ford 5.4L
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Either 5w30 or 5w20, depending on what your owner's manual calls for (newer ones are 5w20). There's no difference in the engines; the 5w20 was adopted as an emissions measure. I'd use nothing less than 5w30, personally.
As far as brand, I've found that Valvoline consistently works great, but that's just my opinion.
Chevron Supreme (available at Walmart, $1.08/Qt) is an excellent oil as well.
XXL
As far as brand, I've found that Valvoline consistently works great, but that's just my opinion.
Chevron Supreme (available at Walmart, $1.08/Qt) is an excellent oil as well.
XXL
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
ive got 4200 miles on my 03 f150.....been using the factory motorcraft 5w20.....not very good results so im changing......was thinking of going 0w40 or 5w40.....after the 4200 miles ive got on mine im not happy at all w/ the 5w20 grade...ive had strange engine noises amoung other things......this is my first ford......previously a jeep man......always ran 5w40 or 15w40 w/ no prob's in the 4.0l jeep engine
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Joined: Feb 2003
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If you think you have strange noises coming from your engine at 4200 miles running on the recommended oil then there is something wrong with this situation. Running different oil might quiet whatever is making the noise but is that really a solution? This motor is new and should run perfectly fine with the 5W20. I think you need to look into those strange noises before you put heavier oil in it
If you feel that the motor is better protected with thicker oil then use it, but find out what those noises are first.
If you feel that the motor is better protected with thicker oil then use it, but find out what those noises are first.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
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From: Albuquerque
Keep in mind the Warranty factor. Use what the book calls for...if something goes wrong with the engine using the thicker oils...you get to foot the bill.
I'm using 10w30 QuakerState 4x4 blend. Seems to work well in my 390FE!
I'm using 10w30 QuakerState 4x4 blend. Seems to work well in my 390FE!
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 55
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From: Charlotte, NC
had the noise checked out by ford..........they said they had no clue.........totally crazy.......ive heard rumors that this is an issue w/ the ford trucks using the motorcraft 5w20 oil
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 240
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From: in a house
You heard wrong about the 5w-20 causing noise. If you are new to Ford you may just be getting exposed to the little noises that came with every Ford I have ever owned.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,136
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From: Scenic Wisconsin
Some of the 5.4s had piston slap problems, but I thought this was fixed in '01. You may want to check into that.
I would stay with the Ford recommendation, at least until you are out of warranty. After that, I'd use a good quality 5W-30.
I would stay with the Ford recommendation, at least until you are out of warranty. After that, I'd use a good quality 5W-30.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
the MC 5-20 is a pretty good oil.
With 4200 miles, I'd say your motor is barely broke in, and way to early to make a educated decision on oil weights.
I'd resovle your problems via the ford dealer as it is still under warranty.
I'd reccomend going against any #-40 weight oil (with the possible exception of 15-40 rotella)....just way too much of a point spread.
I'd follow everyone else's advice of running 5-20 till the warranty goes out, then mabye running 5-30 or 10-30 oils.
With 4200 miles, I'd say your motor is barely broke in, and way to early to make a educated decision on oil weights.
I'd resovle your problems via the ford dealer as it is still under warranty.
I'd reccomend going against any #-40 weight oil (with the possible exception of 15-40 rotella)....just way too much of a point spread.
I'd follow everyone else's advice of running 5-20 till the warranty goes out, then mabye running 5-30 or 10-30 oils.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Put whatever is on the filler cap or in the owner's manual......My brand new 4.0L SOHC Said 5w-30 my dealer switched to 5w-20 at 3k oil change..
The engine became much louder! Called Ford, the reply was " If the dealer is putting engine oil other than the vicsocity specified on the filler cap & owners manual that the dealer should put it in writting that they will cover the Warranty." I went back to 5w-30 and the engine sounds better.
The engine became much louder! Called Ford, the reply was " If the dealer is putting engine oil other than the vicsocity specified on the filler cap & owners manual that the dealer should put it in writting that they will cover the Warranty." I went back to 5w-30 and the engine sounds better.
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