I have a 97 4.6 liter F-150 that has an annoying habit of using oil. If I use Mobil 1 10w30, my truck will burn 1 quart between oil changes. But if I use Syntec 5w50, I don't need to add any between changes. It really disgusts me that I need to add oil to a new truck the way I do. I feel Mobil 1 is a higher quality oil than Syntec, but is it better to use Syntec since I burn very little of it? Why do I burn oil using one and not the other? I'm not too mechanically inclined (automotively speaking) so everyone's opinion will be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

My last vehicle was a 93 Taurus SHO. I used Havoline Formula 3 religiously at 3000 mi. I gave mobil 1 a shot due to it's reputation. My sho immediately began burning at least a quart every 3000 miles after that. I switched back very soon after. I'm sure it's a good product, but I won't use it anymore.

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99 XLT Black Ex-cab, Flareside, 5.4, ORP, 3.73, Gibson Supertruck, K&N, Raised front 1", Modified Airbox, new "slap-free" engine @19000 mi.

 

I use Pennzoil with no oil burning. Seems odd that Mobil 1 does that. Ill try it, and if it does the same, I post a warning.

 

Dfolk

I also own a 4.6 "95 t-bird" yes I know its a car but still it is a 4.6 anywho the car was bought new, and its burned a half to whole quart of oil between changes since it was new. no leaks and the pipes are clean as a pen! were is the oil going? I sure would like to no myself.

on the up side it has 130,000 miles and never been to the shop for engine failure. and it still running strong. I have used both mobile one and havaline, and it seeems to do better on havaline 10w-30. so your not alone.

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1995 FORD F-150 4.9 5/SPEED
K&N FILTER KIT/ GIBSON CAT BACK EX./ PRO-COR 8mm WIRES
SPLIT FIRE PLUGS.SOUND::: ALL KENWOOD, TAPE CD CHANGER 4 SPEAKERS AND A 200 WATT AMP.

WISH LIST:: SUPER CHIP/NEW TIRES AND WHEELS

 

I too have found that 5-50 syntec stops the oil use prob in other types of engines. it has nothing to do with the 4.6 and is just the fact that the mobil 1 is thin. even the 15-50 mobil is USED in engines faster than 5-50 syntec.

Chris

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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

Is it better to use an oil that burns off or is it better to find an oil that doesn't burn? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

 

I have a 96 F-150 and except for the break-in have used nothing but Mobil-1 syn. oil. I have no leaks and no loss due to burning.
It works great for me. My exhaust pipe end is as clean as the day I purchased the truck. Not a speck of black on the interior surfaces.

 

Dfolk,

Well, do you feel like buying more oil every time you change it? Burning oil means the oil isnt protecting the engine, but its burning it. Id say kinda bad.

 

ALL engines use some oil. Even if you can't notice any change on the dipstick over 3000 miles there has been some oil used. It's just a fact of operation of in an internal combustion engine that some oil will be vaporized, sucked into the PCV system, and burned. I don't think most dealers would take you seriously even if your truck used 1 quart/1000 miles. Most dealers will do an oil useage study if you complain loudly enough (they seal the oil cap, drain plug, and dipstick. you return at some mileage interval so they an check your oil level. If I recall correct they won't even consider engine work unless you use over a quart every 800 miles)

I have had several cars that used 1 quart every 1000 miles and they all ran fine, showed no signs of smoke, and easily passed our emissions testing. Oil consumption itself does not mean there is problem with an engine. My truck (97 Romeo 4.6) uses 1 quart every 1500-2000 miles. I have heard that the Triton family of engines do loose oil through the valve guide seals after roughly 100,000 miles. I know my truck uses oil so I keep it topped off. Oil only costs $1.00- $3.00 a quart. I can use an awful lot of oil before I even break even on a set of valve guide seals.

 

Make sure you are only putting 6 quarts in. If you fill it up to the full mark on the dipstick it will burn the extra off. Normally the dipstick should read allittle more than half way up between the min and max. line.

 

I would say it is better not to burn oil. The oil will cause deposits internally and could shorten the life of the cats. Plus the engine is run a quart low at times, What happens if one forgets to add oil? Also during high stress operations it might use more and the engine could be at risk if not checked. I hate adding oil don't you?

Chris

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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

Fast4.6-Based on experience Penzoil has a reputation of leaving behind carbon and ash deposits (FYI only).

In addition, Ford recommends 5w30 in all gasoline engines, regardless of year (I do know what the owners manual says).
We have seen 4.6L Tritons locked up due to a higher viscosity being used. (Again, FYI).

I use Castrol 5w30, and Valvoline and Castrol are the only two I will consider. This is based on my educational background.

Oil is like a Ford- brand loyalty carries on, generation after generation, so use what you trust. Oil has standards, so (technically) generic oil will work also, if the viscosity is correct.

And yes, don't forget, six quarts only.