1997 Ford F-150 Oil Use and Valve Seals Fix

FORD F-150
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DEUCE
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  • 1 POST
Just bought a 97 F150 with 4.2 v6, has 105000mi, Heard some horror stories about this type of
motor. Guy I bought it from had the coolant in exhaust prob, but got fixed on
warranty before motor blew up. Still has 180 psi on all cyl. Only issue is he was adding 1/4Litre(approx) of oil every month or so., not burning blue and no oil
patches under vehicle. Mechanic said he probably used a heavier than specified
oil and the vlv seals might be leaking a bit any cause for concern, any easy fixes?.

Also what is the specified grade of oil for this motor, (did not get owners manual)
Jul 8, 2006 at 8:35 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
I am not a fan of adding things that seal leaks. So I am saying the fix on the valve stems is have the heads done. As for the oil type, here is from the book.

TYPE GF-1

VISCOSITY

All Temperatures 5W-30

REMARKS:
Oil must also meet Ford Spec. M2C-153-F

KEY TO LUBRICANTS:

GF-1 -- Motor Oil, ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst)

OIL PRESURE

(HOT 1500 RPM) kPa 20-45 psi
Jul 8, 2006 at 12:16 PM

Suggested Repair

Do not use leak-sealing additives. If valve stem seals are leaking, have the cylinder heads serviced. Use 5W-30 oil meeting GF-1 and Ford specification M2C-153-F.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Ford F-150 4.2L with about 105,000 miles reports adding roughly a quarter litre of oil monthly, with no blue smoke or oil patches. Compression is even at 180 psi, and a prior coolant-in-exhaust problem was repaired under warranty. The expert advises against seal additives, recommends head work for leaking valve stem seals, and specifies 5W-30 GF-1 oil meeting Ford M2C-153-F, with hot oil pressure of 20-45 psi at 1500 rpm.

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