Anthonyawh

I see that someone else uses the 7.5 , who knows. Possibly the oil pans were made differently in different countries?.

SilverSport

maybe someone isn't getting all or most of the oil out of the bottle(s)???...

Bill

ceasefire49

7.5

Mr. Kennedy

04 Lariat with 250k miles. Complete timing job at 225k with the upgraded cam phasers. They filled it up with 5W20 synthetic blend and it tan fine for 100 miles. Started sounding like the oil 5.4 "diesel" after 100 miles...clicking and clacking. I changed the oil (and filter). Strictly running Motorcraft 5W30 synthetic blend and motorcraft filter. My truck is now quieter than it has ever been and purrs like a kitten. Also took gas mileage from a 13.3mpg average to right at 15mpg avg.

isvend

How many miles have you put on it after switching to 5w30? I did something similar (Motorcraft filter but Castrol 5w30 synthetic blend) and I'm wondering if the quietness is temporary? I've heard some guys say it just hides the noise for a little while.

650NutKase

Using a 5w20/30 will not adversely affect the 5.4 3v. The issue is that some were running 40 and 50 weight oils. This can indeed mask the clacking, but is also starving the heads for oil flow. The reason that a 30 weight seems to be more popular is that it's still thin enough to flow, and also bumps oil pressure a little during hot idle.

Anthonyawh

If you haven't ever watched the videos on the testing of oil filters then you might find it interesting. I'm not sure were motorcraft came in at but I do know that Fram ranked at the bottom and K&N and Napa gold were in the top 2 spots. Same with fuel filters, you'll be surprised at the rankings of some of the big names out there. The lower the micron # the better it is. Advance has one of the lowest #'s which surprised me. Just FYI seems like you k ow your way around our POS 5.4L 3V engines. I did the exact same thing you did at around the same mileage and unfortunately about 7 months later i had one of the valves,lifters or spark plug break off and went through the piston and turned into a pinball and destroyed mine. Did a long block replacement.

SilverSport

not to be argumentative here but Fram makes several different oil filters...I think the inexpensive orange filters get the bad reputation (earned or not) but there are better versions from Fram (I don't use Fram but can't believe they'd still be in business if their products were really the worst)...

I think we have to also look at the actual manufacturers of the filters and you might just find that they may be the same place...Champion filters used to be highly regarded but I thought I had read they were bought out by Fram or at least the same company as Fram...

from what I read on this Forum, it seems the overwhelming response is to use the filters sold by Motorcraft and that's what I use...

Good luck with your choice

Bill

SilverSport

wanted to add...my 2007 F150 5.4 3V currently has just over 122K miles...I have owned it since 119K miles and I changed the oil and filter the first time in my ownership with 5W20 full synthetic and a Motorcraft filter...mine has the Hot Idle Phaser Knock but I don't believe it has the lash adjuster noise or the start up rattle...original owner changed the oil at about 10K miles from what I can learn and either had it done at the dealership or at Firestone when getting service...

truck starts right up...seems to run a touch rough in high idle only at initial start but other than that runs and drives fine but when the engine has been run for awhile it will sputter and cough in slow stop and go traffic or in a drive through or line once in awhile...MAF is clean, air filter is clean, filter housing gasket replaced and fluids look good...temp gage never goes above the halfway point...

I plan to do the next oil change soon (3K mile suggestion of this Forum) and will try the 5W30 full synthetic with the proper Motorcraft filter...I plan to report back if this helps with any of the noises I hear or the rough engine when in stop and go traffic or in a drive through...

Bill

650NutKase

As mentioned before, the Fram Ultra is a great filter for extended drain intervals. However, a lot of animosity is still held against the brand. Also the MC 820s still has the tearing issue ever since they went to Purolator as their manufacturer.