My 1997 5.4l 2wd does not show to be full on the dipstick untill you add 7 quarts of oil. Everybody tells me the capacity is 6 quarts. Whats the deal? I just bought the truck last week and it was showing full on the dipstick. When I drained the oil, I drained exactly 7 quarts. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was also able to get 15.0 mpg on the first tank of gas. Nothing like my old silverado but then my old silverado wasn't near the truck this Ford is!!

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97 F-150.5.4,Auto,2wd,xlt,Blue/Silver ,k&N filter

 

Put 6 quarts in and take your pocketknife to mark the dipstick where the oil level is. Use this as your reference when checking the oil.

 

I just went through this a few weeks ago with my dealer, with Ford and with SVT. Here is what I learned.

I took my Lightning in for it's first scheduled oil change and the dealer charged me for 7 quarts of oil. I told them the owners manual said 6 quarts and they said they always put 7 quarts in the 5.4L engines "cause that's how much it takes to bring it up to the full mark". I called Ford to see if the manual was wrong. They said the manual is correct and that 6 quarts is the correct amount, not seven like the dealer claimed. I then called SVT and they also confirmed that the correct amount of oil is 6 quarts, but added that you can put in 6 1/2 if you really don't like the level looking low on the dipstick. But they said never put in 7 quarts!

I called the dealer back and they said if I wanted they thought they could drain some of it out.

If I wanted! They thought!

Obviously I fixed it myself and they haven't seen the truck since. I also filed a formal complaint with Ford in case I later have any engine troubles caused by the engine being overfilled with oil.

Use 6 quarts and just remember that the dipstick marks are off.

 

I know it sounded like a simple question but I am glad that I asked. Thanks for your input!!

 

I've been told that the 4.6 and 5.4 both take 6.6 quarts of oil. I have also heard of vehicles coming factory with the wrong dipstick tube, dipstick or both.

 

Well, the reason your draining 7 quarts is because someone put 7 quarts in..

Remember, your not supposed to add oil if its within the max/min range thats xxxxx'd on the dipstick.. Only add oil if its below the min.

I think I heard of a case a long time ago where the dipstick was wrong, but I'd have to go searching through the forum to confirm this.

On my 00' when I add 6 quarts, its right between the max/min. Maybe a little bit closer to the min..

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Y2K F250 XLT SC 4x2 5.4L 5sp 4.10LS

 

The 6.8L V10's are the same way. I usually fill the oil filter as much as I can then add 6 full quarts to the engine. It comes within 1/4 inch of "full" on the dipstick. Good enough for me.

 

This topic has been gone over a dozen times in the past. The engine takes 6 quarts period. I work a Ford dealership and there is no question about it. Put more in and you risk the chance of FAOMING.

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97 F-150 4.6 auto, 4x2, 3.55 LS, WMS Velocity tube, K&N, Dynomax Super Turbo exhaust with Echo tube.
Oh yeah, it's Oxford White with crome wheels, Legacy shell & custom grill!