Motorcraft to Amsoil

[FordV8]

I've got a 2008 F-150 5.4L. Truck has 70,000 miles on it and I always used Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic blend until I switched to Amsoil Signature Series 5W-20 at 60,000 miles. The last 5 - 6k miles I've noticed that the valve-train is louder. Do you think this could be the Amsoil? I still use Motorcraft filters. I'm thinking about switching back just to see, or do you think I should try another synthetic like Mobil 1 Extended Performance first. I switched to full synthetic in the first place because I want better start-up protection due to the extreme cold where I live; therefore, I really don't want to go back to the Motorcraft. I've noticed that with the Amsoil I have absolutely no engine sludge. With the Motorcraft I had a ton of it and I don't do short trips.

Any suggestions?

 

[OVERKILL]

You had a ton of sludge? Are you serious? How did you ascertain this to be the case? Did you remove a valve cover?

 

[FordV8]

Yes I did in fact. Had to replace the PCV valve and its built into the valve-cover. It would always be on the oil cap when I'd open it also.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: FordV8
Yes I did in fact. Had to replace the PCV valve and its built into the valve-cover. It would always be on the oil cap when I'd open it also.


In the winter, the "goop" on the oil cap is normal. However, sludge, beneath the valve cover is not, and even with an inexpensive oil changed at a sane interval, shouldn't have happened. The Modular is not a hard engine on oil.

What OCI were you running?

 

[FordV8]

I know that the "goop" is normal, but with the Amsoil I have absolutely none. I did 5,000 mile OCIs with the Motorcraft.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: FordV8
I know that the "goop" is normal, but with the Amsoil I have absolutely none. I did 5,000 mile OCIs with the Motorcraft.


I get it with anything, LOL! AMSOIL, Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra...etc. But only if I short trip. If I allow it to get up to temp I don't get it. Just need to boil off the moisture.

I'm more concerned about your sludge. Can your go into a bit more detail describing what you found under the valve cover?

 

[bdcardinal]

That valve train noise you hear is most likely the cam phasers eating themselves apart and sending junk through the engine to the "lifters." No oil or filter will change that, but I have seen 3V engines run for thousands of miles with the phasers eating themselves up.

 

[FordV8]

Well it was more of the white milky "goop" that looked like mayonnaise. I guess calling it sludge is not correct because its from moisture, but I had a lot of it. Never have seen a vehicle with that much. I drive a minimum of 30 miles to work, so its always up to operating temp.

 

[FordV8]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
That valve train noise you hear is most likely the cam phasers eating themselves apart and sending junk through the engine to the "lifters." No oil or filter will change that, but I have seen 3V engines run for thousands of miles with the phasers eating themselves up.


I know about the cam-phasers but it never even had a tick before.

 

[bdcardinal]

Your mileage is right around where they start to let go.

 

[FordV8]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Your mileage is right around where they start to let go.


I've never seen a 2007+ with the cam phaser problem. That was mostly 2004-2005.

 

[bdcardinal]

I see it all the time.

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
That valve train noise you hear is most likely the cam phasers eating themselves apart and sending junk through the engine to the "lifters." No oil or filter will change that, but I have seen 3V engines run for thousands of miles with the phasers eating themselves up.


Or it could be (and just as likely) noisy fuel injectors. The 5.4 of this era (mine included) is pretty darn loud and MANY think it is a cam phaser issue when indeed, it is not.

 

[BISCUT]

For what it's worth, I went from Motorcraft with Motorcraft filter, to M1, and now doing Mobil 1 Extended Performance all in 5-20 weight and I've no difference in sound between any of them.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: FordV8
Yes I did in fact. Had to replace the PCV valve and its built into the valve-cover. It would always be on the oil cap when I'd open it also.


In the winter, the "goop" on the oil cap is normal. However, sludge, beneath the valve cover is not, and even with an inexpensive oil changed at a sane interval, shouldn't have happened. The Modular is not a hard engine on oil.

What OCI were you running?
I agree. What's under the oil cap is not sludge. It forms as the highest place in the engine and is from condensation. Notice the oil cap is attached to a tall stand pipe.