One Quart Too Much?
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One Quart Too Much?
Just purchased a 2003 F-150 extended cab 5.4L, 103900 miles and had the oil changed. They said it took 7quarts when I was talking to them, but then reading this fourm I think you guys said it only takes 6. Could that cause a slow oil leak around the oil pan gasket because it is now leaking very slowly. If that is the case would I need to replace it now, and how hard is that to replace?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Southern Illinois
Dan,
This is interesting because last time I changed the oil in my Expedition, it took 7 quarts as well - even though I know for a fact, the capacity is 6 quarts. I have no explanation as to why I needed the extra quart. I filled with the usual 6, ran the engine to circulate the oil, and checked the dipstick. It was dry. After driving and re-checking a few times, I added the additional quart and the level came right up to the full line on the stick. Even after driving it with the additional quart, and rechecking the oil level, it never read as to being over-filled.
The only thing I can figure is that I must have let the oil drain from the pan longer and thus the truck needed the extra oil. It sounds like a far shot, but it's the only logical thing I can conclude.
Lastly, leaks around the oil pan doesn't necessarily mean the pan gasket is leaking. (I'm not doubting you, just throwing out ideas) It can be oil from the cooling lines or from the oil filter adapter or from other seals leaking. I'd take some engine degreaser and spray the pan area off and get it clean and watch for leaks then.
And keep watching the dip stick to make sure it's not over filled or empty.
This is interesting because last time I changed the oil in my Expedition, it took 7 quarts as well - even though I know for a fact, the capacity is 6 quarts. I have no explanation as to why I needed the extra quart. I filled with the usual 6, ran the engine to circulate the oil, and checked the dipstick. It was dry. After driving and re-checking a few times, I added the additional quart and the level came right up to the full line on the stick. Even after driving it with the additional quart, and rechecking the oil level, it never read as to being over-filled.
The only thing I can figure is that I must have let the oil drain from the pan longer and thus the truck needed the extra oil. It sounds like a far shot, but it's the only logical thing I can conclude.
Lastly, leaks around the oil pan doesn't necessarily mean the pan gasket is leaking. (I'm not doubting you, just throwing out ideas) It can be oil from the cooling lines or from the oil filter adapter or from other seals leaking. I'd take some engine degreaser and spray the pan area off and get it clean and watch for leaks then.
And keep watching the dip stick to make sure it's not over filled or empty.
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Well took it back to the quick lube yesterday and they agreed it was too full. They took some out and away I went. He told me that only a quart too full would not make the seals leak, so if I have a leak its not from too much oil. Does that sound right?
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From: Stanton DE
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Minnesota
This is always a HUGE debate at the Mustang site. Guys run anywhere from 5-8 quarts of oil in these things. Some of the reasoning is absurd. Run what the owners manual says to run. Some of the sticks are funky and don't read real accurate.There was even a recall on some sticks. My Mustang takes 5 quarts with filter and it is the exact same motor as in my pick-up that calls for 6 quarts with filter. Go figure. I womp on the Mustang enough...never an issue with the 5 quart deal. That extra quart would not have made the pan leak. It's still a ways below the pan line....not that it matters. Check that the plug and filter are tight, snug down the pan bolts with a 1/4 ratchet if you can...doubt that they are loose or gasket is bad though.....good luck on all...
Jeff
Jeff
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I just had the same issue with my 97 F-150 with the 4.2 V-6. Manual says 6 quarts, the shop that changed it said it needed 7. I just bought it used, and the first time I did an oil change I only put in 5 quarts. I didn't bother to look at the manual until the last place told me I needed 7; I thought at first that they didn't know what they were doing, but it runs the same as when I put in 5 quarts.
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From: Stockton Ca.
If I remember correctly 2003 was the year Ford starting selling trucks with the 5.4L 3 valve set up, 02 and older were a 2 valve engine. If you have a 2 valve then 6 quarts with filter, if a 3 valve 7 quarts with filter.
ps check your owners manual if you have one, if not you can download one at ford.com
ps check your owners manual if you have one, if not you can download one at ford.com
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