I have a 2004 Ford F150 with a 4.6 V-8. I'd like to know the proper amount of oil to put in it. The owner's manual says 6 qts but with 6 in it, the level is low. I have to put a good 7 qts in it (just a tad over) to show full on the dip stick. Which is correct? I remember years ago Ford had a "dip stick" issue. The dealer even cut a hash mark in my Dad's Truck when it was new due to the dip stick not matching the owner's manual (1989?). Thoughts..
Dip Stick or Owner's Manual
- Thread starter Doc Holiday
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My vote is Dip stick though I'd probably defer to whatever required more oil. Are you sure you are on a level surface? Every Honda I've owned (six) has needed a half more than the manual but the manual says filter every other change as well.
gathermewool
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Dipstick wins, unless you see bubbles or froth when you check it shortly after running the engine.
I would stick with the owners manual.
Maybe they are listing 6 qrts with out oil filter change.
One more vote for dipstick. If you're especially concerned, call a dealer service department to verify there's no revised part number for the stick or the tube.
The manual was written without knowing low long your drain plug would be out, your preference on draining the oil or replacing the filter first, the viscosity of the oil at the time you drain it, or how far off from level ground you'd be on and in what direction. The dipstick works so long as you're reasonably close to level.
The manual was written without knowing low long your drain plug would be out, your preference on draining the oil or replacing the filter first, the viscosity of the oil at the time you drain it, or how far off from level ground you'd be on and in what direction. The dipstick works so long as you're reasonably close to level.
owners manual. Dip-sticks are not created equal.
Owners manual.
Ford's dipsticks on their 4.6 and 5.4 Modulars in their trucks have been giving wildly different readings for the same engine group with the same amount of oil added at the oil change. My friend had a 2001 F-150 with the 4.6 I still own my 2002 F-150 with the same 4.6. When doing a 6 quart oil change his dipstick read down 3/4 quart on the dipstick. Mine reads full on the dipstick. We both added 6 quarts with a filter change. If it makes you feel better you can most likely add an extra 1/2 quart or learn to live with the oil change level as your "full" mark. My truck doesn't burn any oil in the 5,000 mile OCI's. Both our trucks spec 6 quarts with filter change, go figure
Whimsey
Whimsey
Thanks all...so far I have 4 manual votes and 4 dip sticks....truck is on level ground...manual says 6 qts with the filter change. With 6 qts the dip stick reads on the add mark..takes another qt. plus to put it on full...
Originally Posted By: tommygunn
Manual probably says to use the dipstick. I would.
Not all filters are made identical either so, I'd say the listed "total fluid capacity" could fluctuate.
My friend and I both used Motorcraft filters and his driveway was level and mine has a slant that would cause a lower reading if I wasn't pulled up to the op, even then it's slightly slanted to possibly cause a slightly lower reading.
Whimsey
Manual probably says to use the dipstick. I would.
Not all filters are made identical either so, I'd say the listed "total fluid capacity" could fluctuate.
My friend and I both used Motorcraft filters and his driveway was level and mine has a slant that would cause a lower reading if I wasn't pulled up to the op, even then it's slightly slanted to possibly cause a slightly lower reading.
Whimsey
if you use a filter with more capacity or pleats it may absorb more oil. but i don't think it would be a whole quart's worth. i would probably do 6.5 quarts in your case. that will put you right in the middle of the dipstick and close to what the manual says.
I've got an 04 dodge ram w/ a 3.7 v6 and it calls for 5 qts. in the manual but only takes like 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 to reach full on the dipstick. I've done a full 5 qts. before in it w/o any issues, but I've been following the dipstick for most of my oil changes. I'd check the tsb's if you haven't or call the dealer to see if there is and updated version of the dipstick as was already mentioned.
My 2004 5.4 specs 7 quarts with filter change. And, 7 quarts shows exactly full on the dipstick.
I have a 4.6 in my Mustang. I know your sump will hold 7 qts with no problem. As a matter of fact it will hold more then 8 qts. I saw a guy measure his pan with it off the engine and with 8 qts it had plenty of room left. A lot of the road race guys run the Mustangs with 7 qts with zero problems. So it'a all up to what you want to do.
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