Question about weight of motor oil for Ford Escort

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I purchased a 1998 ford escort with the 2.0 single overhead cam motor a few months ago and it is almost due for another oil change.

It currently has 178,000 miles on it. It burns no oil which I am happy about.

I have already purchased a napa gold filter for it but I need to pick up the oil which I will do at walmart.

Right before my last oil change the oil light came on. It happened twice.

So the mechanic told me to purchase a thing of Mobil 1 high mileage 10-40 plus a bottle of Lucas oil stabilizer when he changed my oil. The oil light has not come back on since.

I have no clue what the numbers for oil mean but obviously I want the best choice for my car with the high miles it has. I really need this car to last me a few more years.

So I would like some help knowing what weight of motor oil would be best for my car with the high miles it has. Preferably something that will work without buying another bottle of oil stabilizer.

Also I plan on going with either Mobil 1 high mileage again or Mobil 1 EP (15,000 mile oil).

And either oil I get will be changed at 5,000 miles later regardless if the EP can go to 15,000.

I have heard good things about the Mobil 1 EP but don't know if it's recommended for high mileage vehicles.

Also the lifters? Under the valve cover are ticking slightly even though the head was completely rebuilt a couple months ago.

I would really like to quiet those up as well.

I apologize for such a long post but I want the best for my car so it will last me awhile.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
 
I think a 1998 ford escort should use 5w30 oil. Try a good high mileage oil like valvoline maxlife and forget the lucas oil stabilizer it's useless garbage.
 
I would go with what is spec'd for the car...I'm guessing a 5W30.

1)If it doesn't burn oil or leak there is no need for a High Mileage oil.

2)If your OCI is only going to be 5,000 miles there is no need for a synthetic like Mobil EP (waste).

If possible....contact the previous owner and ask him what oil and filter he used.
 
the 10w 40 plus the additive diluting stabilizer will mean close to a 60w oil. As others have said, leave out the lucas.
 
Originally Posted By: GutsyGecko
Use any high mileage 10w-40 without the stabilizer.

This is a good choice. Stay away from the Lucas. If you get an oil light due to low pressure running 10w-40, there's a mechanical issue that needs to be addressed.
 
Perhaps you can tell us under what conditions the Oil light came on.

For instance;
Was it after stopping at a traffic light after a long fast run.

Was the oil level known to be low (even though you say the engine does not burn oil)

I agree with the others, Don't use the Lucas.
if your engine need heavier oil, use heavier oil, not Snake oil.
 
Originally Posted By: Nate1979
Get a better mechanic.

Yes.

Originally Posted By: Bandito440
Stay away from the Lucas.

Yes.



Your oil light came on with a full sump?
You said your car burns no oil.
 
Originally Posted By: expat
Perhaps you can tell us under what conditions the Oil light came on.

For instance;
Was it after stopping at a traffic light after a long fast run.

Was the oil level known to be low (even though you say the engine does not burn oil)

I agree with the others, Don't use the Lucas.
if your engine need heavier oil, use heavier oil, not Snake oil.



Yes the light would come on while at a stop.

It would flicker then if I revved the engine a little it would go away.

The oil was always full when the previous owner had it and the whole time with me.
 
Last edited:
I had an Escort 2001, Got to 194,000 miles. Always used 5W/20 as Ford recommended, it never did use any oil other than 1/2 qt. per 5,000 miles.

As many miles as you have be prepared for the dropped valve seat problem.
 
Originally Posted By: jcwit
I had an Escort 2001, Got to 194,000 miles. Always used 5W/20 as Ford recommended, it never did use any oil other than 1/2 qt. per 5,000 miles.

As many miles as you have be prepared for the dropped valve seat problem.




Dropped valve seat problem was taken care of when they did the head a couple months ago
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: spasm3
consider replacing the oil pressure sending unit.






That was replaced before the last oil change and the light still came on one more time.
 
I'd get an actual oil pressure gauge so you can see exactly what you have for oil pressure. That's the only way to know for sure if you have a problem.
 
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