Hey guys,

I was just wondering what you guys found to be the best oil to put in a 5.4. I have a 2003 f-350 with 109.000 miles on it and on cold starts it has a decent knock that goes away and also have the lovely cam phaser tick. I always added Lucas oil motor treatment to it but I recently heard not to. Any thoughts?

 

Thicker oil just allows there to be more pressure at the cam phaser solenoids and on the phaser themselves which allow failing phasers to work a little longer. It doesn't solve the root problem which is that the phasers themselves are literally falling apart and the solenoids are clogged/seized up. I know what I'm talking about because I've had the problem myself and and have inspected all the failed parts after they were replaced.

The best oil would probably be 5w-40 synthetic. 5w because it flows while cold. 40 because it allows higher oil pressure while hot. synthetic because it flows better while cold and it can dissolve sludge in the solenoids and oil routing channels. Brand and additives mean nothing with an engine that is having such large gross problems. However, if you switch to synthetic from conventional in an oil engine you will likely get oil leaking from your oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket.

The only real solution is to get new cam phasers/chain/solenoids/chanel plates/chain tensioners put it. Find a good backyard mechanic on craigslist who has performed the operation before. I got mine done for only $800 dollars and spent about $350 on the parts at ebay. The 5.4 modular engine is very common so there should be mechanics around who have done the operation before. The vehicle is too old to make it worth fixing at the dealership.

 

BTW, the knock on cold starts is probably a separate issue than the cam phaser problem.

 

i run shell rotella 15w30 with a motorcraft filter with lucas oil stabilizer

 

I guarantee you don't have cam phaser issues

Also, what kind of oil filter are you using?

 

if i could i would run 5w30 what the truck calls for but i have a oil loss problem and 5w30 doesnt seem to last very long with it i would have to add oil every day just to drive it.

 

03 f350 with cam phasers? You most likely have a 2v 5.4. Only 109k and loosing oil how much exactly is the truck using? Do you have oil leaks? Do you know the trucks service history? The cold start knock is caused because your using such a thick oil it takes a while to lubricate everything. The constant ticking sound might be caused by something as simple as a broken exhaust manifold bolt which is common on these engines. With your current oil add a bottle of Seafoam motor treatment in your oil let the engine warm up, take for a drive or what ever, then drain your oil completely. Then do an oil change using 5w20 or 5w30 (I like using Mobil 1 high mileage full synthetic) and a Motorcraft FL-820s oil filter and keep using it on every oil change, hopefully your engine is not shot by using snake oil and such thick oil. Todays engines have such tight tolerances that thick oil will most likely ruin it.

 

To combat oil usage with more correct engine oil, I would install a new PCV valve. Use a MotorCraft (MC) one, as the cheaper aftermarket ones just do not perform well. I didn't put a lot of merit into this until I had some oil usage developed on mine too. I dropped in a cheaper one and I worked for a bit but only to have the usage reappear shortly afterwards. I then installed a MC one and oil consumption dropped back down. NOw I'm not going to say this a "guaranteed fix" for every situation, but for the minimal cost, its worth a shot.

The other fairly simple thing to check for is vacuum leaks, minor ones can go undetected for some time.

 

I have a constant ticking that can barely be heard inside our 2003 5.4L 2v, but is noticeable with the hood up.
I started poking around with a stethoscope and the injector on #1 is much louder than any of the others.
Is this a problem - should I replace the injector?
The engine runs great.

 

Injectors tend to make noises but I wouldn't be concern.

 

I had used Motorcraft oil and filters exclusively for almost 75K miles in mine and it had zero issues when I got rid of it a short while back. I had purchased the truck new, serviced it more than recommended and never abused it. I am using Motocraft in the wife's Escape EB and plan to use Motocraft in my new F150 EB. Good enough for Ford, good enough for me.