Okay, Here it is. All of the 2002 owners take heed. I drove my '02 L in ALL ranges of rpms and speeds for the first 3500. I decided it was time to change the factory oil. I read every post on oil changes and problems. My mind was made up, change once more with dino oil, then move to synthetic. Bought 6 quarts of Valvoline 5w-30, MC 820s filter and went to work. It was very easy, done in about 15 minutes. Motor was warm and had burned nary a drop since I got the L.
Now the bad news. I started it up, no marbles in a can, whew. I drove it down the block and a mile and a half later in the garage for the night.
Went out in AM, started up, uh - ohhhh, a weird noise. Not piston slap, not marbles, not injector click, a definite sound of rattle in the valve train area, front of motor, like a loose tensioner. I am now quite pi**ed off, thinking I had dodged (no pun intended) a bullet.
Took wife's explorer to the parts store, got a Purolator filter, 6 quarts of 5w-30 Mobil One and dumped the new, less than 2 miles, oil.
The good news, no noises, runs smooth as a baby's butt.
Even given the fact there are forged pistons in this car, the break-in doesn't take that long.
'02 owners, do yourself a favor, change to at least a synthetic blend on the first change, or there is a chance you will get some kind of noise.
BTW, The way I figure, new dino oil has way too much detergent and not near enough of clinging lubrication properties and these engines are sensitive to that fact. Just an opinion,j but worth thinking about.
Sorry so long, but I wanted to share so that others may not have to suffer.

 

Exactly why I pay $9.00 a quart for the Royal Purple Racing21 engine oil. Never had a piston slap,marble in the can sound, or anything. Runs so smooth and quiet, the only thing you hear with the hood open is the injectors pulsing! It just uses about a quart every 1500 miles or so!

 

I changed my oil also @ 800 miles to a full synthetic 5-30 mobil one. I let the dealer do it ( I know I had a coupon) they screwed me anyway (another story) but I did not have any problems nor do I now(1500 miles I dont drive much) and I drive it hard the only rattle I get is from exhaust sometimes until everything expands and gets tight on intial morning start up no smoke just nice sound of magnaflows ( I don't think my neighbors agree I go to work @ 4am ) I did here of a guy with a 02 that had a tensioner pulley problem so watch out I checked mine there ok that could be the noise hope everything is ok

Slick

 

Glad your noise went away. I wish it were that easy for everyone. I have a 2001 that will be a year old next month with 13000 miles on it and I'm still using Dino oil and I haven't had any noise problems at all. I had every intention of going to synthetic like I do in all my cars but haven't because I have just stuck with whats working for me.

 

hey usahooters - what brand and grade oil did you use?

 

Me too but I use their #11(5W20) and Jegs sells it for $7.99/qt???

Dan

 

Not to do any plugging for a superior product like LUCAS OIL Stabilizer , but this product really works!

Try it, you'll love it


Spike

 

LIGHTNINROD- 7.99???? Thanks for the info.!! I know where Ill be getting my next case! The reason Ive been buying it here is we only have one local dealer and he even delivers it. Great stuff in my opinion!!