I just bought a 1998 F 150 with the 5.4 Triton. The guy I bought it from said that it takes 7 quarts on an oil change with filter. Is that correct? Also what weight oil would you use? Would use the synthetic blend 5W-20 Motorcraft?

Thanks!

 

I've actually heard the same thing, but I've always just stuck with 6 quarts. I use 10w-40 in my truck as it seems to burn 5w-30 a little too quick for my tastes.

 

Use either the 5W30 or 5W20 semi-synthetic Motorcraft and a Motorcraft filter. When you change the oil, use 6 quarts, fire it up and let it run for a minute, shut it down, let it sit for a few minutes and check the oil. If it's between the lines, leave it be.

 

Seven quarts is what the manual says, and seven quarts puts mine right at the full line, of course I let it drain for an hour before I put the plug back in. You can use any of the brand name 5W20s and you'll be fine. I researched this subject and found that the Motorcraft oil does the best in the Tritons. But Ive used all kinds of different oils in it, right now Im running Redline 5W20.

 

My owners manual says 6 qts and the little footnote says that includes filter replacement..... Use whatever oil and viscosity that you choose, but the basic is 5w30 and on the newer rigs, 5w20. (5w20 has been spec'd for my 1997 as well, but I'll just stick with what's worked for 180,000 miles!

IMO, The dip sticks of today have a 'range' of what is considered "FULL". This can vary by about a qt or so either way, so if you have 5 qts in the case or 7 qts in the case, you are technically "OKAY"....

When I put 6 qts in on an oil change, it brings the level on the stick to right in the middle of MIN and MAX. After about 3000 miles, it gets to the MIN mark and I add another QT. This usually brings it up to about 3/4 of the way to MAX. After another 3000 miles, I change the oil anyway, so no big deal...

If you feel better having it right up to the MAX line all the time, then do it... I don't think you will really hurt anything... The only real 'danger' of overfilling your crank case is the possibility of the oil hitting the crank itself and causing it to foam, which is not a good thing... Running it at MIN will still keep your pump pick up submerged, but it is one less qt of oil that will help in cooling and removing of all the nasty stuff that gets into the oil...

The thing I did when I first got my truck was to change the oil. I checked the manual and it said 6 qts... I filled the thing with 5 qts and checked the stick. (I also added a little of the 6th qt to the new, DRY oil filter and put it on). It was right at the bottom of the MIN mark.

I added the remaining 6th QT and ran the engine, let it set a minute or two and checked again, and it was right in the middle.

So, I know I've still got 5 qts if I'm at the MIN mark... I add a QT and it's fine! I'd rather run a little less then 6 qts then over myself... But, that's just me...

Mitch

 

I put six quarts in mine and it shows that I'm a quart low so I add another quart. So 7 quarts all together of Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30

 

6qt on newer trucks. with the 5.4. I use Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-20 at Walmart for $22.00. and FL820s filter. Or you could go with the motorcraft synthetic blend. By the way, I also noticed that you can use the
FL400s is this correct????? The reason I asked is that the local Walmart does not carry the FL820s filter anymore and their manual states to use the model FL400 filter as a replacement or optional. ????? Thanks

 

That is for the 04 up. The 97-03 5.4 used 6 quarts.

TX-FX-4, for your 05 it is 7 quarts, as listed in your owners manual, and the fl-400s and fl-820s are not the same thing.

Big Ern, if you do not have an owners manual, you can download one for free from www.motorcraftservice.com. In the owners manual section.

 

Thanks, I have been using 6qts all along. I know they are not the same. But why does the filter manual show the FL400 above the FL820 when looking for filters for the 05 F150? Thanks

 

It may be what is there for the 4.2. If I am not mistaken, the 4.2 uses the fl-400s.

 

Thanks for all the info! My manual says that it should take 6 with a filter change. The previous owner said that was wrong though.

I have an 03 and a 96 Taurus. They take the 400 oil filter. Those have the V6.

 

I have a feeling he was over filling it. Many seem to think it isn't full until you hit the full mark. As long as it is in the do not add crosshatch, it is full.

 

There is away a possibility the dip stick lenghts are not all exactly the same length from the stick stop bell, to tip, and the stick is not fully seated on the tube when checking level. It has been known to happen before.
The difference between the upper line and lower line for level is not a big thing.

 

Thanks for all the help. I think I will put in 6 quarts of the Motorcraft Synth blend (5W-20), check the dipstick and add if needed.

 

my 98 F150 4.6 oil cap says 5W30, which I've used for 190K+. My 03 Excursion manual says 5W20. I use 6 qts in each