Where does the oil go?

Machete · May 11, 2019

postings about oil and consumption on these 5.4’s. I’m watching my oil consumption more than my gas mileage I noticed on this trip since I drove at 75mph for the first 12-14 hour leg that I used 1/2 qt. The oil was at the lower dot that says minimum so I added to the mid way point or a little above middle between minimum and maximum dots.

On the second leg which was 7-8 hr run I really hit it w cruise control at 80 mph w some sprints to 90 mph. On this leg no oil was consumed at all. See pic.

The pic is AFTER the second leg. No oil consumption.

Where did oil from the first leg go? What happens to the oil that’s “consumed “?

Don Hall · May 11, 2019

Don't know why you are losing/using oil without a diagnosis of all the fittings, gaskets, and plugs

It is suggested that you fill your oil reservoir to the upper dot on the stick. At midpoint, you are probably 1 quart low.

Machete · May 11, 2019

Don Hall said:
Don't know why you are losing/using oil without a diagnosis of all the fittings, gaskets, and plugs

It is suggested that you fill your oil reservoir to the upper dot on the stick. At midpoint, you are probably 1 quart low.

Not true with all due respect. The proper level is at either the minimum dot ( not low) or maximum dot (not overfilled) and anywhere in between.

Oil consumption vs leak is normal on all engines including 4th generation Ecoboost, thus the common use of catch cans for direct injection Ford Ecoboost.

It’s quite normal to consume oil when driving constantly for hours at high speed. In fact it’s normal for these engines to consume about a quart or so depending on viscosity between oil changes approximately 5000 mi.

My question is where does the consumed oil go? Or what exactly happens to it?

I believe now that I’ve researched any normal blow-by is processed by the pcv to crankcase circulation and combusted in the cylinders but not sure.

Trainmaster · May 11, 2019

Any oil that passes by the rings gets burned with the fuel and winds up in the exhaust. The PCV handles any raw or burned fuel (exhaust blown by the rings) that gets into the crankcase. It effects a vacuum in the crankcase and sucks the vapors back into the intake to be burned.

Machete · May 12, 2019

Trainmaster said:
Any oil that passes by the rings gets burned with the fuel and winds up in the exhaust. The PCV handles any raw or burned fuel (exhaust blown by the rings) that gets into the crankcase. It effects a vacuum in the crankcase and sucks the vapors back into the intake to be burned.

Got it. This makes sense to the relationship between oil consumption and piston/cylinder (compression).
This makes me feel good about the condition of the motor and indicates I have good compression.

Only having used 1/2 quart on this run after 1100 miles of constant highway through hills and Tennessee mountains and into this 90 degree heat in Fl.

Couple weeks ago on my last run I used almost a full quart, but I drive harder. Wonder what my oil consumption would be if I drove more like Ms Daisy @ 55mph and a max of 70 mph.

Drove out to a fishing spot in my brothers 2017 F150 Platinum w 5.0. He’s saying he’s hearing the diesel noise on foot stomps more and more.

It is a beautiful truck though

Trainmaster · May 12, 2019

Yes, I would not worry if I were you. That's very hard driving.

Hey, it's 20 years old for goodness sake. Maybe you should lighten up on the old girl just a bit.

Machete · May 12, 2019

1955moose · May 12, 2019

What I've found in tinkering with so many different internal cumbustion motors over the years is, the break-in period is what causes an oil burner, or a non burner. Even then, that doesn't always make a difference. Classic example, I bought a new Yamaha VMax 1200 motorcycle back in 89. I drove the new bike way too hard during the 5 mile test ride, but after buying it, never burned a drop. I've owned 5 different 5.0 Ford engines, only 1, my 85 Mustang burned oil. Ironically it was the newest, and should have not burned a drop. My worn out 86, with 180k, that should have been an oil burner, didn't burn a drop. Go figure. Most oil burners usually can be traced back to the rings, and how the oil rings settled in to the hone of the cylinders. Oil leaks have to be severe to cause a 3/4-1 qt per 800 mile consumption. A blown seal, or a leaky oil pressure switch will do it. It's rarely as easy as a pcv valve malfunction, although so many think they do. Bottom line if you got a burner, you just keep an eye on it, and your problem goes away when you sell it, or junk it.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

Machete · May 12, 2019

Ah the vMax!! I wanted one so baad when they came out. I loved that bike. Those scoops!

Jeff Scott · May 13, 2019

Just out of curiosity, what’s your mileage on your Expy? I have an 06 (3V) with 232k. I did the plugs yesterday as I was having P0300 and P0301 codes intermittently. The multiple misfire was intermittent. I had 3 cyclinders that had oil on the plugs. With 232k it goes to figure. It also has a couple of leaks on the motor here and there. I hope ole girl ain’t trying to lay down on me. She still feels like she’s got plenty of ass though and runs so much nicer with new plugs; I took out Champions (God forbid).

I’m gonna try this: ( Lucas Oil 10278 Engine Oil Stop Leak - 1 Quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KXN3YQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_sOM2Cb87MCGPY) and see what that does along with switching to Motorcraft 5w-30 and my newly installed SP546 plugs which will be hotter. I don’t want plugs fouling out,as well as just knowing old girl is getting tired. Definitely check PCV. Wish I had never seen that.

I’d do a compression test just to see how wore out she is if it wasn’t such a pain in the ass. Please let us know your vehicle’s mileage and if you are experiencing oily plugs from blow by on any of your cylinders.

If anyone has any tricks or remedies for this I’m all ears. Thanks.

Where does the oil go?

Machete

My Rig. 2000 EB 4x4 5.4L

Don Hall

Full Access Members

Machete

My Rig. 2000 EB 4x4 5.4L

Trainmaster

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Machete

My Rig. 2000 EB 4x4 5.4L

Trainmaster

Old School Member

Machete

My Rig. 2000 EB 4x4 5.4L

1955moose

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Machete

My Rig. 2000 EB 4x4 5.4L

Jeff Scott

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