I have an 04 FX4 SCrew with 90,000 miles. The engine has made a rattling noise at start up, but quieted down after oil pressure increased. Talked to Troyer Performance and found out that I was using the wrong oil (Mobil 1) for Ford, which I changed immediately to synthetic MC and filter. Noise went away, but developed a new problem, long cranking before starting and/or engine acting like it developed a HYD lock or wanting to backfire. Truck runs great and gas mileage is normal. Plenty of power and no adverse drive conditions or codes. I have changed the fuel filter three times the fuel pump and pump module (under the spare tire). Before I dive in and change out the cam phasers with the mind set that they were damaged by the use of wrong oil, I would like to see if anyone else is, or has experienced this problem. I've read where the 05 and up F150s are experiencing injector problems, but it was not supposed to be a problem with th 04s?

 

Why is mobil 1 the wrong oil?

 

Apparently, Mobil 1 additives (?) cause an issue with the small orifices for the cam phasers if oil was changed as promoted (more miles than Fords oil change recommendation). With the "Extended service" oil I went as far as 6-8,000 miles between oil changes. Also I used a Mobil 1 oil filter if a Pure one was not available. I did not research to see if there were problems with the Mobil 1 check valves allowing contaminents to reenter the oil pan, similiar to Fram a few years back. Just took drastic steps to try and eliminate as many variables which may be causing the continuing problems associated with the 5.4L. Had to endure the spark plug changing fiasco/cost to replace and now doing everything to get out of this engine what I'm accustomed to with Ford products.

 

Iwas unaware of this problem. Thanks for the info.

 

So,.............then why are guys running Delvac 15-40 with no issues or noises anymore?????????? I don't get it. Replace the Phazers and it will do it again?? Run 15-40 no noise, no worry.?????? I'm so confused.!

 

Nothing against Troyer, the guy knows his stuff, but a rattle at startup is a pretty well documented symptom if you don't use a MC oil filter. I'm really surprised to hear that he would attribute your rattle to the oil as well.

I've run either Mobile 1 or Penz Platinum full Syn through 4 modular engines over the past 8 or 9 years. I started using Syn to get ride of that rattle or chatter sound in my '01 Expy 5.4L. However, I usually don't go more than 7K or 8K miles between changes.

That being said, if your noise went away and you're happy with the MC Syn Blend...problem solved These are fickle engines and they seem to have very distinct personalities...too bad that personality is sometimes Sybil.

 

I have a tough time believing that it’s the rattle is attributed to running Mobile 1, instead of the Ford Motorcraft oil.

 

Hey guys i work for a ford dealer and the issue with the rattle at start ups is mostly cheap oil filter or timing chain tensioners its was on mine its rattled at start up for a while sometimes it would do it once a week and times couple times a day anyways i toke it apart last week the tensioner gaskets were blown and one timing chain guide was broken the timing chain was slapping around hitting the trigger wheel at the crankshaft and the cover. After installing new tensioners, a guide and one new chain it sound awesome now. Now this could have something to do with the phazer noise all 15w40 does is bump up your oil pressure so it doesnt rattle possibly why its quite when cold with 5w20 is because oil pressure is high cold and lower when warm. I think the new updated phazers just run on lower oil pressure because my tensioners where goin when i got the truck the phazers were noisy so i changed them and that noise has been gone for 30k maybe if changed the tensions it would have fixed it. I think the phazer update running on lower oil pressure was fords easy fix for the problem just my thoughts hope it makes sense.