Ford Focus MkII 1.6L - oil-filter by-pass pressure - KingCreole

Can anyone help me! Got a couple of queries that are bugging me! The first is that after exhaustive searching on the web sourcing all sorts of info on the best parts for my car..with regard to oil filters I have narrowed my choice to 3 filters ....Wix, Mann and K&N. The only problem with the K&N is that the by-pass valve pressure is 11-14 psi whereas the OEM spec is 1bar (14.5 psi +/-2.5). Is the K&N within acceptable an acceptable range? Obviously I don't want the valve opening too easy! The other has been touched on here b4 and its the old spark plug gap for my Ford Focus MkII 2005 1.6L (100bhp duretec) is it 1.3mil or 1 mil? NGK replacements (TR5A-10) are 1mil but other parts sites have 1.3mm as the the OEM spec. If both gaps are acceptable which is better for greater complete combustion/efficiency and so better economy and emissions and better throttle response as opposed to worrying about the coil pack? And would NGK Irdium IX give give better economy/throttle response if I upgrade?

Sorry about the length of this post!

Ford Focus MkII 1.6L - oil-filter by-pass pressure - skidpan

Personally I think you are wasting way too much time researching something as mundane as ano oil filter. If there is a Ford delaer nearby get an OEM one. They normally cost about the same with no worries. Other than OEM the only brand I have used for years is Halfords, very good quality (made by Sogefi who probably meke the Ford ones) and a branch on every high street.

With regards to plugs the same applies. Ford plugs will come set to the correct gap and its a little know fact that adjusting plugs with platinum or iridium tips can dislodge the fancy metal which is only on the surface.

As to different plugs improving economy or throttle response that is just an old urban myth that in truth is impossible to measure. Once saw an advert that claimed an extra 0.5 bhp, who on planet earth would notice that. Ok if the old plugs are knackered any good quality plug will improve matters.

Ford Focus MkII 1.6L - oil-filter by-pass pressure - unthrottled

As a very rough rule of thumb, a wider gap is beneficial at low manifold pressures , and of no benefit at all at higher cylinder pressures. The specified 1.3mm gap does seem to strain coils.

I always run the gap as small as possible without resulting in a lumpy idle

Ford Focus MkII 1.6L - oil-filter by-pass pressure - oldwrigley

Just buy a Mahle or Mann filters that are built to OE spec mate and are of excellent quality

If the OE spec is 14.5 plus or minus 2.5 then the K & N is within spec. The bypass valve will only be open when the oil is cold so don't think too much about it.

Spark plug wise the difference will be very small between standard and iridium but it's up to you, you'd notice it more on a tuned engine

www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/car_commercial_extra.php?i...7

Plug gap is preset at 1.0 mm by NGK so don't adjust it

Shell Helix Ultra AF 5w-30 is the best Ford oil we've used so far at our garage just in case you were interested. The engines sound sweeter and it has massively reduced oil consumption.

hope this helps

Edited by oldwrigley on 22/01/2013 at 11:24