Engine Oil preference?

[BurtonRiderT6]

I've read that the 5.4L 3v are picky with engine oils. Is this true? I just bought a 2013 and plan to change the oil. I like using Mobile1 Full Synthetic and their filters, anyone have any input?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Keep it clean. beyond that, the brand doesn’t have too much to do with it.

Fordtechmakuloco suggests using 5w30 instead of 5w20.

 

[Boostedbus]

I've read that the 5.4L 3v are picky with engine oils. Is this true? I just bought a 2013 and plan to change the oil. I like using Mobile1 Full Synthetic and their filters, anyone have any input?

I’d stick with a MOTORCRAFT filter.....5.4 is oil pressure sensitive with the phasers and tensioners. My Ford tech buddy told me this long ago ....even had a TSB on not using I think it was the Fram Extra Guard filters because they were too restrictive.

 

[JExpedition07]

Mobil 1 is good just use at least a semi synthetic and change it every 5,000 miles. You can go longer on full synthetic.

 

[07navi]

I agree with all above...…….

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I've been running a Motorcraft filter and whatever 5W-20 conventional is on sale since I bought the truck. Oil changes every 5K. No issues thus far.

 

[07navi]

I've been running a Motorcraft filter and whatever 5W-20 conventional is on sale since I bought the truck. Oil changes every 5K. No issues thus far.

The general consensus is that 5w-30 is better for it.

 

[Adieu]

Rotella T6 Diesel 5w40

 

[07navi]

Rotella T6 Diesel 5w40

Why?

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

The general consensus is that 5w-30 is better for it.

Well, it's more like the opinion of one guy with a lot of followers. In any case, my opinion is that it doesn't really matter in this engine. It certainly hasn't negatively impacted my engine in any demonstrable way thus far.

 

[07navi]

Well, it's more like the opinion of one guy with a lot of followers. In any case, my opinion is that it doesn't really matter in this engine. It certainly hasn't negatively impacted my engine in any demonstrable way thus far.

No it's the opinion of most well informed mechanics.

 

[Adieu]

Why?

Ran it once when I first got the SSV cause the detergent regulations were different on diesel oils (more allowed), at least in the previous regulatory generation... liked how it ran quieter and smoother.

Also used to use it as a cheap altenative to BMW diesel oil (outrageous pricing there) and had a bunch stocked up. Walmart has it super cheap pretty often.

Kept using it for years now. Tried 5w30 again once, ran noisier, didn't like, switched back.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

No it's the opinion of most well informed mechanics.

Oh well, you said so, so that's as good as anything. Your anecdotes are worth more than all the data in the world. I'm glad we have you around. Your invaluable insights and perpetual bitchiness truly brighten our days.

 

[07navi]

Oh well, you said so, so that's as good as anything. Your anecdotes are worth more than all the data in the world. I'm glad we have you around. Your invaluable insights and perpetual bitchiness truly brighten our days.

Are you trying to "man up" lol? Nah...….just shut up.

 

[black&gold03]

In 2015, I bought a 2010 (same engine as yours). I immediately switched it over to the oil brand and filter I'd always used... Mobil1. Drove it and about a year later I had to have the dreaded timing job done. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty.

I talked to the mechanic at the dealership that does all of their timing jobs on the 3 valve to try and figure out what caused this failure on a relatively low mileage engine. He told me it's the oil filter. If I remember correctly, he said the oil filter HAS to have an ant-drainback device so that the oil can't drain back into the pan when the vehicle is turned off. When it came to preventing timing problems, he recommended Motorcraft. I also asked about oil (not weight, but brand), and he suggested Motorcraft. Come to find out Motorcraft is actually a VERY good oil. Another thing: Mobil1 "full synthetic" is actually not a full synthetic. Google it. It's a blend just like Motorcraft.

I'm sure some people will disagree with me, but I just wanted to share my experience with you to hopefully save you some trouble. I've had no issues since the timing job and using only Motorcraft oil and filters. And another good thing about them... they're cheap!

 

[Gruffskipper]

I've read that the 5.4L 3v are picky with engine oils. Is this true? I just bought a 2013 and plan to change the oil. I like using Mobile1 Full Synthetic and their filters, anyone have any input?

All engines are developed and tested and proven with oil specifically calibrated for that engine I would always use the OEM oil. Different oil has different properties and additives.

 

[07navi]

In 2015, I bought a 2010 (same engine as yours). I immediately switched it over to the oil brand and filter I'd always used... Mobil1. Drove it and about a year later I had to have the dreaded timing job done. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty.

I talked to the mechanic at the dealership that does all of their timing jobs on the 3 valve to try and figure out what caused this failure on a relatively low mileage engine. He told me it's the oil filter. If I remember correctly, he said the oil filter HAS to have an ant-drainback device so that the oil can't drain back into the pan when the vehicle is turned off. When it came to preventing timing problems, he recommended Motorcraft. I also asked about oil (not weight, but brand), and he suggested Motorcraft. Come to find out Motorcraft is actually a VERY good oil. Another thing: Mobil1 "full synthetic" is actually not a full synthetic. Google it. It's a blend just like Motorcraft.

I'm sure some people will disagree with me, but I just wanted to share my experience with you to hopefully save you some trouble. I've had no issues since the timing job and using only Motorcraft oil and filters. And another good thing about them... they're cheap!

All the modular engines need an anti-drainback valve, I got cheap one one time with my V-10 and used something other than my normal Motorcraft filter and it started rattling. Many filters do have that valve but stick with Motorcraft and you will be good. It was definitely a good invention and much needed in these engines. Not getting into an oil debate though, that's all about the same nowadays, just use the right weight.

 

[2010ELExpy4x4]

I read somewhere (since I can't remember where is just me saying it) that 5w20 is only recommended in US (because of mpg standards I believe) other countries recommendation is 5w30. When we first bought our 2010 in 2014 the first few changes were 5w20. After learning about the 3 valve issues (makuloco and elsewhere) I began running 5w30, motor seems a slightly quieter, but and could be just me it did seem like mileage dropped.
Also run 5w30 in my sons 2007 4.6l 3v Mustang after doing full timing and follower set because of phaser issues. Wasn't "too" hard to on the Mustang but still isn't something I want to do on the Expedition if I don't have to. If switching higher viscosity could possibly prolong not having to do it, then I'm for it. As far as oil and filter Valvoline, Motorcraft or Kendall and always use Motorcraft filter.

 

[rjdelp7]

I used a Motorcraft 'paper filter' and Motorcraft Full SYN and had a start rattle on my non-phaser, Lincoln INTECH 32V. I switched to Mobil 1 oil and tried Mobil 1, Fram ultra synthetic and Napa platinum filters and had no issues. The owners manual on the 2013 calls for XO-5w20-QFS(syn blend) or XO-5w20 -QFS(full syn), not conventional. Interesting, it shows XO-5w20 -QFS only for Canadian vehicles. Never buy a used 3V. The damage may already be done.

 

[07navi]

I read somewhere (since I can't remember where is just me saying it) that 5w20 is only recommended in US (because of mpg standards I believe) other countries recommendation is 5w30. When we first bought our 2010 in 2014 the first few changes were 5w20. After learning about the 3 valve issues (makuloco and elsewhere) I began running 5w30, motor seems a slightly quieter, but and could be just me it did seem like mileage dropped.
Also run 5w30 in my sons 2007 4.6l 3v Mustang after doing full timing and follower set because of phaser issues. Wasn't "too" hard to on the Mustang but still isn't something I want to do on the Expedition if I don't have to. If switching higher viscosity could possibly prolong not having to do it, then I'm for it. As far as oil and filter Valvoline, Motorcraft or Kendall and always use Motorcraft filter.

Yep, all the mechanics on U-tube and most in the forums are recommending 5w-30 for the reasons above and for phaser longevity.