Well I've had my 2001 F150 4x4 5.4L for almost 2 months now.And in this time i've changed the oil and put about 1500 miles on the new oil.I checked the oil today only to find it is about half to 3/4 quart low..It doesn't smoke nor does it leak the oil.Truck only has 118K on it.It runs like a top,no mechanical issues at all.This definatly has me upset.It bothers the crap out of me to own a vehicle that burns oil. It just ain't right that a vehicle burn oil with only 118K on it.Im useing castrol 5W-20 with a motorcraft filter.Anyone care to drop some info or care to chime in on this subject???

 

You're not burning oil, you're just lubricating your cylinder walls. I know some engines supposedly don't use any oil, but I don't know how they do it. Use your dipstick to tell you when you need to add a quart of oil, and remove your oil filler cap to add that oil. Do yourself a favor and don't lose any sleep over it.

 

mine does the same thing, only min is a '97 4.6. no smoke, one VERY minor leak at the drain bung. I'm using castrol high mileage 5w-30 with a FRAM (haters in 3...2...1...) i wouldn't be torn about it. i asked the same question and i've heard claims this gen of mod. motors burns slightly. do i like it either no, do i check oil every other time i fill up, yes. keep an eye on it

 

^^^^ i cant believe you are using fram!!

as for OP, 3/4 of a quart is acceptable for FORD's spec's. i think it is acceptable up to 2 quarts for 3K miles.

 

Did you change the oil yourself? How many quarts did you put? Where was it on the dipstick for you to determine it was 3/4 quart low?

 

As long as you're paying for 'em I defend your right to use any cheap POC filter that you choose. Since Fram fits that description to a "T", go for it!

 

I put 6.5qts in it.That put it right under the max dot on the dipstick,it is now halfway down the min/max marks.

 

Yer overfilling. Yer mill takes a nominal 6 qts Halfway is where it should be normally.

This is normal usage, especially for yer mileage.

The only other reason for consumption apart for leakage or burning is sludging. There are some simple tests you can perform to check this - search for it under Labnerd's handle.

*EDIT* - here ya go: https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...using-oil.html Read posts 6 & 8.


For 1997 lariat 4.6 - no reason to run a Fram - MC filters are available @ Wallymart and are the same price. May I ask why you do?

 

I know the owners manual calls for 6qts.but 6qts doesn't put it to the top.I called 3 different dealerships.2 told me 7qts and 1 told me 6qts.So I figured i'd put 6.5qts in it..

 

You don't want or need it to be to the top - you want 6qts in the crankcase.

That is yer new 'full' mark - dipsticks are notoriously inaccurate.

Avoid the clowns telling you 7 qts, lol. That is what a 3V takes. 7 quarts puts me halfway up the crosshatches.

 

I put 5w20 in it like it calls for..Would you recommend a thicker or heavier oil? Maybe 10w30? or 5w30?

 

No. But since you do not have a VCT system 5w-30 would likely be fine. I doubt it would help much. Not if it's sludging.

5w-20 MC semi-synth is great oil.

MGD

 

i would avoid any 10w oils, mod. motors have tighter tolerances than the push rod type motors.

 

So do you think 5W30 would be okay for year round use in TN?

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...ml#post4478184

Read all of it - pay heed to post#11

You wil then have your answer,