Fuel in oil

[jsphlynch]

Update:
Service writer does not think oil level rising almost to the hole in the dip stick is an issue in light of not getting a warning light on the dash for a misfire. SMDH. He wants me to monitor it for two weeks. And monitor the contents of the catch can. Told him it was about a third full of what looked and smelled like fuel.
He wants me to test what is in the catch can for flammability. Sounds crazy but makes sense. If it ignites with a match I am to bring the truck in. (Edit: Yes, I will empty the contents into something else and ignite it safely)
In the meantime I will mail off the Blackstone test Monday morning.
I guess it could have gone worse. But I did make sure the visit was documented and that I was concerned with damaging the engine internals.
I have to take a 110 mile road trip tomorrow and will check the oil level and catch can contents when I get home.

When you say that it has risen to the top hole, how much has it risen? In other words, how full was it filled at the last oil change?

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[Trailrunner79]

I had my first 5k oil change 2 weeks ago and my fuel mileage has considerably dropped since. Checked oil today and it was above the max mark on the dipstick and had a strong gas smell. The weather has changed in those 2 weeks but my driving habits haven't. Just wondering if I should bring this up or keep a eye on it til the 10k change.

 

[cb4017]

I had my first 5k oil change 2 weeks ago and my fuel mileage has considerably dropped since. Checked oil today and it was above the max mark on the dipstick and had a strong gas smell. The weather has changed in those 2 weeks but my driving habits haven't. Just wondering if I should bring this up or keep a eye on it til the 10k change.

Did you check the oil level right after getting it changed? Hard to know if you have a problem if you have nothing to compare it to. An oil change should have nothing to do with mileage.

It's that time of year for winter gas blends. My mileage will drop 1-2 mpg during the winter so that may be what you're seeing.

Oil levels will change depending on engine temperature, when you last drove it, etc. I check oil level in the morning before first drive. That way I know the engine is cold and anything that will drain into the crankcase is there.

I suggest you note where the oil level is and then keep an eye on it. Personally I would never go 10K between oil changes but I'm old school and these engines seem to be tough on oil. I generally use 5k OCIs and rotate tires at the same time.

Good luck.

 

[quirkybar8]

I had my first 5k oil change 2 weeks ago and my fuel mileage has considerably dropped since. Checked oil today and it was above the max mark on the dipstick and had a strong gas smell. The weather has changed in those 2 weeks but my driving habits haven't. Just wondering if I should bring this up or keep a eye on it til the 10k change.

My oil was changed at the dealer (on my request) after the second attempt at addressing severe fuel dilution. Receipt only showed one quart of oil, but it clearly had 7 in the crankcase. It was above the max hole. I drained about 3/4 qt. out in order to bring it down to an acceptable level. I guess it was too much work confirming how much the engine holds.

You may want to take it back in order to have your problem documented.

 

[Zaph]

I second the new poll suggestion. I am watching my oil as well. After 5k miles it came back with 2.5% fuel dilution. Does smell of fuel and visually I can see a difference in the oil consistency. My truck doesn't seem to be "making oil" too much as the level did stay consistent over that 5k but I was watching it.

Not sure if the moderator is paying attention to the thread. It's a big thread that just keeps on going.

But note that we do have poll here if you have not had oil tested but have oil that smells like gas or a crankcase that is above full. You can go here to sound off and be heard.

Fuel in oil poll

But it would be nice to see where people stand who have had there oil tested so we can get a broad picture of how big a problem this really is.

 

[Trailrunner79]

Did you check the oil level right after getting it changed? Hard to know if you have a problem if you have nothing to compare it to. An oil change should have nothing to do with mileage.

It's that time of year for winter gas blends. My mileage will drop 1-2 mpg during the winter so that may be what you're seeing.

Oil levels will change depending on engine temperature, when you last drove it, etc. I check oil level in the morning before first drive. That way I know the engine is cold and anything that will drain into the crankcase is there.

I suggest you note where the oil level is and then keep an eye on it. Personally I would never go 10K between oil changes but I'm old school and these engines seem to be tough on oil. I generally use 5k OCIs and rotate tires at the same time.

Good luck.

I'm gonna watch it closely. This is the first brand new vehicle I've ever purchased and the first time I have ever let someone change the oil for me. Just thought the timing with the mpg change was odd. I'm gonna continue to monitor it and if it increases I'll take it in or just let them know at the 10k change.

 

[Ace Holliday]

When you say that it has risen to the top hole, how much has it risen? In other words, how full was it filled at the last oil change?

When the oil was changed the level was just below full. It has risen a little less than half an inch.
After driving 130 miles today there was about 3/4 ounce of liquid in my catch can. It ignited easily with a match and completely burned in about 20 seconds. The oil level appears to be about the same as before the 130 mile trip.
A sample will go to Blackstone Monday. I have considered it but I don’t think I am being hypersensitive because I know where the level was and where the level is. Bottom line is the engine cannot create oil. Something is going on. The Blackstone test will tell the tale.

 

[N. J. Jim]

They've had my truck 10 days now, nothing accomplished .The Ford Motor Company doesn't know how to fix it and it's on me.After spending the money these things cost and not being taken care of is inexcusable. Can't believe this is the best they can do!!!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Latest report. Went a little longer this time and changed oil after 1600miles. Another 2.5% fuel dilution. I specifically asked Blackstone how long to go between oil changes (see their reply).

My problem is the service manger says I'm the only one he's heard of with the issue. He checked with Ford on my behalf and like others have been told the problem is due to frequent short trips (I drive 15min to work all city). He also said to go a full 5,000mile on the next oil change - I know others have been told this as well but it freaks me out to do that to my engine when its 2.2-2.8 diluted after only 1,000miles.

I used my last Ford pass points oil change so the next one's on me. I thank all folks with issues for sharing their results and what their dealers are saying. I continue to hope that one of these days my oil test sample will come back within spec......

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

Ford needs to replace the engine and ship the defective back for analysis. Would be cheaper at this point with some of you all having multiple service visits.

When I had my Subaru, before i got my Ranger they had a similar problem with the 2.5 NA H4 engine where it would consume oil and the only fix was a short block replacement. i went through a quart of oil in 1500 miles.

 

[Texasota]

I received my Blackstone Laboratories report today. My fuel dilution was 3.8% and the viscosity was 46.2 (should be 56-63). As I have mentioned before I think my Ranger does this mainly when towing (likely in boost mode a lot of the time). When this sample was taken it had come down from the high point which implies my fuel dilution was likely higher after my long towing trip.

 

[shred5]

But it would be nice to see where people stand who have had there oil tested so we can get a broad picture of how big a problem this really is.

The only issue is you will never know because most people take it in for a oil change or never check their oil. You know how it is when you take it in for a oil change they don't look at the oil or measure what is in there. They drain and refill.

This problem could be large but who knows. When people start have engine problems down the road that is when people will start to notice. Probably sometime after factory warranty is gone too.

Took a class action suit to get Ford to take care of the Focus issues.

I am just sad. I took out a extended warranty for this truck because I wanted to keep this one for a while. I usually never keep a truck much past warranty but wanted to keep this one. I doubt I will now so money wasted.

Ford was doing well with the Ranger in sales too. It seems to be a hit so problems stink.

 

[Zaph]

The only issue is you will never know because most people take it in for a oil change or never check their oil.

If we get enough people to post their Blackstone results, we will indeed have insight how widespread the issue is. Just by looking at the quantity of tests in each category, if we have enough entries we can interpolate how many trucks have the problem based on sales, regardless if average Joe Blow knows he has a problem or not.

Hunting down the moderator to ask for a poll addition. Unless the OP can add it himself, I don't really know how polls work here.

 

[N. J. Jim]

Ford definitely dodging the issue. Still telling me after having my truck for 2 weeks that short trips is the issue. I really went off on customer service today, although I told the girl 3 times I wasn't hollering at her it was directed at Ford. Ask to speak to a supervisor supposedly one is supposed to call me Tuesday. I know what the problem is they know this is a potentially very costly thing for Ford and their not owning up to it.How many people do you think that have this problem and don't even know because they never check or change the oil!

 

[Zaph]

All, discussed with moderator and decided to post a new thread with a poll for those with Blackstone results. If you have had your oil tested, regardless of the results, good or bad, please go there and participate. The more people that participate, the more we know bout this problem. It may open some eyes at Ford too.

But continue discussion here.

Poll - Test Results for Fuel in Oil

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