I got ready to change oil in our '09 5.4 SD and I ran across a passage in the owners manual that stated that if you use a non-Motorcraft oil filter it may cause engine knocking upon start up.

Our truck knocks for a second or so when it starts. Kinda' reminds me of the piston slap that occurred at start up with the old Ford 300 inline 6 cylinder engines of the past after they got some miles on them. Sounds somewhat similar. This engine has 35,000 actual miles so I wouldn't thing excessive wear would be the culprit.

I'm using a Bosch Premium oil filter now after having heard and read how they are superior in their filtering ability.

Just wondered if any of you guys have run into a similar situation and if the Motorcraft filter in fact makes a difference in reference to start up knock

 

The check valve in the MC oil filter is a good one so oil doesn't drain back...IMO I only use MC oil filters...


Dick

 

My old 5.4 always knocked at cold start with a motorcraft filter

 

I have 45,000 on mine and have never used anything besides Purolator on it and have never had a knock. I have always used MC filters on my 5.0, so nothing against them, I just prefer Purolator on my 5.4.

 

I just bought the motorcraft filters because they were cheapest, and 5-20 valvoline oil. My truck only had 68k when i sold it. I tried the motorcraft 5-20, it didnt knock as much, but it burned a lot more of it.

 

The oil filter on a 5.4, when installed, is nearly perfectly verticle with the inlet and outlet at the upper end and at the lowest point on the engine. The only way the oil can "drain back" is with a leak.

 

Are you pre-filling your new oil filter? I've done about 30 changes on my 5.4 and never had that problem.

 

I do pre-fill the oil filter prior to installation on the engine. The knock I speak of occurs at cold start up or after the engine has not been running for a while.

I just happened to notice the passage in the owners manual by chance when I was looking for oil refill capacity.

 

This is correct. The motorcraft filter has an anti drain back valve. I did not know this (before I was truck savvy) and allowed Quick-Lube to preform my oil changes.

The dealer made me fully informed. Right before they handed me a $4000 bill for engine tear down and repair. What happens is the engine has to start dry because these cheap filters allow the oil to drain from the engine.


No I did not pay the full $4000. I paid about $1000, and basically got a new motor. My service writer had the rest covered under various warranties. It's a long story lol.

Basically, use motorcraft filters. They are very good. Now remember, the 5.4 does have a tick. This is normal. If I recall its the variable valve timing or something. It's often describes as "diesel-like"

 

Motorcraft filters only.

 

What the verdict on Mobil1 filters? They have an anti drain. Always use them in all the vehicles. Little more money but I've blown more on lottery tickets.

 

I ran across that passage the other day also. My 5.4 ticks on cold start and I've always used wix filters. I'm gonna try the motorcraft and see what happens. Also I run mototcraft 5w-20.

 

A lot of that now is a CYA for Ford should their be an engine problem but they still can't deny a claim unless they prove another filter caused the issue. 10+ years ago this was a lot bigger issue because most third party filters didn't have the drain back valve. Now you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't have it. Wix filters are perfectly fine, we run them on several modular's and a few V6's.

 

Well, I guess we'll be trying a Motorcraft oil filter at the next oil change. Although, these Bosch oil filters are the most expensive filters the local parts store has on hand. I just took it for granted that I was getting what I was paying for.

Since I change oil so infrequently it will be a while before I get a chance to see if the Motorcraft filters quiet it down.

 

I would personally just use the motorcraft filter and be done with it. I think they are like $3.60 at walmart.