity of the oil at 150°c i.e. in turbo bearings or crank bearings. The higher the HTHS the more protection the oil should offer. Now ACEA A1/B1 & A5/B5 are 'fuel economy' oils and have a low HTHS. They are usually only available in *w20 or THIN *w30 oils. I would run a quality synthetic A5/B5 in a well looked after HDi90 that spent it's life doing 70mph on the motorway and I might gain 0.5mpg, but I wouldn't run one on a HDi90 if I was regularly towing or it was tuned.

I seen with my Focus, when run on the manufacturer specified WSS-M2C913D oil (a specification that builds on ACEA A5/B5, a thin 30 weight) analysis showed the wear materials in the oil were significantly higher than if I ran a 0w30 A3/B4 oil or even a mineral heavy duty diesel engine oil (Morris Lubricants HD4 15w40 ACEA E7) which both had a significantly higher HTHS.

Duster got serviced yesterday. Stamp in the book, genuine Renault filter and Fuchs Titan GT1 XTL 5w40 like I wanted!

[dirtydirtydiesel]

But the problem with your regime is,
You get rid of the car BEFORE you benefit from doing this
ie: your Mondeo or Focus

[Bailes1992]

But the problem with your regime is,
You get rid of the car BEFORE you benefit from doing this
ie: your Mondeo or Focus

My Mondeo had over 150k on the clock when I had to get rid of it. Then it leaked no oil, was spotless under the covers and ran like a Swiss watch.

I found out on Wednesday that the Mondeo was written off a few weeks ago, apparently the owner put it in a field pissed up.

Focus... Well that was different. I'd still have it if I wasn't offered a company car.

The duster has to stay, it's going to get an absolute battering when Harry finally arrives so it will be run into the ground.

[frog]

So, yesterday it was time to replace the rocker cover gasket.

Since the last oil change I covered 40 k miles, so it would be a good opportunity to check the sludge and gunk that might have built up, as requested:

I'd love to have a nose under the rocker cover/sump and see what the engine looks like I must admit, as well as cutting the oil filter open after that mileage. I'd place good money on it being blocked, potentially torn or have the pressure relief valve open. An oil analysis would also be interesting to see!

Lifted the rocker cover to find it ... nice and clean Photo's we taken like 5 seconds after lifting the cover, no cleaning done. Sorry for the stain on the lens...

Currently running at 565 k kms (353 k miles). Yes, you can see that the engine is "run in" by the silvery lines on the cams.