5.4 Excursion Temp creeping up

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Dec 17, 2010 | 06:55 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

5.4 Excursion Temp creeping up

My wife called this evening and said the temp needle was up above the middle mark. She said it was driving just fine. So, besides the normal thermostat and checking water and oil level what have you expierenced excursion owners run across? It is a 2000 2wd with the 5.4 and it has 141k on it. We just took a long trip in it last weekend and did not notice it creep up or any driveability issues. I did notice on day this week when she started it it had a slight knocking noise but that was on the morning it was 17 in the morning but no noises since. I hope it is not on its way out. She really likes this thing.

Dec 17, 2010 | 09:30 PM

EXCURSIONATOR1

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Joined: May 2010

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From: mt.prospect

fan clutch.or lazy thermostat.=could cost you a engine.

Dec 18, 2010 | 06:49 AM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

She was looking at the oil pressure gauge. Temp was fine. I did notice the oil was a little low. Halfway between full and add a quart. It is time for a oil change. Looks like we have a burner. Going to switch to a heavier weight oil.

Dec 18, 2010 | 12:08 PM

jh818

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2009

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From: Chino, California

I wouldn't change to a heavier weight oil...and especially when it's cold out.

Dec 18, 2010 | 05:07 PM

cbradford

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Lost in Pa.

I wouldn't say it's a burner with the oil level halfway between full and a quart low.....just before due for a change.

Dec 18, 2010 | 05:27 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

I was going to use 10w30. You guys think I should stick with the 5w30? If so, can you think of a additive that I should look at using?

Dec 18, 2010 | 05:45 PM

tdappleman

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Greensboro, NC

Use the factory recommended oil weight and no additives would be my recommendation. Going to a heavier weight oil or using additives will just mask a problem and not actually solve anything. A heavier weight oil will potentially cause more problems down the road by making the oil pump work harder and having oil not flow correctly through the engine. BTW - going to a 10w oil vs. 5w oil just affects the viscosity of the oil at startup or when cold - at normal operating temps (~210*) the oil will still behave as a 30 weight oil. Make sure the oil is truly full when doing a change - it may actually hold more than you are pouring. My V10 says 6 qts with filter but actually holds closer to 6.5. Make sure you start after doing an oil change, do a leak check on the drain plug and filter and then shut down. After it sits for at least 2 mins then check again to see if any needs to be added.