PawPaw

I usually check my oil level every two weeks. Also check my tires closely and dust off the engine compartment and clean my windshield inside and out. When I drove semi trucks years ago we had to check the whole rig daily before leaving the yard.

Speedfreak400

Fixed.


I usually check mine once a week when I wash it, along with the tire pressure ect.

jhanna

Next time you change your oil, and add the specified amount, file a small nick in the side of the dipstick at this known full level.

It's a better reference than max/min.

Best to do in a constant parking place.

4Stroke

Since you quoted this particular post of mine, I'm assuming your comment was directed towards me. I have and do read the freakin' manual but, not word for word or cover to cover. Don't need to look in the manual, to know that fluid levels need to be maintained. As far as the recommended frequency goes, it is just that, a recommendation. I will have to keep a closer eye on this one. In the past, I knew the tendencies of all my vehicles. If I knew that a particular engine used very little to no oil, there was no need for me to check the oil level ten times during a 3,000 mile cycle, a couple of times was plenty. Of course I kept an eye on any potential leaks. I do admit that with this truck I was slacking a bit and was very surprised the other day when checking the oil level. I drove this vehicle less than 5.5K miles since I've owned it. Not that it makes any difference...I payed 24.5K for my truck.


No excuses, strap that step ladder down in the bed and check your oil level.

4Stroke

Sorry...

I don't know what the definition of a long or short trip is but, I guess I would fall in the short trip category. Roughly 15 miles per day, about half and half city and highway.

Tothemax

Thats a short trip and most likely your problem. These trucks need to run long distances. It allows the motor to warm up fully and oil to circulate. It burns off condensation and it also makes the motors not eat as much oil.

The wifes car is a prime example. She drives it to and from work every day approx the same mileage as you. If that is all she does it will consume oil. About a quart or more in 5k miles.

If she goes on a long trip or throws in a lot of highway miles the car uses almost nothing.

4Stroke

Doe's anyone know if there is one, what an acceptable oil usage is for this motor by Ford?

Not leaking anywhere that I can tell, checked the PCV plumbing today with no sign of oil, so I'm assuming it's getting past the rings?

rrp0968

This is true.,...had a '94 GM Extended Cab with the 350 V8, was my dream truck . Started knocking with 1800 miles on it, that's right...1800. Dealer put a new long block in it. I will say that the tech did a good job changing the engine. Could not tell it had been touched. I was bringing the truck to the dealer for oil changes and service....had about 17k on the truck and was getting close to time for an oil change, popped the hood and checked it....which I never do and it was not even on the stick. Thought they shorted me some oil, so I changed it myself. 3000 miles later, not even on the stick. To make a long story short, they did an oil consumption test and it was burning a quart every 1000 miles. They would not do anything with it because it was within spec. That was the last GM product I have owned and I will never own another.

4Stroke

Yeah, I do need to take some longer trips.

Where do you live, I'll come and visit

Inside of oil cap, clean as a whistle.

4Stroke

Most likely my driving patterns won't change much in the near future (other than my trip to Montana) so, I think I'm not going to go by Ford's digital-brain on when to change the oil. Will change every 5K from now on. Will keep an eye on for sales and stock up.