Truckguy, Do you have the updated "B" version of the VCT solenoids in your truck, or are your solenoids the ones that came original in the truck? The reason I ask is because I bought the updated ones and they are sitting on my workbench while I decide if I would be better off installing them. I am going to go with a 5W-30 oil next change. I'm just trying to decide between MC or Mobil 1 high mileage synthetic which WM sells for $22 for the 5 qt jug.

 

I upgraded to the new solenoids a few months back. I had been having weird symptoms when letting of the gas... stopped once I changed them out.

 

I got an entire 12 Quart case of MC 5-30 at the dealer for 46 or so OTD.

 

I used 5w-20 for 167,000 miles. By accident I put in 5w-30 this week and noticed the truck IS quieter...i.e. less ticks. I had it idling with the hood up to check trans fluid level as I had also flushed that out.

Except for 1 oil change with a different brand, I use FL820S. I like the anti drain back valve.

I did upgrade the cam phasers many years ago after the originals took a dump.

 

220K km on mine, roughly 140K miles. Castrol Syntec or Edge or whatever they call it this week,full synthetic 5W30, from day 1. I will only use the Ford original oil filter. The engine has never given me any problem and is very quiet. I also do my own oil changes every 6Km or 3500 miles.

 

Tapping came back but it's much quieter. Just gonna have to live with it for a few more months. Buying a new daily soon so it is what it is until the truck goes to toy mode. Engine still is much quieter other than that stupid tapping.

 

500 miles on 5w30 and tapping is gone and idles so much better, mobil1 5w30 here.

76,4xx on original vct solenoids too

 

I'm using the 5w20 Motorcraft synthetic blend and Motorcraft 820S oil filter and have since she was new.....no problems, changed every 3000-3500 miles. The dealer did mine until warranty was out and I have done it every since then...not a bad job and i'm happy....

 

2004 f150 5.4, been having a problem in the morning not turning over, changed the fpdm ,Still same issue,I have to use starter fluid every morning to start it and it runs fine all day? Last night I took the gas cap off and this morning started right up?? And since then it usually starts up now ????What could this be?

 

How many miles?

Have your spark plugs or COPs been changed?

Does it hesitate at all while normal driving?

Has your throttle body ever been cleaned?

Has your fuel filter ever been changed?

 

Sounds like a problem of some sort with the evaporative system.

 

I have the same annoying tapping / knocking sound on my 04.

From what I've been reading in regards to the tapping or knocking sound is that it comes from the cam phasers. So why would the type of oil affect the noise? I know it has something to do with the oil not getting to the cam phasers at lower RPMs

I've heard everything from changing the oil, new oil pump, new VCT, new cam phasers (but the noise comes back)

Help would be appreciated before I spend a ton on phasers and what not. Thanks!

 

Make sure you check your exhaust manifold...turns out that's what mine is and its the famous passenger side. Love the 5w-30 though, so quiet other than that.

 

Getting ready to do a spark plug change and a bunch of other maintenance soon and thinking about trying 5w30 afterwards.

I just hate going against what the manual says and with my low mileage I don't really have a knocking or tapping sound you guys mention. If I do it's very minor and hardly noticeable. I don't know if I'm the right candidate for the switch or if I'm going to benefit from it or If I should just stick to 5w20. What to doo

 

I wouldn't even consider changing.