I just bought myself a 2001 F-150 XLT with the 4.2L in it. The guy I bought it from tells me that the motor takes 7 quarts of oil, but after looking in the owners manual it says it takes 6. Am I reading this wrong? Are there some 4.2L motors that take 7 quarts and some that take 6 quarts?

Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

 

It takes 6. Many though believe that it has to be filled to the top of the do not add line, ignoring what is stated in the owners manual. As long as 6 quarts puts it within the do not add crosshatch area, that is all you need.

 

With a filter change it is very close to 7. like 6.75 or something. Just put in 6 quarts, let engine run for a few minutes, then let set for 5 minutes, to ensure complete drain back. Then top off according to the dipstick.

 

Is that what you do ? How many miles have you been doing it that way? You have a 98 right ? Yea , does the motor use any oil or have you had to get the head gaskets replaced at any time on the engine? If so when? Does it leak oil?

Thanks.

 

ALL 4.2V6s HOLD 6 QUARTS OF OIL! NOT 7,NOT 6.75,NOT EVEN 6.25.........6 QUARTS! 6 QUARTS! S I X Q U A R T S,I N C L U D I N G F I L T E R !

 

I do have a '98 4.6. It has used around 1 quart of oil per 3500 miles from the day I bought it. No head gasket change in the 50,00 miles I have owned it. I bought the truck used with 135,000 on the odometer. I always double check the dipstick, after oil change, to make sure the oil is in the right range. As long as it is there I usually leave it. I have on a few occasions topped it off, if I had the extra lying around. Is it really that bad of an Idea to top it off to full?? I can't imagine it being too bad, if it was then they would move the mark farther down the stick.

 

It's suppose to be. Ford dipsticks are never 100% correct(top hash is MAX-not full). Service Manual capacities always include filter. Over filling a big NO NO. That's why I asked if any kind of problems resulted from filling to the top hash mark.

 

In 2001, all 3 engines (4.2, 4.6, 5.4) take 6 qts of oil. 6.

That info can be found on page 262 of the owners manual.