I'm sure this was tossed around before but I'm new here so I might of missed some topics. I have a 2002 F150 supercrew with a 5.4 that just turned 170,000. I bought it with about 70,000 on it and have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 ever since with Motorcraft filter. For some time now I've been noticing a louder than normal tappet sound and was wondering if I should switch to a full synthetic blend or is this noise normal for that type of engine?

 

it's the oil. My mom's 2013 Ford Explorer did it from the factory. Switched to mobile 1 and it went away instantly.

 

but don't use Mobil 1 it'll clean too much and cause damage. We use castrol high mileage 5w-20 in our 5.4 and it's quiet as a mouse at 258,800 miles. We use purlator or motorcraft filters. Still trying to find out if motorcrafts are being made by fram..

 

and if you are confused when he says we he means me and him. ( my signature says it all )

 

I have been using Mobil 1 oil for the past 187,000 miles (truck had 35k when I bought it) and nothing has been "damaged". Where are you getting the info that mobil 1 will damage your engine because it cleans too much?

 

he means getting a truck with higher Milage and automatically switching to full synthetic. If the motor has sludge in it and you run a oil with lots of cleaners it could knock some crap loose and stop up the oil screen and fry the motor. Or create oil leaks

 

That part I would believe. I've heard cleaners aren't really recommended to use for that reason. Additives I'm not sold on them either. I'm a little worried about switching brands after all this time but not sure if that loud tapping hurts the motor.

 

Gotcha. I've read that on the Internet but have yet to hear about it in person.

 

Try something else if you want, see what quiet it's down. You're not going to hurt anything.

 

All I know is there's something about that motorcraft that explorer didn't like. If a brand new motor ticks because of it then somethings wrong. And we both know for sure it was the oil. Now it's quiet and you can't hear anything.