I just recently purchased a 98 F-150 SCAB (4.6) and I want to find out if I am loosing oil between oil changes. I change my own oil and I put 6 quarts in. Whats the best way to measure what comes out without using mom's kitchen measuring cup? And how much oil should I account for inside the oil filter?

Thank You

 

The dipstick was made for this sort of purpose...

See where the oil level is right after you put in the oil. Then when you go to change oil again, see where its at before you drain it.

you lose about 1 qt if you go from the max mark to the min mark.

 

Thanks for the info....

I'm gonna change my oil this weekend. What is the typical loss of oil if any in a Ford Truck? Is a qt oil loss bad or normal?

 

I would assume a quart loss of oil between 3,000 mile changes is bad. I just purchased my 97 F-250 Supercab in November, drove it from Denver to WV and changed the oil the other day without more than a pint being lost, and the truck has 160,000 miles on it.

 

I think Ford says 1qt per 1,000 miles is "ok".

But mine only loses something like 1qt per 3000 miles. I havent really checked to see how much I lost between oil changes.

But you'll get alot of different opinions on this.

 

Yes, remember, contrary to common thought, engines ALWAYS use oil, otherwise they would seize up. The usage will vary with engine design, driving habits, climate, frequency of change, and weight. There are SO many variables, while 1 qt/1000 miles may seem excessive it is well within the norm of what you will find with any domestic engine (imports with their closer tolerances are a litlle more stingy, the trade off being if you don't change them religiously you get to pay for a nice new engine) oil is cheap, just keep a few quarts handy. LOFs are the BEST thing you can do for your truck.

 

Thanks everyone,
Typically I never worry about the engine oil..... I change it, replace the filter, and get back on the road. I've taken a few road trips this past week and will check my stick for oil. I don't foresee any problems, but if there is one I'll probably shoot out a new question!

 

Isn't it 6.5 quarts of oil at the change.

 

6.5, but it is a little better to have 1/2 a qrt less than too much oil.

 

There has been some debate over the amount of oil needed. all engines have the same sump capacity. To fill up to the full line on the stick, most people have needed between 6 - 7 qrts. The manuals all say 6 qrts. Its up to you.

I know that when I put in a full 7 (filling the filter with that too) that mine reads just above the full line. If I fill the filter then add 7 qrts, its a half inch over full and will foam like crazy. So my normal fill range is 6.5 qrts.

As far as consumption goes, engine will burn oil. Mine burns so little that I can't tell on the stick. Others burn up to a qrt per 3000 miles. Any more than that, then you really should look at whats causing the problem. Could be bad rings, sludge build up, valve seals (most common) or leaks.

 

This is what I found out regarding the oil capacity of our trucks. The manual says 6 quarts because that brings you up to the middle mark on the dipstick.

The middle mark, that isn't enough you say?

Well unlike other some other vehicles, the middle mark or anywhere in between the high & low marks on the F150 dipsticks are considered full. In fact the manual says you should only add oil if it gets at or below the low mark, and only add enough to get it between the high & low marks, not necessarily to add up to the high mark.

So yes, 6 qts will give you the recommended amount of oil right around the middle of your dipstick. If your old school, and can't live with the oil not right up to the max line, than add about another 1/2 qt. BUT DO NOT OVER FILL!!!

 

Also keep in mind, 6.5 qts hot will read higher on the stick than 6.5 qts cold. Just be consistent when you check it, always cold or always hot.

 

I had a 94 V6 Ranger that would burn 1 qt every 800 miles and three different dealers said that was OK. I gave it a good dose of "trade".

My 97 F-150 4.6L burns about a pint between 5000 mile oil changes.