07ford

Just curious what people arw running, i know its an often discussed subject but was looking for more recent answers. I have been since I got the truck. I ask because When I tow my camper when its over 65 or just drive on a hot day even for even a short period of time the truck will idle real rough and sometimes die unless I Rev it up a couple times, then it smooths out. Had no issues all winter, now it's driving me nuts again. I just fixed my horrible exhaust manifold leak hoping that would help but no luck there. I've done plugs and fuel filter. I have no codes and it runs good and strong the rest of the time. I've talked to people who've replaced vct'so and still have the issue. Seems to be that the only answer out there is thicker oil, (I realize that's not really fixing anything) but I'm figuring now that it's hot out I'm not going to do too much harm trying 5w30 or 10w30. I refuse to throw any money at this until I know what it is, and if thicker oil is the fix I figure I can try adding an engine oil cooler to keep Temps down some and viscosity up.

If all else fails I will pray it blows up...I have a warranty that only covers the complete breakdown of internally lubricated parts.

JimmyB1232

How hot is it where you live?? And how many miles do you have and do you use conventional or synthetic?

07ford

Truck is at 130k, I live in new hampshire, so winters get pretty cold, this year Temps stayed around 0 for much of the winter, always below freezing, this week weather is calling for low 80's but we'love get some sustained periods of 90 +. I have been running the recommended Motorcraft synthetic blend 5w20.

tcp2

My 2009 5.4l 3V runs like a top. The only thing I have noticed in the 1.5 years I've owned it is that the viscosity of the oil, when fully warm, can cause the VCT system to rattle just off idle. It doesn't do it at idle or above 1400 rpm. only from 1000-1400 rpm when fully hot and light throttle application.

I have changed the oil 4 or 5 times and tried different types and viscosity in an attempt to get rid of this effect. I have tried:

mobil 1 5w20
penzoil platinum 5w30
Castrol edge 5w20

my most recent mix has actually removed the noise. even after towing my 4000 lb trailer through the rockies this last weekend, there was no noise. The oil is

4.5 liters of mobil 1 5w20EP + 2 liters of mobil 1 0w40.

This mix seems to have killed any phaser clacking and the engine is running like a top. Fuel economy is unchanged at 17mpg without the trailer and 12 mpg with.

The viscosity of this mix calculates out to be:
10.3cST @ 100C
57.3cST @ 40C

with a high viscosity index (about 180 or so).

I will be trying Penzoil platinum 5w20 (4.5 liters) with mobil1 0w40 (2 liters) in the fall as I suspect the 0w40 euro oil is keeping things quiet and running well.

07ford

Hmmm...I might just try that, I just changed my oil but really want this issue gone..it's more than a rattle. I have some mobile 1 5w30 so I might start with that. But if viscosity when hot is the issue, did you consider adding an engine oil cooler or no not bother because it's running fine now?

techrep

iTrader: (1)

with 130K miles...I would do a coolant system flush ...pull the T-stat and replace..

Blown Ford

5w20 Mobil Fully Synthetic. Never a noise nor an issue. 94,400 miles and I supercharged the hell out of it at 35,995. Drive it like I stole every time.

08f150fromNH

5W-20 Mobil Synthetic here as well.
I'm in NH also and haven't had any problems.

canrinusace

i was using quaker state full synthetic 5w20 with the prolonged life bottle tag, but switched last oil change to motor masters 5w20, even though its cheaper and here anyways its a canadian tire brand. I did it cause my manual said this is the stuff you want, and low and behold i actually noticed a difference. The motor was quieter, and actually started idleing 100rpm slower. If my motor does get the tick i may switch to 5w30 but as it stands now go with the recommended 5w20. Our climates are similar temp wise and you shouldnt be having much issues. If heating is getting you i would recommend trying to add a little bit heavier of a coolant mix and see if that helps with heat dispersion a bit better.

FrozenTundraGuy

I used Mobil 1 5W-20 for the first year, and then switched to Mobil 1 0W-20 every since then. I change oil every 4-5K, and have had no issues. I should have left the factory oil in longer in the first change, as oil rings weren't seated and got the blue smoke puff upon start-up (first time in AM). Engine was finally "broke in" around 12K and the blue smoke stopped. I should have run the Motorcraft semi-syntethic for at least the first two changes to help seat the rings.

No problems in over 5yrs, my motor is really quiet and I did notice a slight increase in MPG using the 0W-20. Live in WI, so the thinner oil helps with winter start-ups in the frigid winter temps. Have about 36K miles currently and use the truck to tow my 25ft travel trailer with no issues. I've used the following oil filters: Motorcraft, Mobil 1, Purolator Gold, and will try the K & N Pro Series in the future.

06 SuperCrew 2WD 5.4L, 6.5ft bed, 3.73LS axle, Factory Trailer Tow Pkg, K & N Air Filter, ScanGauge II, stock otherwise.

Good Luck