I have a 98 5.4L that now has 39K on it. I bought it new and changed to Mobil 1 5W-30 at 1000 miles. I am NOT trying to start a debate on synthetic vs conventional oil. The truck has always used maybe 1/2 at oil 5000 miles changes. I am now at 4000 miles, and it was 3/4 qt low. If I run some conventional oil for 3000 miles, will that seat the rings, etc and reduce/eliminate my oil usage? Is it too late?

Forgot to mention...The other day, I had driven home (5 miles) where it was cold and rainy. When I pulled in the driveway, the engine started running real rough. The exhaust also smelled. I turned it off and then back on and it has been fine since. This is the first time anything like this has happened. Bad gas maybe?

Thanks,

Jim

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1998 F-150 XLT SC 5.4L



[This message has been edited by JSCOTT (edited 01-16-2001).]

 

JSCOTT,

Relax ........ a quart or less in 4,000 miles is not a problem at all. I wouldn't change to petro now to attempt what you want to do. At 39,000 miles whatever you have is what will remain. In my opinion you don't have a problem at all.

Have you had your fuel filter changed lately?

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)

 

My concern is that the usage is increasing. It used to only use a half quart or so in 5000 miles. I changed the fuel filter at 30K.