I had recently bought a 2013 f150 5.0L with 84k miles. Excited to drive it I had made sure oil was in it and it was clean but hadn't let it sit long enough in order to get an accurate read. Once I had bought it I had driven about 400 plus miles and checked the oil level a day later to find out it was about 2 quarts low on oil. The vehicle manual calls for 7.7 quarts. So I know there was 5.7 in the engine. Could this have harmed the engine? I never tripped a dash light or recall seeing my oil pressure gauge fluctuating or move at all. Thanks.

 

If you had enough oil in it to show on the dipstick and only drove it 400 miles you should be OK. Unless it is burning 2 qts in 400 miles. Keep an eye on it to determine if it is burning oil and at what rate.

 

Awesome, thank you. Was a little worried I may have damaged something. And I'll for sure keep an eye on it. Thank you.

 

How did you determine that the amount it was low by, was 2 quarts?

 

I had added oil until the full mark was met. It took 2 quarts to do so.

 

I once bought a truck and drove it home for 1,000 miles. Discovered a leak, checked the oil, and the dipstick was almost dry. Luckily no damage. I think you’re fine.

 

Somewhere in the zillions of oil threads I had read the 5.0 is actually designed to use a little oil. Which explains why it needs so much to begin with. Too many reasons and theories to try to explain. I use 5-30 instead of 5-20 and it helps a little. I just keep a check on it and carry an extra quart with me at all times.

 

Hmm, I don’t burn a drop on 5k oil changes even with pulling the camper. But I guess some do some don’t, just ask Subaru.

 

That sounds like an old wives tale. Mine doesn't burn oil. I got worried once that it was, started listening to the people online briefly. Had to add a quart that month. Then, I realized my gasket was leaking. Fixed that, back to not losing oil again.

 

I doubt he burned 2 quarts of oil, whoever changed oil last only used 5.5 quarts.
Common problem on quick change oil places.

Im sure it did not hurt anything. No low oil press light, it’s good.

The 7.7 is used to extend oil change interval as a marketing thing.