Hey all,

Trying to eek as much life out of my '04 F150 as possible. 130k, all original except for cam phasers back in 2010. Runs strong but has been ticking like a diesel for a long while now. I would like to do an engine oil flush but have never done anything like that before. Wondering what products to use. Truck is ready for an oil change. Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

I’d crack that engine open and find that tick (worn follower? Timing chain slamming the timing cover?) and worry about a flush afterwards.

 

2 Most common ticks on these engines & near 100% it is one of these 2:

1) worn follower (rocker) &/or hydraulic tensioner (lifter)
or
2) broken exhaust manifold stud(s)

At 225,000mi mine was due for what I assume was its 2nd timing job & in doing so I did a lot of “while I am in here” tasks.
replacing the phasers, tensioners, guides, chains etc.. are a given. The most satisfying was replacing all the followers (rockers), & hydraulic tensioners (lifters). At almost 300k now it has been quiet & strong. Using all Ford parts except for a Melling oil pump.

 

So I had planned on doing the whole timing/rockers thing, but not sure how long the engine is going to last due to excessive crankshaft endplay. Also, the truck is a rust bucket. She's running as strong as ever, but I feel like the engine could go at any moment due to the crankshaft endplay. Just gonna keep driving till she dies. Hoping a oil flush and switching to 10w 30 might get me some longevity.

 

why bother to flush.. Just change the oil at given intervals and keep it CLEAN..

 

Flushing engine oil is a maint. clean not a fix . I am at 275k miles ,ever since my timing job I have done an engine flush with motor medic walmart . I replaced everything during timing lashs ,rollers,chains ,tensioners, phasors,,vcts , oil pump to melling . On the flush we just run it at idle for 5minutes then drain . Some guys let it sit overnight and do a flush every oil change . . When I did my timing I dropped oil pan and cleaned oil pickup which was full of fibers from old guides. But if I found thrust washers in pan I knew it was a no go or excessive end play . Once crank eats into block and drops thrust washer it wont stay if you put it back .
But you are correct this engine needs all the help it can get to keep oil flowing . I did not get the melling hv oil pump as it wasn't out then . Since I had thrown a roller follower to the side I had to replace them all and lashs .
I run 5w30 full syn and 1 quart marvel m. oil all the time . If you like the truck you could try to find a southern used one with out salt damage and use yours for parts , mine is a fl 2005 truck no salt damage at all .
God luck with it .