Engine Oil Use Question
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Postmaster
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Engine Oil Use Question
I'm wondering what's normal oil usage with our engines? I checked my oil level yesterday and found it was low 
(still on the dip stick but low) I have about 4k on the oil now. Truck runs fine, just worried me to see that the oil is low. I'm going today to get it changed. I use Delo if that makes a difference.
(still on the dip stick but low) I have about 4k on the oil now. Truck runs fine, just worried me to see that the oil is low. I'm going today to get it changed. I use Delo if that makes a difference.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Zeeland, MI
I'm wondering what's normal oil usage with our engines? I checked my oil level yesterday and found it was low (still on the dip stick but low) I have about 4k on the oil now. Truck runs fine, just worried me to see that the oil is low. I'm going today to get it changed. I use Delo if that makes a difference.
(still on the dip stick but low) I have about 4k on the oil now. Truck runs fine, just worried me to see that the oil is low. I'm going today to get it changed. I use Delo if that makes a difference.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
About 2 to 3 quarts at a 10,000 mile interval with Rotella 5w-40 syn, not bad. I,m always under the hood so i always keep it topped off. From what i understand, diesels do burn a little oil.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Parker, CO
Ford won't even consider oil consumption abnormal unless you start using a quart every 900 miles or less.
Most trucks use a quart or more between oil changes. It's normal. After 4K miles if you are still on the dipstick, I would suspect you are just fine.
Most trucks use a quart or more between oil changes. It's normal. After 4K miles if you are still on the dipstick, I would suspect you are just fine.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
I do very little towing, a lot of stop-and-go and try to get out and have some fun in the dirt/sand 2-3 times a month (lots of modulating throttle). I go through about 1/2 quart in 5K between oil changes. That was with Shell Rotella. I just switched to Mobil Delvac this last change and haven't had to add any yet (2K since change).
Every engine burns a little oil. With my gassers I wouldn't get worried until I would go through a quart in 5K. With the oil burner I really don't have a threshold unless I see a shiny puddle under the truck. My dad has an '06 Duramax and goes through 3-4 quarts in 5K miles (he tows about 1/2 the time).
FYI - The "industry standard" for oil consumption on a gas engine is something like 1 quart every 500 miles (I don't remember the exact number, but it's something ridiculously low) so you can only guess what a dealership would consider excessive for our oil burners.
Every engine burns a little oil. With my gassers I wouldn't get worried until I would go through a quart in 5K. With the oil burner I really don't have a threshold unless I see a shiny puddle under the truck. My dad has an '06 Duramax and goes through 3-4 quarts in 5K miles (he tows about 1/2 the time).
FYI - The "industry standard" for oil consumption on a gas engine is something like 1 quart every 500 miles (I don't remember the exact number, but it's something ridiculously low) so you can only guess what a dealership would consider excessive for our oil burners.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Been running Syn Rotella and when I drain mine at 6-7k, it overfills my 15qt drain pan. I've never measured it that closely, but if I'm losing any oil, it's not noticeable. Dipstick always shows full. I wonder why some lose & some don't... 
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
As for the oil loss, every manufacturing process has tolerances. The tighter the tolerances (more exact production), the better the product, the more expensive the product (obviously absorbed by the consumer, us). To be affordable there has to be a compromise between cost and manufacturing perfection. It's luck of the draw on how close to exact or how close to the edge of tolerance your vehicle is constructed. That is why your vehicle is warranted to work out all the 'bugs' (for material and construction deficiencies) when you buy it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
I have always heard(and not just from the dealer)to use only Motorcraft oil in your Powerstroke. I know that sounds like a dealer sales pitch, but I know many guys that swear that their engine will burn other oils, but it will not burn the Motorcraft oil. I don't know this first hand since I just bought my P/stroke, but that is the word I have been hearing. I have a 5.9 Cummins in my 48 Ford and I use Shell Rotella in it, and it dosn't burn any.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
You should be at the top of the dipstick if you add 15qts. If you don't change the filter you only need to add 13qts (thats with the 4x4 pan and if you haven't changed to something aftermarket like a Mag-Hitech or something of that nature).
As for the oil loss, every manufacturing process has tolerances. The tighter the tolerances (more exact production), the better the product, the more expensive the product (obviously absorbed by the consumer, us). To be affordable there has to be a compromise between cost and manufacturing perfection. It's luck of the draw on how close to exact or how close to the edge of tolerance your vehicle is constructed. That is why your vehicle is warranted to work out all the 'bugs' (for material and construction deficiencies) when you buy it.
As for the oil loss, every manufacturing process has tolerances. The tighter the tolerances (more exact production), the better the product, the more expensive the product (obviously absorbed by the consumer, us). To be affordable there has to be a compromise between cost and manufacturing perfection. It's luck of the draw on how close to exact or how close to the edge of tolerance your vehicle is constructed. That is why your vehicle is warranted to work out all the 'bugs' (for material and construction deficiencies) when you buy it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
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From: Blairsville,Ga
I have always heard(and not just from the dealer)to use only Motorcraft oil in your Powerstroke. I know that sounds like a dealer sales pitch, but I know many guys that swear that their engine will burn other oils, but it will not burn the Motorcraft oil. I don't know this first hand since I just bought my P/stroke, but that is the word I have been hearing. I have a 5.9 Cummins in my 48 Ford and I use Shell Rotella in it, and it dosn't burn any.
I got 6 free oil changes from dealer when I bought my truck after 2 I never went back
