Ok,

I have a 2000 Ex 5.4 liter with 141k miles. Runs great, decent mileage, pulls the ranger well, generally a very good truck.

Since I purchased it, with 79,000 miles, it has used a qt of 5-30wt oil every 900 miles like clockwork. I just lived with it and went on.

Problem now is it is getting worse. Needs a qt. at 700 miles. It is paid for, worth very little and but worth trying to save.

I need suggestions on how to lessen the consumption. Owners manual discourages any additives but does anyone have a success story with a product or process to reduce the oil usage and let me keep the truck another year.

Thanks,

FJ

 

What kind of oil are u using? Are u running ur engine at high rpms all the time? Also i had some usage, not as bad as urs but i use to use 1.5 quarts ever 3k while using mobile 1 syn 5w20. I switched to Royal Purple 5w20 and now i use .5 quarts every 3 k

 

I use valvoline 5w30 wt. Change about every 3000 miles. Yes, I run high rpm's when towing the boat. Usually around 2500-2800 rpm. I tow in 3rd OD off. W/O Boat, I do not exceed 70mph and 2100 rpm. I have the 3.73 rear end. Lots of hills. Most of my driving is in town except on weekends. Can't say the boat pulling really increases the usage.
FJ

 

I'm using a quart of Lucas with 5.5 quarts of Motorcraft Semi Synthetic 5W30 in my 5.4L. I was burning 1.5 quarts every 3K with most of those miles towing before I added the Lucas. Now it stays at proper level come oil change time.

 

Switch oils and *** lucas and see how that works out

 

I would ADD the Lucas instead of *** it

 

I added lucas trans additive to a C4 trans in an old LTD. Next time i started it it would only idle up to speed in 1st gear and freewheel the motor, once it SLOWLY rolled up to about 10mph it was like you neatral dropped it and it barked teh tires and took off. It was SOOOOOOOOOO thick you coulda mistaken it for the inside of a jelly bean practically. Like 2-3 times thicker then honey. REDICULOUS! I cant believe i was stupid enough to add osmething like that to my trans. Followed teh instructions to a T and this is what happened. Trans was fine i figured I'd add it as a preventitive maintance thing as I worked at a parts store and I was always buying silly stuff liek this.

LUCAS PRODUCTS WILL NEVER COME NEAR MY CARS AGAIN!!!!


As far as your oil consumption, id suggest stepping up to 10W30. It will in no way at all harm your motor, and it protects better as well.

 

Which variety? Synthetic or Heavy Duty. Truck calls for 5w-30wt oil in owners manual. I do not want to stop up any orifices and ports and such.
fj

 

You could run 80W90 gear oil and you wouldnt stop up any passages lol. Not good for other reasons, but you have NOTHING to worry about with a slightly higher viscosity as far as plugging up any passages.

Personally i like 10W30 castrol GTX. STAY AWAY FROM PENZOIL!!!

If you feel better staying with a lighter oil do a search for "german castrol" on gooogle and do some reading. Thats a top notch oil right there, and a common oil price!

 

Have u seen if there are any problems like this in the 5.4 forum?

 

Have not looked, will head over there now.
thanks,
fj

 

Pulling from previous experience with 4.6L engines which are VERY similar to the 5.4L, I think you should replace your valve stems seals first. This may eliminate your concern completely.

 

For the heck of it, look under the vehicle and look for a leak from your rear main crank seal. It would bee some oil showing on the bottom of the trans housing. These modulars seem to blow the seals after 80k miles or so. Mine blew in the Expedition and in the pickup I had. Lost oil at the same rate as you describe.

 

It funny how different experiences a guy can have. I added some to my tranny that was shifting odd and felt like it was slipping sometimes. That was nearly 10k miles ago and the tranny hasnt missed a shift since. I have used several different lucas products with great results. Just my experience!

 

Heavier base oils do not automatically mean increase protection. Common myth.