frank i changed mine at 1200, i always did in the past, change the oil early because of possible metal shavings in the engine or other substances that should be in there. i have done it on every auto i have owned, and never had a auto that used oil yet.

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2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab
XLT 139" WB style side
5.4L V8 3.55 LIMITED SLIP AXLE


MODS:

SUPERCHIP
ROLL & LOCK TONNEAU
HOLLEY SUPERCHARGER
PILLAR GAUGES
GIBSON HEADERS AND SS CATBACK

being installed as of 6/15/01
REFLEXX COBRA HOOD
STREET SCENE GRILL

 

 

2001 5.4L engines have to use 5w-20, because the bearing inside the engine are alot tighter now. They are trying to gain more power out of the engine, and at the same time getting rid of engine slap. The oil in later year engines wasn't getting back down to the oil pan fast enough. If you use anything else then 5w-20 and something goes wrong Ford Motor Co can decline your warranty on the engine.

 

Hey Keith, where in the world did you hear that? In my opinion the only reason ford says to use 5-20 is to help with fuel economy. The piston slap thing was because somebody didnt set up some machinery right. Look at the ratings on the bottles, says energy conserving 2. How many of us all have ever had an oil related failure? ........ How many of have ever just wore out one of these newer engines prematurely?...... I have run synthetics and and non synthetics and have never had a problem with any. Do your maintanence properly and you will be fine. Since I do not know it all, I would run 5-20 if I ran dino oil, but I am using a synthetic 5-30 and I am sure I will have no problem. I also started my synthetic at 500 miles. I am a firm believer in break in, although they dyno the engines at the factory and we all know what load that is.I still baby my truck at a 1,000 and will continue to be easy on it. After all, I didnt buy a vette.
Terry

[This message has been edited by terry w 123 (edited 06-23-2001).]

 

I have a great Supercrew with 600 miles. The service manager said that the oil used is a break-in oil and to wait until 3000 miles, not to change it early like I want to. Does anybody really know if new 5.4L engines use a special oil instead of Motorcraft 5W20?

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Franco

 

I have a 5.4 with about 15000. I changed the oil at 1000 and then every 3000 or so. From what I've heard for many years is that no special break-in oil has been used in at least 40 years or so. I had a 94 Ranger with the 4.0 that I followed the schedule on and when I sold it with 65000 miles, it didn't use a drop of oil. I'll stick to my schedule until I hear convincing evidense to the contrary.

2000 SuperCab Flareside 4X2 XLT w/Sport package 5.4 Auto Bright Red ‘Radio Flyer’ 2/4 Drop BedRug
Lund Soft Tonneau White Faced Gauges Power Rear Slider Flowmaster Cat Back and Y-pipe


[This message has been edited by Dennish (edited 06-23-2001).]

 

I contacted Ford, and they said to rely on your Dealer. Here is the confirmation for the new 5.4L Engine in my Supercrew from the Dealer: Kightlinger's Ford in Coudersport, PA - Potter County, God's Country.
"It is highly recommended to wait 3,000 miles before having your oil changed. The original oil supplied is a break-in oil with special additives. Thanks for expressing your concern and please do not hesitate to write or call with any future questions or
concerns."

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Franco

 

I thought the very same thing about all of these new engines having 5W-20 in them. Today I was told by a second Ford foreman that Ford DID add different type 5W20 into these fresh motors, so maybe there's something to this. Fords getting their a$$ kicked on FQRs and other wattantee work matters. When I checked my oil, when getting it, the oil looked funny, and since its first oil change, the oil looks abit darker....Who Really Knows..??
Frank, just because you have a sign on the county line saying "Gods Country" doesn't mean it is, your about 65 miles to far to the east...

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DOGCAM
dogcam@f150guy.com
01 F-150 SC Lariat
Flareside 4X2,5.4,3:73
LS, SnugLid,Dynomax
Exhaust,Kenwood Amps,
Speakers,JL 10" Sub

 

GM fills the C5 with Mobile 1 5W30, recomends changing when the computer tells you oil life is 85%. It depends on total engine revs, speed, mileage, temp etc..
One thing Corvette owners swear by is a magnetic drain plug. I suggest one as well. My Screw only has 250 miles at present, but when I do change the oil (1000 mi) I'll install one. If you can't find one for the Ford pan, make one using JB Weld epoxy.
It's not as quick as my C5, but it's still a great rush to shine and drive...