oil magically dissappearing??

[Archangel]

This would be economical if you did the change yourself.

With the way the oil filter is placed on our cars changing the oil on your own is a must - it's just too damn easy to slip a filter wrench on it, and many quick-lube places just can't resist the temptation to do so when tightening the filter

[Jackup460]

My past three 5.0s haven't use any noticable amount of oil. I never have to add any.

[gadget73]

Ford spec says that if its using less than 1 quart per 1000 miles is within acceptable limits. I wouldn't worry about adding oil tho, as long as you're using the same oil. I think the supposed bad thing is when you mix brands and grades of oil because of possible issues with the different additives. 3000 mile oil changes are fine, and coincide with factory reccomended service intervals.

[85crownHPP]

Ford spec says that if its using less than 1 quart per 1000 miles is within acceptable limits.

is that foreal? my manifold gasket and valve covers (again) are leaking pretty good in the back... I dont think it looses that much lol

[87_crown_vic]

when i do an oil change, it reads a half quart low. i drive it and it levels out in the pan because of the double sump pan. only reason you see it so far up the dipstick after checking it after the motor is running, is because it splashes up the tube. oil doesnt expand like tranny or power steering fluid since those are hydraulic type fluids.

[gadget73]

is that foreal? my manifold gasket and valve covers (again) are leaking pretty good in the back... I dont think it looses that much lol

I forget where I heard that spec, but I remember it being something that I thought was awfully high. My owner's manaul says "it is normal to have to add some engine oil between changes" so even Ford acknowleges from the start that these motors aren't the tightest things for oil control. I never have to add oil to my car anymore since I replaced the valve cover gaskets with those perma dry ones. Before I did that, it was losing about a quart per oil change.

[mrltd]

Yes 1Qt per 1K is withing spec.

Get the good valve cover gaskets and decent valve covers. They won't leak. Some thik aluminum VC's or the later box ones and the rubber coated metal gaskets will stop any leaks. As for the intake...usually if you use the silicone rear gakets and a dab of silicon on the edges they are fine...