Hello all. I have decided on oil. I will go with synthetic at 10,000. I have a while to go but, I feel better having my game plan set!
Anyhow, I have a new question, has anyone had a problem with their windows? When I roll mine up or down (i have power windows) I hear what sounds like a loose part clinking... Twice on the way down and twice on the way up. The way up is louder than the way down. Any ideas? When I take the kitty back for her new catalytic converter, I will have to see if the service department can hear this noise....
I remember some one hearing noises when they roll up/down their windows. I've also heard of folks complaining about the windows not being aligned properly from the manufacturer. When my window hits the stop point (either up or down), it will give a little click to let me know, but I think that's normal and since the window hasn't fallen out or anything I guess it's okay.
But if you're concerned about anything (and I mean anything) about your Cat, have the dealer do something about it. Sometimes it takes diligence, as they don't necessarily experience it when you say it happens, but eventually, hopefully, you will be taken care of.
Coolchick: I reposted your gas theory in a technical topic to see what kind of a response I would get. Here is what they had to say:
"712 of 713: (locke2c) Thu 20 Jul '00 (01:22 PM)
Gasoline is stored in the ground and thus throughout the day does not get significantly warmer or colder. It also does not swell a great deal unlike... say, nitromethane.
At any rate, the pump is metering only liquid volume and I assure you that does not change. If we were pumping pure vapor maybe that would be worthy of discussion.
-Colin
#713 of 713: (Mr_Shiftright) Thu 20 Jul '00 (05:13 PM)
If you do in fact get better fuel mileage, it would have more to do with the cold air outside."
Interesting, badulah. Of course, part of it could also be the gasoline remaining in my tank has expanded, thereby reducing the amount I could fill into it.
Still, all in all, it's better for the environment to fill early in the day or after sunset to reduce the fuel vapors getting into the air on hot days, so I'll stick with doing it then.
I'm not sure about in the States, but up here in the wilds of Canada there are stickers on the gas pumps indicating that pumped volume indicated is calibrated to gasoline at 15 deg.C. As the above post indicates, since tanks are buried, it is unlikely that there would be significant daily fluctuations in pumped gasoline temperatures. Seasonal variations may be more significant (i.e., winter vs. summer), but probably far less significant than the decrease in fuel efficiency that occurs as engines operate in cold winter temperatures.
Has anyone ever had a bottle of wax go bad? I had about 1/5 of a bottle of Meguire's Gold Class wax for about a year. I hadn't used it because there wasn't enough to do the whole car. I went to use it before the LP trip and it had curtled - like sour milk. Weird.
I'm considering buying a Subaru Legacy L Wagon (2000). And since I don't want to be a "regular" to the shop, I would like to know if Subarus do well maintenance wise. I've heard from these discussions that there's a problem with the engine making a knocking noise under extreme temperatures(cold).
Some guy at a used car dealership even said that hundais (did I spell that right) do better than subarus maintenance wise. Frankly, I would have thought it would be the other way around, considering that Subaru is more expensive.
If you are happy, or unhappy with your Subaru, I'd really like to know about it.
I noticed you said you got better gas mileage on your LP trip than you expected and thought it was the difference in gas in the U.S. I have a theory about that I am hoping you can help prove or disprove it.
Could you try getting your next couple of tanks of gas at MacEwens and watch your mileage carefully. I know it is a little out of the way from the west end but if you work down town the one on Catherine at Bank is handy. What I am trying to find out is if their low sulfur gas actually improves mileage and I suspect my Cat is too new to really tell. Please try it and let me know. I suspect that gas in the U.S. has a lower sulfur content than most of ours in Ontario.
By the way what kind of mileage are you getting in the city now?
For those of you who've never listened to National Public Radio's weekly "Car Talk" program with "Click and Clack The Tappet Brothers", you'd enjoy it. These guys are very knowlegeable and funny. If you can't catch their weekend broadcast you can listen on the web here:
To follow up on the recent CSG synthetic oil discussions in this topic, just go to the above URL and click on Segment 5 (of this week's show) to listen in RealAudio.
The kitty and I had a run in with the curb at the train station this morning. Currently the parking lot is under construction and there are many forms of debris laying around. In order to bypass a piece of wood when pulling into my spot, i crunched my rim against the curb and there are two big ugly, not exactly gashes, but not exactly scratches either on my rims. How much do you think rims run? Where is the best place to pick one up? I am feeling very very sad today. I wish it would stop raining, it is not helping!
Well you could call a junk yard, but they may not have any new Cats in stock. Your Ford/Mercury dealer will be able to order them for you, but I don't know about pricing.
You may also want to try some of your local aftermarket wheel stores. Many of the smaller, independent shops take OEM wheels in trade. Could be tough to get a perfect match of a specific wheel, though. If you are fortunate enough to find the right wheel, they most likely will balk at parting with a single. If can't take down this wall, try to get them to bite on a pair.
Looking at Bella with no scratches or injuries - PRICELESS
Sorry, it just kept going through my head..
By the way when I was ordering my new rim today, I was going to get the 1000 mile oil change and my service guy advised against it. He said there was no such thing as break in oil. Just putting in my 2cents
He is right there is no Break in oil, but FMC does recommend the oil change to help remove excess material(usually metallic particls) left over from the manufacturing process of the engine.
I agree with Fredly. You should have the oil change done.
Where do they get these service people from? Do they grow them on a farm somewhere? I should keep a running list of all the crap they tell us in a log or something.
Does anyone have a clue where the tail light flasher is located? 3 different people have looked for it. Mine went out and I can't find it to replace it. It's on a 96 Cougar. I'd appreciate any help.
Sorry, but thus forum is dedicated to "New Edge" Cougars, the front wheel drive 1999's and 2000's only. They are totally different from your rear wheel drive 1996, which was based on the Ford Thunderbird. Why don't you ask someone in the service department of a Ford or Mercury dealership. They won't charge you for an answer, as long as you don't ask them to do the work.
The last couple of days I've noticed a bit of a burnt oil smell after driving home from work. I have not had an oil change recently (I always smell oil right after an oil change due to spillage by the mechanics).
I can't detect any smell from the exhaust, and it isn't leaking oil onto the ground. I noticed tonight that the oil filter could be turned by hand. I'm wondering if the oil filter is too loose and has been spitting oil out onto the hot exhaust under high compression. Has anyone experienced this before? How tight should the oil filter be? I seem to recall instructions that "hand tight" is tight enough.
Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping there's not a more serious problem.
The Oil filter should be hand tight, I used to do oil changes, Usually my hand tight, means I can't loosen it,(ie Jelly Jars) it must be a murphys law or something. Lucky you found this, check your oil level. and you should be fine.
I was able to turn the oil filter at least one full rotation by hand - pretty loose.
On closer inspection, there was a little oil dripping down the side of the filter. After tightening it and wiping the oil off, I havn't noticed the smell any more (and I gave it a good drive!).
I know at my brother in laws shop, they use ZEP some sorta cleaner, and it works great on the manifold after changing the oil..cleans it up with no smell.
Just picked up my new Cougar (V6, MTX, Sports Group, Comfort Group, Laser Red) on Tuesday, and I haven't stopped grinning yet. But, I do have two questions regarding maintenance/break-in. 1) At what mileage should the first oil change/filter change occur? I've read in other posts at 1K, but my salesperson said this morning when I asked that this is unnecessary, and that 3K is soon enough. 2) I was also told that during the "break-in" period (first 1K) that I should vary my speed. What, exactly, does this mean? I plan on taking a longer trip (@200 miles) tomorrow, mostly on the freeway, that varies between 55-65 mph (posted speeds!!!) By tomorrow, I will probably have 400 miles in on the engine, mostly city/local highway driving. I really want to do this trip with the new Cougar, but I don't want to hurt this wonderful engine too much. What do you experts recommend?
1.I was told Via email from FMC, that 1000miles is the first recommended oil change. Hey if all else it doesn't hurt to do it. 2. Vary Engine speed RPMS if you can, I drove off the lot with my cat and drove 300 miles back to college that day... in the rain... ick its like a wedding in a thunderstorm..just isn't so romantic...
What would y'all recommend for detailing the exterior black plastic and rubber-type trim pieces? Mine are already getting a little sun-faded and I want to keep them as dark and glossy as possible.
Did a nice wash & detail on my kitty this morning. She's sitting in the driveway just gleaming now. I have found a couple of tiny chips from rocks being thrown up from the road, so I need to get the touch-up paint. Should I use anything to remove any wax, etc., before I do the touch-ups?
Congrats on your new Cougar. I know you will enjoy her. My dealer also said there is no need to get the oil changed until 3000 miles. I did it anyway at 1000. The dealer paid for my first oil change anyway so it was a no brainer. I just got my 15K service and she is running flawlessly. Is that a word?????
What trim pieces are you talking about? Around the side mirrors? Mine haven't faded at all in 14 months. My car is also inside most of the day(garage or parking deck at work) so that may be why. Is your Cat outside all day?
Unfortunately, my kitty is outside most of the time. So the trim around the mirrors, over and around the side windows, the little deelee-bobs where the washer fluid comes from, front license plate holder, etc.
Has anyone tried using MeGuair's "Clean, Chine & Protect" for vinyl, Trim, and Tires? In theory this should be good for cleaning up the rubber and plastic trim, but i'm concerned because in the past I have used Armorall and 2001 spray on these parts and after a while they tend to dry out the seals and cause them to crack. Would this product also do the same? A bottle of it came in a cleaning kit someone bought me, but I have not used it for fear of causing damage to these parts.
I, personally, have never used the stuff. Mequiars usually has really good products though. I have not used any protectant on my Cat since day 1. Except wax, of course.
My dealer told me 5000Km (3000 miles) as well but having read all of the posts that say otherwise I think I will get Nimue in for an oil change now. She has a little over 2000 kms (1200 miles) so now is probably as good a time as any.
Your dealer is correct. They told you what the manufacturer, Ford, states in the maintenance schedule in the book in your glove compartment. You are not really doing Nimue a favor by changing her oil at only 1,200 miles. The oil filter will pick up any tiny fragments that circulate in the oil during the normal 5,000 mile recommended oil change interval. Ford does not even suggest changing oil during a "break-in" period. The gradual break-in during the first 1,000 miles on your new engine is to ensure that you don't overheat it while the mechanical tolerances are still a bit tight.
Thank you for your message of 11/08/99 regarding your 1999 Mercury Cougar. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us concerning the type of oil in your vehicle upon delivery to the dealership, the oil change recommendation after the break-in period and the weight of the 16-inch wheels.
After careful research into your inquiries, we have the following information for you:
1. The oil that is in the vehicle when delivered is called "Ford 5W-30". This is the same type of oil that is recommended in your owner's manual.
2. It is highly recommended to make an oil change after the 1,000-mile break-in period to give your vehicle the best possible start.
Comments
Anyhow, I have a new question, has anyone had a problem with their windows? When I roll mine up or down (i have power windows) I hear what sounds like a loose part clinking... Twice on the way down and twice on the way up. The way up is louder than the way down. Any ideas? When I take the kitty back for her new catalytic converter, I will have to see if the service department can hear this noise....
But if you're concerned about anything (and I mean anything) about your Cat, have the dealer do something about it. Sometimes it takes diligence, as they don't necessarily experience it when you say it happens, but eventually, hopefully, you will be taken care of.
I reposted your gas theory in a technical topic to see what kind of a response I would get. Here is what they had to say:
"712 of 713: (locke2c) Thu 20 Jul '00 (01:22 PM)
Gasoline is stored in the ground and thus
throughout the day does not get significantly
warmer or colder. It also does not swell a great
deal unlike... say, nitromethane.
At any rate, the pump is metering only liquid
volume and I assure you that does not change. If
we were pumping pure vapor maybe that would be
worthy of discussion.
-Colin
#713 of 713: (Mr_Shiftright) Thu 20 Jul '00 (05:13 PM)
If you do in fact get better fuel mileage, it
would have more to do with the cold air outside."
Still, all in all, it's better for the environment to fill early in the day or after sunset to reduce the fuel vapors getting into the air on hot days, so I'll stick with doing it then.
It's happened to me with Turtle was spray-on type wax. My bottle of Emerald wax held up fine.
Not so weird, the cold just freezes the wax out of the solution (H.S. Chemistry class)(long ago).
Skip G.
I'm considering buying a Subaru Legacy L Wagon (2000). And since I don't want to be a "regular" to the shop, I would like to know if Subarus do well maintenance wise. I've heard from these discussions that there's a problem with the engine making a knocking noise under extreme temperatures(cold).
Some guy at a used car dealership even said that hundais (did I spell that right) do better than subarus maintenance wise. Frankly, I would have thought it would be the other way around, considering that Subaru is more expensive.
If you are happy, or unhappy with your Subaru, I'd really like to know about it.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks for the info, Skip. That's probably what happend. Damn cold.
Could you try getting your next couple of tanks of gas at MacEwens and watch your mileage carefully. I know it is a little out of the way from the west end but if you work down town the one on Catherine at Bank is handy. What I am trying to find out is if their low sulfur gas actually improves mileage and I suspect my Cat is too new to really tell. Please try it and let me know. I suspect that gas in the U.S. has a lower sulfur content than most of ours in Ontario.
By the way what kind of mileage are you getting in the city now?
I'm not sure what mileage I'm getting now (and I'm still using NY gas), but usually in the city I use between 10.5 and 11.5 l/100km. How about you?
(Just ribbin' ya, Dasaint ...)
As for Cougarland, since we are creating it we can make sure we get the best of both. No?
http://cartalk.cars.com/Radio/Show/
To follow up on the recent CSG synthetic oil discussions in this topic, just go to the above URL and click on Segment 5 (of this week's show) to listen in RealAudio.
The whole website is great at:
http://cartalk.cars.com/
You may also want to try some of your local aftermarket wheel stores. Many of the smaller, independent shops take OEM wheels in trade. Could be tough to get a perfect match of a specific wheel, though. If you are fortunate enough to find the right wheel, they most likely will balk at parting with a single. If can't take down this wall, try to get them to bite on a pair.
I feel (have felt) you pain! Good luck!
Balance 7 Mount - $12.00
Looking at Bella with no scratches or injuries - PRICELESS
Sorry, it just kept going through my head..
By the way when I was ordering my new rim today, I was going to get the 1000 mile oil change and my service guy advised against it. He said there was no such thing as break in oil. Just putting in my 2cents
FMC does recommend the oil change to
help remove excess material(usually metallic particls)
left over from the
manufacturing process of the engine.
Where do they get these service people from? Do they grow them on a farm somewhere? I should keep a running list of all the crap they tell us in a log or something.
Sorry, but thus forum is dedicated to "New Edge" Cougars, the front wheel drive 1999's and 2000's only. They are totally different from your rear wheel drive 1996, which was based on the Ford Thunderbird. Why don't you ask someone in the service department of a Ford or Mercury dealership. They won't charge you for an answer, as long as you don't ask them to do the work.
You could also ask your question here:
http://www.deja.com/topics_md.xp?group=alt.autos.mercury.cougar&search=topic
It's a newsgroup where owners from 1967 on discuss various Cougar issues.
I can't detect any smell from the exhaust, and it isn't leaking oil onto the ground. I noticed tonight that the oil filter could be turned by hand. I'm wondering if the oil filter is too loose and has been spitting oil out onto the hot exhaust under high compression. Has anyone experienced this before? How tight should the oil filter be? I seem to recall instructions that "hand tight" is tight enough.
Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping there's not a more serious problem.
Thanks,
Andy.
Usually my hand tight, means I can't loosen it,(ie Jelly Jars)
it must be a murphys law or something.
Lucky you found this, check your oil level. and you should be fine.
I was able to turn the oil filter at least one full rotation by hand - pretty loose.
On closer inspection, there was a little oil dripping down the side of the filter. After tightening it and wiping the oil off, I havn't noticed the smell any more (and I gave it a good drive!).
some sorta cleaner, and it works great on the manifold
after changing the oil..cleans it up with no smell.
Hey if all else it doesn't hurt to do it.
2. Vary Engine speed RPMS if you can, I drove off the lot with my cat and drove 300 miles
back to college that day... in the rain... ick its like a wedding in a thunderstorm..just isn't so romantic...
The type of driving you describe is OK, just don't jump on it hard, or try to go for max revs, just to see what it'll do. Save that for later!
I, personaly, went for a filter and oil change at 1.5K mi, and had them take care of a few little things under the warranty.
Havn't had a problem since.
Skip G.
Did a nice wash & detail on my kitty this morning. She's sitting in the driveway just gleaming now. I have found a couple of tiny chips from rocks being thrown up from the road, so I need to get the touch-up paint. Should I use anything to remove any wax, etc., before I do the touch-ups?
Thanks
I just washed mine too and she looks great!!!
Unfortunately, my kitty is outside most of the time. So the trim around the mirrors, over and around the side windows, the little deelee-bobs where the washer fluid comes from, front license plate holder, etc.
Just my $0.02
She has a little over 2000 kms (1200 miles) so now is probably as good a time as any.
Thanks all
Your dealer is correct. They told you what the manufacturer, Ford, states in the maintenance schedule in the book in your glove compartment. You are not really doing Nimue a favor by changing her oil at only 1,200 miles. The oil filter will pick up any tiny fragments that circulate in the oil during the normal 5,000 mile recommended oil change interval. Ford does not even suggest changing oil during a "break-in" period. The gradual break-in during the first 1,000 miles on your new engine is to ensure that you don't overheat it while the mechanical tolerances are still a bit tight.
Dear Mr. XXXXXX,
Thank you for your message of 11/08/99 regarding your 1999 Mercury
Cougar. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us concerning the
type of oil in your vehicle upon delivery to the dealership, the oil
change recommendation after the break-in period and the weight of the
16-inch wheels.
After careful research into your inquiries, we have the following
information for you:
1. The oil that is in the vehicle when delivered is called "Ford 5W-30".
This is the same type of oil that is recommended in your owner's manual.
2. It is highly recommended to make an oil change after the 1,000-mile
break-in period to give your vehicle the best possible start.
/snip/