I have a 2002 with 124k miles and have started hearing a little valve noise. In other older cars I've had I've increased the oil weight with good results. I've found nothing indicating this is a problem with the F150 but do not want to find out the hard way. Anyone else using a higher weight with older engines? Thanks

 

First off I will assume you're currently using 5W20 oil.

I use 10W30 in both my vehicles each of which runs a 4.6L SOHC, '97 F150@124K miles and a '94 LTC@165K miles, but I do live in Florida.

Colder climes should use 5W30 to get the lube pumping a little quicker.

Try adding about 8oz of STP to the oil and see if the valve system clatter is reduced.

 

I have a 2000 f-150 with a 5.4 and am running 5w30 with no issues.

 

i thought i was getting a valve tap from my 97' however it turned out to be a broken stud on my manifold causing an exhaust leak. This was a big problem on the 97-03 5.4l. If I were you i'd just check it out real quick, its usually the rear most passenger side bolt that does it. Also studs holding manifolds to Y-pipe like to rust out too

 

Everything Rusts out in Pittsburgh. lol

 

yup, including my shoes... too much salt. I did just buy a 04 f150 that did the same thing... this one was out of florida tho.

 

Grew up in Pixburgh. Most of my family still there