11_Platinum

Is it inevitable? How so?

montanaman

11_Platinum

Check to see if the rear window defrost heater works. Common problem with the 09 to 14 years and it's a $1200 fix. I replaced mine and it failed again after 2 years. Thanks Ford. The 5.0s also have a history of using oil, mine is starting to use more oil so I'm keeping a close eye on it.

mcsc

Thanks for all the replies guys. Even though I'm not the one who posted it, I'm glad others are finding use from the information here.

I pulled my fuse 27 and it was fine, however, I'm not taking chances when I had the parts already at home. Got it changed to fuse 70 last night and everything is good to go!

I've done some searching and have found controversy over what weight oil to use. I'm going to change mine, even though the oil life says 60% just so I have peace of mind knowing it's been done and not something the dealer just reset. Would you go with the 5-20 Ford has put in or 5-30? Both synthetic of course.

Spiky

Mine doesn't use oil. It's suddenly leaking oil, but I'll look into that this week.

Mamushka

I run 5-30 in my 2012 5.0. It is "incorrect" for the truck. So why do I do it when Ford calls for 5-20? A couple of reasons:

Part of the reason manufactures have been driven to lower viscosity oils is fuel economy. High viscosity oils = high shear = lower fuel economy.
These trucks run in -30F to 110F. At the low temps oils thicken and don't flow worth a crap potentially starving the motor of oil causing damage. So low temps need low viscosity oils.
When warmed up the higher viscosity oils generally offer more protection due to maintaining a larger oil wedge between the bearings and journals.

So for me, I don't care about the slightly decreased fuel mileage and as far as trying to pump 5-30 when it's cold, I live in Tampa.

Spiky

You realize that the "5" in those two oils is the cold viscosity, and therefore they are the same when starting a cold engine at -10deg.

bbradford89

you beat me too it. But damn it sounded good lol

Oil weight is a term used to describe the viscosity of an oil, which means how well it flows at a specific temperature. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) assigns a viscosity number, or weight, to oil based on its flow at 210 degrees F, which is roughly the standard operating temperature for most motors. The higher the number, the thicker or slower flowing it is, which changes the nature of how it coats internal engine components and protects against heat and friction. This means a 30 weight oil flows more quickly than 50 weight oil, but doesn’t offer quite the same level of protection at higher operating temperatures or in stressful conditions.
We use multigrade oils, and they are unique in that they have been engineered to offer not just one, but two weights.
The “w” stands for winter and indicates that the lubricant in question has a different viscosity, or different flow characteristics, based on temperature. For example, a 5w30 oil weight rating means that on cold start-up, even at subzero temperatures, the oil flows like a 5 weight oil. However, once warmed up to 210 degrees F, it functions as a 30 weight oil. This is accomplished through the inclusion of unique additives in the mixture.

kbrock

Some 2013's were affected and quite possibly '14s too if I remember correctly. I have a '13 with the oblong cylinder.

I've ranted about it many times on here as I'm sure some people remember, but it isn't the end of the world. I bought the truck with 47k on it and have put 30k extremely hard, tuned miles on it. Engine has a slight knock when warm and at an idle but with my exhaust I have to really listen for it. I've forgotten about it within the past year. I get great MPGs when I'm not beating on it and engine is extremely strong and smooth. Smokes my tires in second gear if I gun it, and that's not even running 93 premium with the race tune. So I wouldn't worry too much if you end up with one that has the oblong cylinder. Obviously avoid it, but don't worry too much about it. Regular maintenance and it should be good.

kbrock

Also check when and where the truck was built. If it was in Dearborn between Feb 11 2011 to Sept 8 2012, or Kansas City from April 5 2011 to June 13, 2012, there's a recall on the lead frame. Truck can suddenly downshift to first on the highway, potentially causing an accident. Happened to me once or twice and it's not fun.