2005 F150 5.4L - 5W30 oil vs 5W20

[bismic1]

My son is driving a 2005 F150 w/ a 5.4L. It has already had the spark plug change issues and the cam phasor work. He is now consuming oil - not a lot, but more than he would like. Maybe around 2 quarts in 3000 miles.

He is thinking about switching to a 5W-30 to see if that slows it down. This oil has the same API rating as the factory 5W-20.

Any advice or concerns that anyone could share?

 

[coffee]

I would go with the 5w20 MaxLife and see how that works as it will probably slow down and possibly fix the leak.

 

[hate2work]

I would definitely try using a thicker oil, especially if I lived in Texas. That consumption will prolly get worse when the hot weather comes around in summer. In fact I'd use a "thicker" 30 weight or even a 40 weight oil to see if it helped.

There are many "no smoke" products on the market that claim to stop oil burning, but I have no idea if any of them actually work as advertised.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: bismic1
My son is driving a 2005 F150 w/ a 5.4L. It has already had the spark plug change issues and the cam phasor work. He is now consuming oil - not a lot, but more than he would like. Maybe around 2 quarts in 3000 miles.

He is thinking about switching to a 5W-30 to see if that slows it down. This oil has the same API rating as the factory 5W-20.

Any advice or concerns that anyone could share?


How many miles? It may be time for a high mileage oil to recondition seals.

Is this a "young/teenage" son that may be abusing the vehicle( hard driving can use more oil )?

 

[mechtech2]

Oil use is either leaks or burning. I would not be happy with that amount of oil use.
Leaks?
Some leaks only happen when driving/moving, and you don't realize their full magnitude.
So check this out.
Burning?
Thicker oil will help. 5-30 for sure, and maybe even go up to the excellent and cheap 'diesel' oils like Rotella in 15-40. Since you are in Texas, it won't be too thick.
Oil use can be worn or carboned up cylinders/pistons/rings, worn valve guides, or simply an inadequate PCV system. Check that PCV system out - the whole system in and out.

 

[CrazyMike]

Definitely jump into a 5w30, monitor, if it still uses go for a 5w40 semi syn if there's any to keep costs down.

 

[bismic1]

Quote:
How many miles? It may be time for a high mileage oil to recondition seals.

Is this a "young/teenage" son that may be abusing the vehicle( hard driving can use more oil )?


I bought it used for him at 70k miles. He has about 90k on it now. He is 24 and (finally) a responsible driver.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

My 2005 5.4 consumes no oil noticable on the diptstick in 4-5k OCI's using Castrol Syntec 5w20. Runs great. If oil is being consumed I would wonder about the driving.

 

[bismic1]

mechtech2 -

No leaks. Definitely burning it. We suspect the PCV system, but it is not just a PCV "valve", so it is more expensive to replace merely on a hunch. I have not looked into the replacement cost, but he has.

He is in Tennessee, so I advised him to try the thicker oil in a few months.

If it is pistons, rings, or valve guides, I am sure he will just live with it. As I mentioned in the post before this one - it was purchased used, so there is a chance of a hard life from the original owner.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 

[bismic1]

Originally Posted By: Bryanccfshr
My 2005 5.4 consumes no oil noticable on the diptstick in 4-5k OCI's using Castrol Syntec 5w20. Runs great. If oil is being consumed I would wonder about the driving.


This would certainly be my expectation of an engine! Not an issue w/ the driving though.... but I understand the thought!

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: coffee
I would go with the 5w20 MaxLife and see how that works as it will probably slow down and possibly fix the leak.


+1

I would try Valvoline MaxLife 5w20 first and if oil consumption does not slow down then try MaxLife 5w30.

 

[panthermike]

My brother's 07' consumes about 1qt per 5,000 like clockwork. It has since new, it doesn't matter which oil. Not sure why, but 2qt/3,000 seems like a bit much.

 

[addyguy]

Way to much consumption for an '05 truck.

If it's not burning blue smoke, and isn't leaking, it's a more serious mechanical issue.