I just just purchased a 2003 with the 4.6L and decided to change the oil today. The truck only has 1200 miles on it but I like to change it early the first time. Before I drained the old oil I checked the level. And it was just a little above the Min. mark. I looked in the owners manual and it said 6.0 quarts. I changed the oil and filter (The factory filter was tight as hell by the way) and ran the engine for a few to get it circulated. After shutting it down I waited about 20 min. and checked the level. It was still just above the Min. line. Am I missing something here? Should I put 6.5 quarts in it or what. Has anybody else noticed this same thing?

Thanks Chuck

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of the F150.

I have a 99 5.4 that is the same way. I have checked a 97 4.6, 00 5.4, and 03 5.4 that belonged to my fater-in-law and all have dip-sticks that are not propperly calibrated. Check the archives and you will find other threads about this "feature" on our trucks.

I re calibrated my dip-stick by sanding off the hash marks and re-scribing the accurate levels after a oil change. I only put 5 quarts and ran the truck for about 5 minutes and let it settle for 5 minutes and checked to level - this is now my lower limit. Added 1 quart and ran it for 5 and let it set for 5 and checked - this is now my upper limit.

 

Thanks for the reply. I noticed the dipstick is rivited together, this could be where the mistake happened. I think I may just take it back and have them order me a new dipstick. Im going back next week for a door problem anyway, Ill just bring it up then.

Thanks
Chuck

 

New dipstick will be the same way. They are just wrong.

The factory oil filter was tight because the assy line worker who installed the oil filter did not pre-lube the rubber gasket. With only 1200 miles I can see where it was difficult. If you had left it on for 3 to 5K miles it would seem like an 800 lb gorilla had tourqued it down.

Sorry to be so negative, but the engine oiling system at the factory just needs a little more attention. I like my truck and I firmly believe that it is the best built truck out there.

Enjoy,

T

 

Just put in 6 quarts, and scribe the dipstick with the proper location.

BTW My 2001 stick was correct. Exactly on the full mark with 6 QTS.....just lucky I guess.

 

This is good info to know. Have to check where mine is now.

 

The thing I am most concerned about is some times if I dont have enough time to change my oil, I will drop it off at Wal-Mart of Jiffy lube and let them change it. The dipstick has the holes in it for full and min lines. These other guys usually fill it until it shows full. Ive always been told it is worse to run one too full than not full enough. It being a new truck, I think ford should make it right. Im starting to think I made a bad choice to get a ford. I have always like the fords over chevy. And have always owned fords. I looked at both before buying, but even though the chevy had more HP and better fuel economy, I still went with the ford. Costumer loyalty I guess.

Thanks
chuck

 

dont worry six is all it takes, my 01 is the same after 6 qts its only half way and yes i have heard it is bad to go to the max line, by the way my mother has a 02 ford escape, she took it to a quick change place it calls for 5 qts, they topped it off she smelt oil burning for days , so go as the manual says just 6 qts

 

the counter wieghts on the crank will splash through the oil and cause undo stress on the bearings and also create a heck of a rumble out of the lower end

 

If you look at the dipstick and see air bubles there is too much oil. If you don't see any bubbles you're ok.

There was a big oil company that compared topping of the oil to the full level with waiting unitl it was a quart low and then adding a quart. They conclusively proved that topping off on a regular basis was better. That test would indicate that more oil is better.