Hi,

I've got a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4.6 L V8. It has 182,000 miles on it. A month ago I noticed the oil was off the dipstick when I checked it. I wasn't really in the mood to change it so I added a quart to top it off. Still no oil showing on the dipstick.

Usually 1 quart of oil will bring it back to MAX even if it isn't showing any on the dipstick.

So I decided to change the oil that day and filled it up with 6 quarts of 10W-30. I reset my trip odometer.

So today, 500 miles later, I checked it and its showing that I'm down 1/2 a quart.

I'm pretty determined to hit 200,000 before rebuliding the motor. What are some things I can do to prolong it?

Engine oil additives? Should I switch to 20w30? Its not blowing smoke and not knocking so I guess I could just keep adding oil until I rebuild.


Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sal

 

might be within spec..... i can check alldata tomorrow. usually any more than 1 qt per 1000 miles bad, but up to 1 is ok

 

It is within spec, Ford says it has to be more than 900 miles/qt. Mine uses a qt. every 1500, has for over 100K miles now, just keep the oil level checked and don't worry. As long as there are no leaks and no blue smoke there is nothing to really worry about.

 

Might be worth a consideration to change oil brands. I went from never used a quart -ever- Motorcraft to Castrol full synthetic. 3 quarts in 3000 miles. Said to myself, "that is because I changed types of oil". I changed again to another 6 quarts of Castrol. Same @#$% problem. I then did some research and found that I was not alone with using the Castrol. I now am using Mobil 1, and at the 5000 mile mark have never been down more than 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart. I am not saying Castrol is bad, just that my 5.4 uses the stuff and it doesn't the Mobil 1.

The price is close enough in 5000 miles as to be irrelevant ($20 vs $22/5 qts at Wally World), just get a better oil filter then a Fram (Purolator)

Oh, by the way, might just need to change the PCV - a stuck or gummy one will cause oil usage as well

 

try running engine cleaner thru it and then put a can of engine restorer in it see if that helps you

 

When was the last time you changed your PCV valve? A stuck PCV valve could cause above normal oil comsumption. It can be found on the passenger side valve cover and is "L" shaped. If it has been a while try changing it. I have 210,000 and some change and my 4.6 will burn 1 quart between 5,000 mile OCIs.

 

Check and top off fluids regularly, and keep up on regular maintainence, the kind of consumption your talking about isn't worth loosing sleep over. I do agree you should change your PCV valve, just as a matter of principle if nothing else. As far as changing oil weight or adding additive, don't. Changing to a higher viscosity oil will only decrease your mileage and slow cold-start lubrication to certain vital parts. As for additives, save the money, the headache, and the uncertainty. Most additives have an adverse effect on the add-pack already in the oil, and the increased viscosity isn't going to "fix" anything anyway (and contrary to popular belief PTFE is not a good lubricant for your engine). The API and ILSAC set very strict regulations for compliancy, an oil that meets the required rating for your engine will provide adequate lubrication, no need to change the rules.