5w20 and engine

[dbf]

Well I get my 2004 F150 with a new 5.4L engine today. Truck has 9800 miles on it at replacement time. I know of 2 other local trucks that have had like replacements, in one case the top end, and a new engine replaced in another. All of this and a few posts makes me question 5w20. As for the dealership,one word, EXCELLENT. They had a mechanic checkout my complaint and told me it was new engine time..no fuss, no muss no BS. Anybody else out there have some real world experience with 5w20 that concerns you?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

I would use what your warranty book recommends. After the warranty is expired - had I lived in your warm climnate with a V-8 & planned on being the last owner of that vehicle, I would go with 10w30 name-brand synthetic.

 

[dustyjoe1]

My 98 expy had the engine replaced at 20k miles due to them boring the engine out of spec at the factory. (slapped like a mad clown). The replacement, now with 115,000 miles on it has received a diet of 5w20, 5w30, 10w30, and straight 30. This includes g3 synthetic, synthetic blend and dino. Brands used were Havoline, Motorcraft and Pennzoil. The engine don't care. Your mileage will be better with the 5w30 and 5w20 though. Otherwise, here's your shovel, take your pick.

cheers.

r.

 

[lyle]

I wouldn't question the 5W-20 unless they specifically stated that your engine and the others failed due to the use of it, and Ford isn't going to admit that 5W-20 is causing engine failures. I'm sold on the XW-20's, they're pretty stout in my opinion.

 

[High Plains Drifter]

DBF, What was your cause of failure?
I have a 2004 F150 and since 5000 miles I have been running Pennzoil 10w30.
It only has 6200 miles on it now so not that long. Truck runs great no noticeable effect of fuel mileage.
I am real curious about WHY your engine failed?

 

[dbf]

Turns out that work was the replacement of the block with a new short block, top end was ok. I was told that the problem was a combination piston slap and a connecting rod caused at the time of manufacture and/or assembly. No mention was made of lubrication failure. Yes,I did ask if it was oil related. Nope, according to the dealership.

 

[High Plains Drifter]

And what made you aware of the failure? Did it just crater one day or were you hearing noises and took it in for inspection/repair?

 

[dbf]

No, didn't crater, gradually it became an audible sound coming from the passenger side foot well. Could clearly hear it at idle and through approximately 1100rpm; much above idle and engine noise masked the sound. It gradually became more noticeable so off to the dealer. Mechanic listened to it, drove the truck and here I am with a new short block. My strong impression in talking to the mechanic was that this was not the first time he had encountered this particular problem.... keep in mind this was just my impression. Impressions and assumptions share a whole bunch of DNA.

 

[High Plains Drifter]

DBF, good info, Thanks.

 

[benjamming]

dbf,

They replaced the entire engine on your pickup? Wow that's a pretty big deal. What did they give as the cause?