Hey All!

I'm new to this forum and need some advice.

Bought a used F-150, 5.4. I will be using the truck some to pull my travel trailer and to commute to work. Live in N. CA. Can someone please advise me on weight of oil. I think the book recomendation of 5-30 might be a tad light. Thoughts? How 'bout synthetic vs. regular oil?

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

 

I can't really comment on the whole regular oil vs synth oil deal, but I would suggest sticking with the 5-30. The "5" part is only in effect when the oil is cold. You want it a bit "thin" so it can flow to all the intricate parts of these OHC engines. The "30" takes over after everythings all warmed up. You still want it kinda "thin", to keep everything lubed up while it's running. My theory is that a "thicker" oil would not flow as well to all these internal parts and extra wear would actually take place.

I've got 68k on my rig, and don't have to add anything between oil changes at 3k. I just run the old standard "dino" oil. In the old days, I used to run a 10-40 oil in my 71 Ford LTD, because it was thicker and all the tolerances in that old 400 was pretty large. 10-30 would just blow past the valve guides and rings....

 

5W30 is OK. Just about every car maker has used it since the late 80's. Mostly for that extra bit of mpg. If you stick with a good maintenance schedule you won't have any problems. Basicly a good filter (Motocraft 820s is one) and name brand oil every 3k. Synthetics are OK too. Mobil 1 seems to be popular. You can extend the change interval up to 5k.

I live in AZ where it gets HOT (116 in Phoenix yesterday) I've used 5w30 in all my vehicles for the past 12yrs with no problems. Got 99k on my 90 Chevy and it didn't use a drop when I traded it in.

BTW.. Welcome

 

Thanks for the info on oil. Will stick with what I know works...5W30 and 3K changes.

 

FYI if you have the tow package then there should be an oil cooler.

 

Thanks Wake! Yes, there is an oil cooler...6 quarts total?

Fishingnut

 

Hey 'Nut,
I have a '97 F150 w/5.4 & Super Cooling. I added Oil Pressure, Water temp & Trans temp gauges last year. Oil pressure HOT (as V10Man said, the other day, here in Phoenix was a scorcher) is 30PSI at idle, and 1500RPM (Ford spec) is 60-65.

I've been using 5-30 Castrol since I bought the truck new. The only change I've made is the Oil Filter Brand: Stay with Napa Gold, or Motorcraft 820S. I used FRAM for years, until I read an article ~1yr ago (www.ford-diesel.com & search for oil filter) that really opened my eyes. I bought an oil folter cutting tool & started to open them up for myself. The biggest thing against Fram (in my thinking) is their use of cardboard end caps, Vs. the Napa & Motorcraft using steel.

Tony

 

Thanks Tony. I have been using Fram filters for a long time but may switch after reading your post.

Before getting this truck, I had a 1990 F-150 with a 4.9 6 cylinder. When I sold it "Old Blue" had 175K on it and did not use a drop of oil. Changed the oil and filter every 3K using QS 20-50.

Barry

 

5W-30 weight will be just fine. I use synthetic for the stop and go city driving which is part of my everyday use. I would not waste the extra money for a synthetic oil if most of your driving is on the highway..you will not see the benefits.

I've been using Mobil 1 now for a couple years...really good oil.