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Old Aug 18, 2008 | 11:32 PM
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Engine Oil

Always been a big fan of Castrol GTX motor oil. I believe I read that the 4.6L V8 motors (2004) are supposed to get 5w-20 oil. Does anyone run 10w-30? or 5w-30? 5w-20 just seems soooo thin. It gets really hot here in south florida.

Cory
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 12:32 AM
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Most Ford engines after 2001 require the use of 5w20. I would do a search as this has been talked about many times.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 01:31 AM
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ran a search. Saw that the majority of people are using Motorcraft semi-synthetic 5w-20 oil.

Does anyone use Puralator filters?

Also I ran a search, but havent completely got an answer as to how much oil must be added for an oil change. Is it 6 quarts or 6 1/2 quarts or am I not even close?

2004 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6L V8

Cory
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted by BigNiner19
ran a search. Saw that the majority of people are using Motorcraft semi-synthetic 5w-20 oil.

Does anyone use Puralator filters?

Also I ran a search, but havent completely got an answer as to how much oil must be added for an oil change. Is it 6 quarts or 6 1/2 quarts or am I not even close?

2004 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6L V8

Cory
Purolator filters are good, as are Wix or Napa Gold filters which are made by Wix....but Motorcraft filters have a superior bypass valve design.

6 quarts will get me halfway up the dipstick area on my 4.6 (in an '02 E150), and it's my understanding that this is where Ford has designed the engine to be at its best.

As for oil, Motorcraft semi-syn 5W20 is a great choice, although Castrol GTX 5W20 would be fine as well.

With these filter and oil choices, the differences come down to splitting hairs. The regular Fram filters have an inferior anti-drainback valve, and will give problem on startups because the oil will have drained out of the filter.

Good to think about this kind of stuff, but not to obsess over it.

I'm trying some Quaker State Torquepower 5W20 in my van because I got a stash for like a buck a quart, and it seems fine as well. I'm going with a longer (6k mile) change interval with the syn.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 08:29 AM
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the best thing is just to stick with the motorcraft oil and filters.... get them at walmart, thats the cheapest pricing. this way you are sure to run what ford recommends, and should anything *bad* happen, ford shouldnt leave you hanging by claiming some crap like using "inferior" or "alternate" products.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:18 AM
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So 6 quarts is the correct amount oil to add when doing an oil change for a 04' F150 4.6L V8 ?
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by BigNiner19
So 6 quarts is the correct amount oil to add when doing an oil change for a 04' F150 4.6L V8 ?
Pour in 6 quarts and a new filter, run the engine, let it sit for a while, and check it on a level surface. If it's halfway between the full and add marks, that's what Ford theoretically wants you to do...
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by BigNiner19
Always been a big fan of Castrol GTX motor oil. I believe I read that the 4.6L V8 motors (2004) are supposed to get 5w-20 oil. Does anyone run 10w-30? or 5w-30? 5w-20 just seems soooo thin. It gets really hot here in south florida.

Cory
unless you're burning oil stick with the thinest you can.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 10:26 AM
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BigNiner19 you need to get an owners manual for your truck. It has lots of good info. Part #'s and bulb sizes and will answer many of your questions. Try to register with MYFORD.COM and print the manual for your truck and put it in a binder.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 01:58 PM
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My brother's truck does fine on the 5w20 and we are in Phoenix, AZ. I would also stick with the motorcraft filter/oil.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 03:11 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. I ordered an actual owners manual for the 2004 Ford F150 trucks online from ebay. That should be here in a few days.

I bought a Motorcraft FL820S filter and some Castrol GTX oil. Also put on new windshield wipers with all the nasty weather down here in South Florida.

I will add six quarts and see what it looks like on the dipstick when I change the oil.

I also need to change the transmission fluid and filter. As well as flush the coolant and add new coolant and thermostat...it looks to me like the coolant has never been changed. (67K miles)

Cory
 
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