New owner - two questions

[Bolt snapper]

Just purchased an '04 Eddie Bauer today with 160k. It seems to have an exhaust (manifold?) leak on the passenger side. No noise when cold, but when warm, it ticks. I think I've read on here and from other sources that this is somewhat common for these vehicles? My question is: what does it hurt to let it leak, if it isn't extremely loud or bothersome? Will it do any damage, or is it just an annoyance?

The next question is (and I hesitate to ask because I know how these oil posts escalate from other boards I've been on): Not knowing the oil selection history, with this mileage is it not advisable to switch to synthetic oil? It has slightly wet valve cover gaskets, but no major leaks.

Looking forward to becoming a regular on this board! I appreciate any and all responses!

 

[1955moose]

I'd stay with the semi synthetic oil at this point. They make high mileage stuff As far as the exaust leak it makes your motor run lean on that cylinder/cylinders where leaking, which is never a good thing. It can be anything from just loss of power all the way up to burning an exaust valve, if bad enough and pushed hard enough. Exaust work can be difficult to repair at home, so you may depending on your skill level and tools have a shop repair the leak. Hope that helps.

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[johnboneske]

I woukd switch to full Synthetic if it was me. Can't hurt to change over, use a Fram extra guard filter and change the oil every 6000 to 7500 miles. I used to run Mobile 1 constantly 10W30 and now run wallyworld 10W30 for about 1/2 the price. Just my $.02

 

[Trainmaster]

Congratulations on your new Expedition.

I've been told that the leak can erode the aluminum cylinder head. I ran around with such a leak in my 2000 for well over a year, perhaps two years and saw no damage when I eventually replaced the exhaust manifold.

 

[Bolt snapper]

I I used to run Mobile 1 constantly 10W30 and now run wallyworld 10W30 for about 1/2 the price. Just my $.02

I think the manual calls for 5w-20, but you run 10w-30? Is that a common practice? I kinda wonder if the slightly heavier oil might be better for older engines. Very interesting!

 

[08navigator]

It is recommended by fordtechmakuloco(YouTube) to run 5w30 full synthetic in the 5.4l 3v. He is an expert on these engines. I have also seen a tick caused by loose spark plugs on these engines so if you aren't sure it's an exhaust leak, you may want to check the plug tightness.

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[johnboneske]

I run a slightly higher viscosity yes. Do you guys know what the numbers mean? My Expedition has over 200k on it, figure the motor is looser than when it was new. Slightly higher thickness can't hurt it.

 

[Bolt snapper]

I have also seen a tick caused by loose spark plugs on these engines so if you aren't sure it's an exhaust leak, you may want to check the plug tightness.

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Now I'm very curious about this. If it is ticking as a result of a loose spark plug, does this mean that the threads are already damaged and will have to have inserts (so I shouldn't attempt to replace or even tighten?)

Also, do you think I could isolate that sound with a mechanic's stethoscope to know which plug or even if, in fact, this is the source of the sound?

 

[08navigator]

It may not be the issue but it'll take you 10 minutes to check all of them. Easy first thing to check. If it's loose it's usually barely loose and you just snug it up or replace the plug. Shouldn't damage anything unless its been like that for a long time. This is if you have the 5.4l 3v. You should unless I'm missing something. If you have the 2v I really don't know enough about those to recommend tightening the plugs up. You should be able to find it with the stethoscope but it may be easier to just unbolt the coil packs and check the tightness. You should be able to get a good look at the exhaust manifold while you're up there. I believe the 5.4 3v usually breaks the manifold studs toward the rear of the vehicle.

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[Bolt snapper]

My engine is the 2V. I thought I understood that they added more threads by the 2004 model to prevent the plugs blowing out, but they may still have a tendency to loosen?

 

[1955moose]

They actually make a special socket that is torque sensing. It's available online. If you can get in there with a torque wrench, tighten all 8 to about 17-18 ft lbs.

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[BillAlex]

Yours being a 2V, you probably are not blessed with the Timing Chain Guides or Phasers giving you that notorious tick. Exhaust leaks are pretty common but I would take a water hose or a mechanics Stethoscope and try to isolate exactly where the tick is coming from. If it was a 3V, I would be listening to the front of the engine. Good luck with it and I think you will really enjoy this group. They seem to figure things out at lightning speed.

 

[Bolt snapper]

I changed plugs and coils today, and the tick seems to be gone. I had one plug on the left side that seemed kinda loose, but then I moved over to the passenger side and - holy crap! - the 2nd plug back was just floating in there (no resistance with the ratchet). I was able to torque the new plug in that hole to 22 ft lbs, so I'm hoping the threads are still strong enough to hold; but when I restarted the truck, the tick was gone. I hope I got lucky - I've heard horror stories about hearing the tick before the plug blew out!

 

[Bolt snapper]

They actually make a special socket that is torque sensing. It's available online. If you can get in there with a torque wrench, tighten all 8 to about 17-18 ft lbs.

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I was fortunate enough to be able to get a 3/8 torque wrench on all of the plugs. I ran them in to about 22 ft lbs. I hope I'm in good shape!

 

[sscharlie]

Factory torque specs are to low on the 2v. Go up into the low 20's

 

[johnboneske]

I changed plugs and coils today, and the tick seems to be gone. I had one plug on the left side that seemed kinda loose, but then I moved over to the passenger side and - holy crap! - the 2nd plug back was just floating in there (no resistance with the ratchet). I was able to torque the new plug in that hole to 22 ft lbs, so I'm hoping the threads are still strong enough to hold; but when I restarted the truck, the tick was gone. I hope I got lucky - I've heard horror stories about hearing the tick before the plug blew out!

Your fine. I too have the 2 valve and torqued mine to 24 ft pounds, so your good!

 

[Trainmaster]

Worked for me too. I used the torque-limiting socket Moose described. A great tool.