Hey Folks, I now have 263,000KM on my 01 F250 5.4 SD.

I am coming up on my oil change, and the past two times I have noticed my oil drops from full to add oil in the span of 4000KM. I use Valvoline full syn 5w20 with motorcraft filter.

Is this normal or what should I look out for?

Thanks
Matt

 

I have a '99 Expedition with the 5.4 that I've owned since 55K miles, it now has 127K miles. Ever since I've owned it I've used synthentic oil in the engine and changed it at 3,500-4,000 mile intervals. The oil level towards 3,500-4,000 has always been in the 'Add' range. I've never added oil between changes (there was a period I was changing the oil every 3 weeks), but do check it regularly.

I've never had any issues with the engine and all the yearly emission inspection reports have come out extremely clean.

I would say just to keep and eye on the level from time to time.

 

It is normal for an engine oil level to go down a bit between changes. All engines (I don't care how new or tight they are) burn a little oil. Trace amounts of oil get past the rings and are burnt as a normal part of the combustion cycle. Some engines are not as tight and burn a little more.

In your case, the amount, while not a screaming alarm, may be cause for a little investigation. I would first check to see if you are leaking any oil. To do this, get a clean section of cardboard and place it under the engine when you park for the evening. Before you start the truck up the next morning, pull that cardboard out and examine it. Are there any oil spots? The location of the oil spot will give you a clue as to where you should start looking of you do have a leak.

Second; Is the oil being changed and the level set properly? I have seen people change the oil in vehicles by removing the drain plug, removing the filter, adding a new filter, putting the drain plug back in (after the oil stopped running out, or two beers, whichever comes first) adding 4 quarts, checking the dipstick, topping off until full, starting the vehicle and checking for leaks. The problem was that there was no oil in the filter when they set the level at the full mark. 3 weeks later they check the oil and wonder why they are suddenly a quart low.

If you decide these are not the problems, before you tear down or replace your engine, try replacing your PCV valve. Those sometimes are the culprit in oil consumption.

Lastly, remember that the oil level down not have to be at the full mark. As long as the level is somewhere between FULL and ADD, you are safe.

 

With the 3 Triton engines I've owned over the past 10 years, full synthetic oil "disappears" faster than using conventional oil. Royal Purple, Mobil 1, etc. etc. all the same thing. Motorcraft? Negligible oil use. FWIW.

 

She's given you 160k miles, she deserves a little extra oil in her diet. That doesn't sound like a lot to me. If your brand new engine used that much, Ford would tell you it is normal. So other than the excellent advice above about leaks and the PCV, I say it is nothing to worry about.

If it really bothers you however, you could consider going up to a slightly higher multi-weight oil. But I wouldn't.

 

Hey guys this is great thanks for your input.

My truck does not leak any oil what so ever, and when I do my oil changes I make sure the filter is full of oil, then put it on. I will try the 4 litres then wait then add...I change my pcv every other oil change it seems, it always has oil traces within the valve... $5 part no biggins.

What do you gentlemen think about those strong "engine flush in a bottle" type products?
Ive seen one from "Gunk" saying pour it into a cold engine let it idle for 5 min then drain the oil, then proceed with your regular oil change...any thoughts?

 

 

If you've been running Valvoline Full Synth (or any other "premium" oil), you should NOT need a flush.

Premium oils have excellent additive packages from the factory, and part of that is detergents. These keep the insides very, very clean. I have torn down several engines (some with over a quarter million miles) and the ones that had run Mobil 1 or Valvoline Synthetic for at least a year were always spotless.

Is there anything special that makes you think the engine needs flushing?

 

Is motorcraft oil a premium oil????????????????????????

 

IMO, yes. Any name brand oil is going to be fine. You do NOT need a synthetic on the gassers.

I will NOT engage in an oil war. I will NOT engage in an oil war. I will NOT engage in an oil war. I will NOT engage in an oil war. I will NOT engage in an oil war. Repeat.

 

What about for the 7.3L Diesel?????

I am NOT trying to start an oil war.I am NOT trying to start an oil war.
I am NOT trying to start an oil war.I am NOT trying to start an oil war.
Repeat.

 

I'm pretty sure the 7.3 guys like the 5W/40 synthetic, just like the 6.0 guys do, because it improves cold weather starts. Not because it is a better oil, nor runs cleaner, nor longer OCI. But that would be a better thread topic in the 7.3 forum.