Lubrication system pressure (Focus Turnier 1)

In order for the lubricating film to withstand even the highest loads, the oil always reaches the lubricating points under pressure. However, too high a pressure, for example with cold and viscous oil over a long period of time, causes engine damage. This is prevented by a high-pressure valve (bypass) in the connecting flange of the oil filter. It opens at approximately 4 bar and returns the oil to the suction side of the oil pump.

In technically healthy Focus engines, the oil reaches the lubrication points already at medium engine speeds under a pressure of about 1.5-2.5 bar (oil temperature about 80-100°C); multipurpose oil SAE 10W-30). At idle, the engine needs about 0.6-1 bar. An oil pressure gauge will give you precise information about the oil pressure. It is not installed in the Focus as standard, but you can relatively easily install an oil pressure gauge yourself.

The oil pressure warning light only signals low pressure

You cannot expect an exact measurement value from the serial oil pressure warning light, it only lights up at a pressure of 0.3-0.5 bar. In other words, the oil pressure warning light only warns when engine damage is imminent: at 0.3-0.5 bar, a sufficient supply of oil is no longer reliably ensured inside the engine. For example, malfunctions may already occur if your Focus quickly drives around a corner with too low an oil level, the resulting centrifugal forces displace the oil inside the crankcase towards the outside of the corner - in this situation, the oil pump only supplies hot air from the crankcase. The oil pressure inevitably drops, and engine failures can be a costly result.



If after a fast drive on the motorway or over a mountain pass the oil pressure warning light flashes at idle, this is a sure sign that the oil pressure is already insufficient. Although as long as the warning light goes out when you press the gas pedal lightly, there is no reason to worry too much - act more carefully, a "healthy" engine cools down again during the drive.

Only if the oil pressure indicator light is constantly on:

• stop immediately and turn off the engine
• check the oil level and...
• top up the missing amount as soon as possible. Otherwise, drive carefully to the nearest gas station and fill up with oil there. Check whether the indicator light really goes out after that
• if not, tow the car to the nearest workshop and have a specialist determine the cause. In certain circumstances, you can avoid serious engine damage this way.