2004-2006 Ford 5.4 engine

The use of a heavier engine oil is only a mask but the failure(s) will still progress.

It is more than solenoids (which require the recommended oil to function correctly).

But I understand it's use to extend the agony.
 
I worked as a auto tech for a local law enforcement agency for the last 20 years. We ran the Ford CVPI's until the Explorer's replaced them. In 2005 we were starting to have issues with the timing chain tensioners, the slides in particular, wearing thru the plastic and then ultimatley the chain would wear thru the potmetal that held the plastic. I happened to have one apart to do the repair when 3 guys from FOMOCO walked into the shop. They were visiting to look at the undersides of the cars for rust, corrosion, etc.. (We were located in eastern Washington state, at that time rust was not an issue.) One of the guys came over to my corner and asked what I was doing, I told him, the first thing out of his mouth was "what the heck kind of oil are you guys using?" My response was that the boss was old school and insisted on using 15w-40 in everything. The Ford guy laughed and said "use what we recommend, 5w-20, preferrably full synthetic and you won't be replacing these parts again. Oils have changed dramatically since 15-40 was being used." He also said we would have had better luck using Wesson oil than what we were using. He had lots more to say about oils, but what I found out is that the heavier the oil the more likely there will be problems in the valve train. I was told we would be safe to use 5w-30, what Ford recommends for the turbo's, but to stay away the viscosity's from the past. We switched to the 5w-20 and never had valve train problems again on the 4.6's.

At the same time we had a couple of 5.4's with phaser issues, changing the oil to the right viscoity and at 3000 miles solved that problem also. When we started getting turbo rigs, we went to 5w-30 in everything. To this day we have not had anymore valve train issues in anything. Explorer water pumps are a different story...
 
Hmmmmm........ I think I just might switch to 5w-20 synthetic.
When I lived in Bemidji, Minnesota about 30 years ago it was -25º one morning and the gear oil was so thick that I bent the shifting forks in the transmission trying to get the car into gear. I switched to AMZOIL synthetic gear oil and it then shifted smooth as silk at any temp. SOLD on synthetic oil for the transmission. I guess I will put it in the 5.4 motor now that it is readily available.
 
Now this is just a suggestion. If the valve-train is noisy, consider 5W-30 (good stuff - no no-name store brand - MOTORCRAFT filter). The damage is done and will be ongoing so the heavier weight may slow it.


Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.

Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153-H. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle’s engine.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
Click to expand...
 
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