Ford 4.6L oil consumption

[JustinH]

See what the dipstick says after you change the oil.

A dipstick is not a scientific oil level monitoring device.

It just gives you a rough idea.

I'd bet that the dipstick is off a little bit, and you are overfilling the motor a little bit.

 

[Jason2007]

My 07 GT has 27k on it and I have run MC SS 5w20 and Mobil 1 0w20 and it does not use a drop of oil.

 

[Seguino]

I've got 2600Mi on my F150, same engine and the dipstick ( the engine one, not the one behind the wheel) still reads full. I've taken it easy on it since new. It had 4Mi on it when I picked it up. I wouldn't worry about your consumption until 10K.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
See what the dipstick says after you change the oil.

A dipstick is not a scientific oil level monitoring device.

It just gives you a rough idea.

I'd bet that the dipstick is off a little bit, and you are overfilling the motor a little bit.

You're correct sir. The level is only slightly over halfway in between the MIN and MAX marks even when all 6 new quarts are in the sump.
I once took an older Mustang 4.6 that I no longer have to a Jiffy Lube once, and when I stopped them from pouring more than 6 quarts in there, they looked at me like I'm an idiot because the dipstick didn't read full.

Anyways, I checked the oil today which marks the 25xxth mark on this OC and I found the level to be near the MIN mark, hence this thread.

But it looks like a lot of you guys are doing well with the 5w-20. I guess Ford made the switch from 5w30 for reasons other than CAFE..

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: JustinH
See what the dipstick says after you change the oil.

A dipstick is not a scientific oil level monitoring device.

It just gives you a rough idea.

I'd bet that the dipstick is off a little bit, and you are overfilling the motor a little bit.

You're correct sir. The level is only slightly over halfway in between the MIN and MAX marks even when all 6 new quarts are in the sump.
I once took an older Mustang 4.6 that I no longer have to a Jiffy Lube once, and when I stopped them from pouring more than 6 quarts in there, they looked at me like I'm an idiot because the dipstick didn't read full.

Anyways, I checked the oil today which marks the 25xxth mark on this OC and I found the level to be near the MIN mark, hence this thread.

But it looks like a lot of you guys are doing well with the 5w-20. I guess Ford made the switch from 5w30 for reasons other than CAFE..

I would stick with the 5w-20 if I was you. You still have 11k miles on your warranty, not that you will need it.

Anyways, Im not sure if they would honor a warranty claim that is oil related if you are running the wrong viscosity.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: cobos06GT

I would stick with the 5w-20 if I was you. You still have 11k miles on your warranty, not that you will need it.

Anyways, Im not sure if they would honor a warranty claim that is oil related if you are running the wrong viscosity.

Yeah I'll be getting some 5w-20 for the next OC. I'm pretty sure they'd void my warranty if there was an oil related problem.

 

[cobos06GT]

how does your oil look when you drain it after the 5k?

what mods do you have done to your car?
any pics?

 

[hardcore302]

get on it some, like all modulars like, and it will consume less oil. hit the gas, man!

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: JustinH
See what the dipstick says after you change the oil.

A dipstick is not a scientific oil level monitoring device.

It just gives you a rough idea.

I'd bet that the dipstick is off a little bit, and you are overfilling the motor a little bit.

You're correct sir. The level is only slightly over halfway in between the MIN and MAX marks even when all 6 new quarts are in the sump.
I once took an older Mustang 4.6 that I no longer have to a Jiffy Lube once, and when I stopped them from pouring more than 6 quarts in there, they looked at me like I'm an idiot because the dipstick didn't read full.

Anyways, I checked the oil today which marks the 25xxth mark on this OC and I found the level to be near the MIN mark, hence this thread.

But it looks like a lot of you guys are doing well with the 5w-20. I guess Ford made the switch from 5w30 for reasons other than CAFE..

Interesting. With the required amount of oil in the engine, it reads between add and full. And when you add half a quart, it goes back to halfway??? Yeah, that kinda tells me it's a dipstick calibration error. Not sure of the exact situation on your engine, but have you checked to see that the dipstick tube is driven into the block all the way? I rebuilt a GM engine years ago and left the tube not seated and had a similar issue untill I figured it out. You might find a similar car to yours and see what you can see.

FWIW, my '05 F-150 5.4, (21K miles) which takes 7 quarts, is right on full with 7 quarts in it and doesn't use a drop of oil in a 7500 mile run (at least for two runs so far). Also FWIW, I am using an API SL 5W20 oil. I drive easy normally, but the truck has a fair number of miles on the "rolling road" for testing.

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: JustinH
See what the dipstick says after you change the oil.

A dipstick is not a scientific oil level monitoring device.

It just gives you a rough idea.

I'd bet that the dipstick is off a little bit, and you are overfilling the motor a little bit.

You're correct sir. The level is only slightly over halfway in between the MIN and MAX marks even when all 6 new quarts are in the sump.
I once took an older Mustang 4.6 that I no longer have to a Jiffy Lube once, and when I stopped them from pouring more than 6 quarts in there, they looked at me like I'm an idiot because the dipstick didn't read full.

Anyways, I checked the oil today which marks the 25xxth mark on this OC and I found the level to be near the MIN mark, hence this thread.

But it looks like a lot of you guys are doing well with the 5w-20. I guess Ford made the switch from 5w30 for reasons other than CAFE..

Interesting. With the required amount of oil in the engine, it reads between add and full. And when you add half a quart, it goes back to halfway??? Yeah, that kinda tells me it's a dipstick calibration error. Not sure of the exact situation on your engine, but have you checked to see that the dipstick tube is driven into the block all the way? I rebuilt a GM engine years ago and left the tube not seated and had a similar issue untill I figured it out. You might find a similar car to yours and see what you can see.

FWIW, my '05 F-150 5.4, (21K miles) which takes 7 quarts, is right on full with 7 quarts in it and doesn't use a drop of oil in a 7500 mile run (at least for two runs so far). Also FWIW, I am using an API SL 5W20 oil. I drive easy normally, but the truck has a fair number of miles on the "rolling road" for testing.


I dont think he is making a mistake measuring. When my car is "full" it read exactly in the middle of the min and max. Some mustang owners put in 6 and a half quarts to get it to the max line.

I'm happy going by the factory rec. of 6 quarts.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: cobos06GT
how does your oil look when you drain it after the 5k?

what mods do you have done to your car?
any pics?

I wouldn't know yet because this is my first time trying the 5k OCI. But I have close to 3k on the OC now and the oil on the stick is looking dark already. It should be ok though since there are guys going 7-9k on the M1.

It's got a K&N drop in and FRPP K springs. I don't plan on doing anything else (famous last words, lol). This pic is before the springs and it's dirty but you get the idea.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: cobos06GT

I'm happy going by the factory rec. of 6 quarts.

+1.
No point in trying to satisfy the dipstick when the OM calls for 6 quarts.

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen

I rebuilt a GM engine years ago and left the tube not seated and had a similar issue untill I figured it out. You might find a similar car to yours and see what you can see.

Yeah I'm pretty sure this engine has that same problem. I'm not too bothered by it though.

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: cobos06GT
how does your oil look when you drain it after the 5k?

what mods do you have done to your car?
any pics?

I wouldn't know yet because this is my first time trying the 5k OCI. But I have close to 3k on the OC now and the oil on the stick is looking dark already. It should be ok though since there are guys going 7-9k on the M1.

It's got a K&N drop in and FRPP K springs. I don't plan on doing anything else (famous last words, lol). This pic is before the springs and it's dirty but you get the idea.

I was just curious because mine has about 2500 miles on it now and it is very dark. It is the first fill of syn., but I was suprised to see it get so dark so quick. I know the general consensus around here is that oil color means nothing but I dont like the way it looks lol. I plan on changing mine at 5k.

Im gonna wash it tomorrow, ill take some pics and post them up.

How do i post a picture?

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: cobos06GT

I was just curious because mine has about 2500 miles on it now and it is very dark. It is the first fill of syn., but I was suprised to see it get so dark so quick. I know the general consensus around here is that oil color means nothing but I dont like the way it looks lol. I plan on changing mine at 5k.

Im gonna wash it tomorrow, ill take some pics and post them up.

How do i post a picture?

The fact that it's your first time with syn might a part of the reason why it got dark so soon. It's filtering out deposits that the dino OCs didn't.
I wouldn't worry about it though.

As for the pic, assuming that your pics are already uploaded onto a hosting site, you copy/paste the link onto the message window and put

.

 

[Colt45ws]

This is for a 4.6L 2V but it should be similar.
Quote:
Oil Consumption Test
The following diagnostic procedure is used to determine the source of excessive internal oil consumption.

1. NOTE: Oil use is normally greater during the first 16,100 km (10,000 miles) of service. As mileage increases, oil use generally decreases. Vehicles in normal service should get at least 1,450 km per liter (900 miles per quart) after 16,000 km (10,000 miles) of service. High speed driving, towing, high ambient temperature and other factors may result in greater oil use. Define excessive oil consumption, such as the number of miles driven per liter (quart) of oil used. Also determine customer's driving habits, such as sustained high speed operation, towing, extended idle and other considerations.
2. Verify that the engine has no external oil leak as described under Engine Oil Leaks.
3. Verify that the engine has the correct oil level dipstick.
4. Verify that the engine is not being run in an overfilled condition. Check the oil level at least five minutes after a hot shutdown with the vehicle parked on a level surface. In no case should the level be above MAX or the letter F in FULL. If significantly overfilled, carry out Steps 6a through 6d.
5. Verify the spark plugs are not oil saturated. If the spark plugs are oil saturated and compression is good it can be assumed the valve seals or valve guides are at fault.
6. Carry out an oil consumption test:

1. Drain the engine oil, remove the oil bypass filter and refill with one liter (quart) less than the recommended amount.
2. Run the engine for three minutes (10 minutes if cold), and allow the oil to drain back for at least five minutes with the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Remove oil level dipstick and wipe clean. (Do not wipe with anything contaminated with silicone compounds.) Reinstall the oil level dipstick, being sure to seat it firmly in the oil level indicator tube. Remove the oil level dipstick and draw a mark on the back (unmarked) surface at the indicated oil level. This level should be about the same as the MIN or ADD mark on the face of the oil level dipstick.
4. Add one liter (quart) of oil. Restart the engine and allow to idle for at least two minutes. Shut off the engine and allow the oil to drain back for at least five minutes. Mark the oil level dipstick, using the procedure above.
5. Record the vehicle mileage.
6. Instruct the customer to drive the vehicle as usual and perform the following:

o Check the oil level regularly at intervals of 160 to 240 km (100 - 150 miles) .
o Return to the service point when the oil level drops below the lower (MIN or ADD) mark on the oil level dipstick.
o Add only full liters (quarts) of the same oil in an emergency. Note the mileage at which the oil is added.

7. Check the oil level under the same conditions and at the same location as in Steps 6c and 6d.

o Measure the distance from the oil level to the UPPER mark on the oil level dipstick and record.
o Measure the distance between the two scribe marks and record.
o Divide the first measurement by the second.
o Divide the distance driven during the oil test by the result. This quantity is the approximate oil consumption rate in kilometers per liter or in miles per quart.

8. If the oil consumption rate is unacceptable, go to Step 7.

7. Check the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. Make sure the system is not plugged.
8. Check for plugged oil drain-back holes in the cylinder heads and cylinder block.
9. If the condition still exists after performing the above steps, go to Step 10.
10. Perform a cylinder compression test or perform a cylinder leak detection test with Engine Cylinder Leak Detection/Air Pressurization Kit. This can help determine the source of oil consumption such as valves, piston rings or other areas.
11. NOTE: Alter determining if new parts should he installed, make sure correct parts are used. Check valve guides for excessive guide clearance. Install new all valve stem seals alter verifying valve guide clearance.
12. Worn or damaged internal engine components can cause excessive oil consumption. Small deposits of oil on the tips of spark plugs can be a clue to internal oil consumption. If internal oil consumption still persists, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the engine from the vehicle and place it on an engine work stand. Remove the intake manifolds, cylinder heads, oil pan and oil pump.
2. Check piston ring clearance, ring gap and ring orientation. Repair as necessary.
3. Check for excessive bearing clearance. Repair as necessary.

13. Repeat the oil consumption test (Step 6) to confirm the oil consumption concern has been resolved.

 

[cobos06GT]

http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/chriscobos87/?action=view&current=IMG_4355.jpg


That is a picture I took of the rear on a road trip to Tennessee. I have a K&N CAI, flowmaster axle back, and custom tune. Thats it for now. Ill take some new pics tomorrow.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: cobos06GT

I'm happy going by the factory rec. of 6 quarts.

+1.
No point in trying to satisfy the dipstick when the OM calls for 6 quarts.


I go by the dipstick, pull the oil pan off of a Modular V8 with the dipstick in place and you'll see what I mean. Running 1/2 quart over the factory recommendation will not create crank drag/oil aeration problems in these engines. It could prevent a dry pickup though, which can be a possibility under some conditions with the aggressive oil pumps these engines run (especially on the 3Vs).

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: semaj281
Originally Posted By: cobos06GT

I'm happy going by the factory rec. of 6 quarts.

+1.
No point in trying to satisfy the dipstick when the OM calls for 6 quarts.


I go by the dipstick, pull the oil pan off of a Modular V8 with the dipstick in place and you'll see what I mean. Running 1/2 quart over the factory recommendation will not create crank drag/oil aeration problems in these engines. It could prevent a dry pickup though, which can be a possibility under some conditions with the aggressive oil pumps these engines run (especially on the 3Vs).


Im sure running half a quart over won't hurt it, but theres something I don't like about having open quarts around.

Heres a couple more pics.

http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz124/chriscobos87/

 

[JustinH]

Running half a quart over won't matter either way. I've had a dozen modular powered cars in my lifetime. About half of the 4.6L vehicles had dipsticks that were not totally correct.

 

[08_shelby]

Yep its pretty new, still it wouldnt hurt to put it up on the lift and take a look around. My 2005 4.6 3v has 73000 miles on it and runs smooth as silk. Uses about .5 quarts during the 5000 miles between changes.