I've seen any number of oil discussions about this, but cannot find any recent ones addressing my question: What to use in my 1997 E-150, 4.6L Triton with 131,000 miles. Manual says use 5-30; speaking with a dealer service parts guy, he said Ford changed the recommendation to 5-20.


I just bought the truck from a friend who had it 14 years. Engine runs very smooth, and about the only concern might be what sounds like a little lifter noise at start-up. Goes away within 30 seconds or less.


I changed the oil just after I got it. My usual procedure when I get a used vehicle is to change oil using a quart of Rislone, run it 1,000 miles and repeat. Thereafter, go with a conventional or synthetic blend, premium oil and Motorcraft filter. Maybe a High Mileage Oil?


Winter is approaching and if I should use 5-20 now would seem like the time to make that change.


I've seen references to using ONLY a Motorcraft PCV valve. No problem with doing so, but wondered why this was important--or is it?

 

You may safely use either 5w20 or 5w30. The only reason the recommendation changed was to get a very slight gas mileage improvement. For the cost, it's hard to beat Motorcraft synthetic blend in either weight. Walmart sells both Motorcraft oil and filters.

Aftermarket PCV valves may not meter correctly, causing oil consumption.

The lifter noise may be from a substandard anti-drainback valve, most often found in Fram filters.

 

I recently switched to 5w30 on my 02 5.4 at 140k miles.

 

Exactly what glc said. I have a 97 f150 with 4.6 and use 5w-20w and 5w-30w with Motorcraft filters only. He is correct in stating that the only reason Ford went with the 5w-20w was for the optimum fuel economy which none of us will ever notice ...lol.