Hello -
Glad to hear back from you.
Is the 8th digit of your VIN 2?
I understand the Check Engine light may not be on but that doesn't mean it didn't throw a code or there are codes sitting there. Checking them may give us a clue.
For the battery and alternator. . .. . .. . ..I usually have folks check those when they are there since it is free and many times folks have newer batteries that have shorts in them. . .. . ..new alternators that have problems etc. . .. . .. . .so that is mainly to ensure we elimitae all possiblities and it is free to boot.
Since you feel the gauge is okay. . .. . ..I have attached the info on engine lubrication. Your pump may be going bad since you hear the lifters at times. . .. . .as you will see the lifters are oiled by the oil being supplied under full pressure. . .. . .. . ..so to me. . ...if you here them you either have some rods that may have a little dirt in them not allowing good flow threw them or the pump is just working harder getting the oil up there. There may be a little debris built up on the top of the rocker also. . .. . .. . ..but. . ...with the thing fluctuating it appears it may be the pump.
ENGINE OILING
ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Engine lubrication system is a force-feed type. Oil is supplied under full pressure to crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft bearing and valve lifters. A controlled volume of oil is supplied to rocker arms and push rods. All other moving parts are lubricated by splash or gravity flow. Oil flows through oil filter before entering main oil gallery.
Crankcase Capacity
Crankcase capacity is 5 qts. (4.75L). Add one additional qt. (.95L) when replacing oil filter.
Oil Pressure
Oil pressure specifications are unavailable from manufacture.
OIL PUMP
Removal
Raise and support vehicle. Drain engine oil. Remove oil filter. Remove oil pump retaining bolts. Remove oil pump and "O" ring.
Inspection
Inspect components for damage and wear. Measure gear end height and radial clearance. Replace oil pump assembly if measurements are not within specification. See OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS table.
OIL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS
Application In. (mm)
Gear End Height .0004-.0033 (.010-.083)
Gear Radial Clearance .002-.006 (.05-.15)
NOTE: Oil pump is serviced as an assembly only. Replace assembly if measurements are not to specifications.
Reassembly & Installation
1. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Ensure components are installed in original location. To install, prime oil pump by filling inlet opening with oil, and rotating pump shaft until oil emerges from outlet opening.
2. Install and tighten oil pump-to-front cover bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
CAUTION: If pump and drive shaft do not seat readily, DO NOT force into position. Realign oil pump hex drive with oil pump drive shaft and reinstall.
Your call - you can try the engine flush. . .. . .. . .but I would change the oil and filter a couple of times afterwards according to the instructions which I am sure you know that.
It seems like you have taken great care of the vehicle and yes. . ..200k is a few but again. . .it seems like you have take good care of it.
I have attached the pump specs for you. . .. . .. . .
I did do a quick review of about 220 TSBs. Many have DTC numbers but I would need to know if your truck threw any of those codes.
I did find 3 that talked about the oil system. . .. . .. . ..but I don't think any apply. Here they are for your review though.
The first one
DESCRIPTION
ENGINE - ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIPS
ISSUE
Reports of premature engine failure suggest some overhauled, new and/or remanufactured engine oil systems are not correctly primed prior to initial engine start-up, after being installed in the vehicle. This may cause oil starvation during initial engine start-up.
ACTION
Prior to starting a new, overhauled or remanufactured engine, the oil pump and oil system should be primed to eliminate the possibility of oil starvation at start-up. Refer to the following Service Information for details.
SERVICE INFORMATION
OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES (OHC):
Overhead cam engines use a G-rotor pump design and is driven by the crankshaft. If the engine is overhauled, the oil pump (prior to assembly) should be fed oil through the oil pick-up passage, prior to installing the pick-up tube and screen assembly. This can usually be accomplished by rotating the oil pump while oil is being fed into the oil pump inlet. Once the oil pump is primed, the oil pump can then be installed onto the engine.
Remanufactured engines are usually cold tested before leaving the plant. As a result, the oil pump should not have to be removed from the engine and primed.
Overhead cam engines, whether overhauled or remanufactured, prior to starting the engine, ensure the engine crankcase is filled to specification with engine oil. Disable the fuel supply to the fuel injectors (disable inertia fuel shut-off switch) and crank the engine in fifteen (15) second increments, until the oil pump is primed An oil pressure gauge can be used to assist in determining when oil pressure is obtained.
NOTE: ENSURE THE INERTIA FUEL SHUT-OFF SWITCH IS RE-ENABLED PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO START ENGINE.
OVERHEAD VALVE ENGINES (OHV):
Overhead valve engines (push-rod type) use an oil pump driven by the camshaft via an intermediate shaft connected to the distributor or camshaft synchronizer assembly.
Whether the engine is overhauled or remanufactured, the oil pump should be primed prior to starting the engine. If the engine is overhauled, ensure the crankcase is filled to specification with engine oil and using an engine oil pump priming tool kit, (commercially available) rotate oil pump until it is primed. An oil pressure gauge can be used to assist in determining when oil pressure is obtained.
If a remanufactured engine is being installed, after the installation has been completed, ensure the crankcase is filled to specification with engine oil. Disable the fuel supply to the fuel injectors (disable inertia fuel shut-off switch) and crank the engine in (15) second increments, until the oil pump is primed. An oil pressure gauge can be used to assist in determining when oil pressure is obtained.
NOTE: ENSURE THE INERTIA FUEL SHUT-OFF SWITCH IS RE-ENABLED PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO START ENGINE.
Regardless of engine design, it is extremely important that the engine oil pump is correctly primed, prior to initial engine start-up.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Information Only.
OASIS CODES: 401000, 497000, 499000
The second one
ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 02-1-9, Date of Issue: January 21, 2002
FORD: 1992-2002 CROWN VICTORIA; 1993-1994 TEMPO; 1993-1997 THUNDERBIRD; 1993-2002 ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS; 1995-2000 CONTOUR; 1998-2002 ESCORT ZX2; 2000-2002 FOCUS; 1993-1996 BRONCO; 1993-1997 AEROSTAR; 1993-2002 E SERIES, F-150, RANGER; 1995-2002 WINDSTAR; 1997-1999 F-250 LD; 1997-2001 EXPLORER; 1997-2002 EXPEDITION; 1999-2002 SUPER DUTY F SERIES, SUPER DUTY F-53 STRIPPED CHAS.; 2000-2002 EXCURSION; 2001-2002 ESCAPE
LINCOLN: 1991-2002 TOWN CAR; 1993-1998 MARK VIII; 1993-2002 CONTINENTAL; 2000-2002 LS; 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR
MERCURY: 1992-2002 GRAND MARQUIS; 1993-1994 TOPAZ; 1993-1997 COUGAR; 1993-1999 TRACER; 1993-2002 SABLE; 1995-2000 MYSTIQUE; 1999-2002 COUGAR; 1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER
Superceded Bulletin(s): 01-4-7, Date of Issue: March 5, 2001
Related Ref Number(s): 01-4-7, 02-1-9
ARTICLE BEGINNING
DESCRIPTION
ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY
NOTE: This article supersedes Technical Service Bulletin 01-4-7 dated March 5, 2001.
This article is being republished in its entirety to update the vehicle models, engines and years affected.
NOTE: PLEASE REFER TO THE VEHICLE APPLICATION LIST LATER IN THIS TSB FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS TSB.
ISSUE
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles. See Fig. 1 .
ACTION
All 2001 and 2002 vehicles where SAE 5W-20 is specified should be serviced at the recommended oil change intervals using SAE 5W-20. This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy.
Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be used in many previous model year vehicles. It is recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.
All 2001-2002 vehicles other than those listed in the "Exception 2001 Vehicles" or "Exception 2002 Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20 motor oil at the factory and should also be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oil.
VEHICLE APPLICATION LISTING APPROVED FOR SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL
"Â 1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer
"Â 1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique
"Â 1999-2002 2.0L Cougar
"Â 1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer
"Â 1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2
"Â 2000-2002 2.0L Focus
"Â 2001-2002 2.0L Escape
"Â 1993-1997 2.3L Ranger
"Â 1993-1994 2.3L Mustang
"Â 1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz
"Â 1998-2001 2.5L Ranger
"Â 1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
"Â 1999-2002 2.5L Cougar
"Â 2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape
"Â 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
"Â 1993-2002 3.0L (Vulcan) Aerostar/Ranger, Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
"Â 1995-2000 3.0L (Vulcan) Windstar
"Â 1993-1994 3.0L (Vulcan) Tempo/Topaz
"Â 2000-2002 3.0L 4V Lincoln LS
"Â 1995-2002 3.8L Windstar
"Â 1993-1997 3.8L Taurus/Sable, Thunderbird/Cougar, Continental
"Â 1994-2002 3.8L Mustang
"Â 2002-2002 3.9L 4V Lincoln LS
"Â 1997-2002 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series
"Â 1996-2002 4.6L 2V Mustang
"Â 1992-2002 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
"Â 1991-2002 4.6L Town Car
"Â 1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
"Â 1996-2002 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
"Â 1995-2002 4.6L 4V Continental
"Â 1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
"Â 1997-2002 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series, Expedition
"Â 1993-1999 4.9L E-Series, F-Series
"Â 1993-1995 5.0L Mustang/Mustang Cobra
"Â 1993-1993 5.0L Thunderbird/Cougar
"Â 1997-2001 5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
"Â 1993-1996 5.0L E-Series, F-Series, Bronco
"Â 2000-2002 5.4L Excursion
"Â 1998-2002 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
"Â 1997-2002 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Expedition, E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
"Â 1993-1997 5.8L F-Series, Bronco
"Â 1993-1996 5.8L E-Series
"Â 2000-2002 6.8L Excursion
"Â 1997-2002 6.8L E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
"Â 1999-2002 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250 HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
"Â 1993-1998 7.5L All Vehicles
NOTE: FOR 1993 THROUGH 1998 MODEL YEAR FLEX FUEL VEHICLES (FFV) USE XO-10W30-FFV.
NOTE: THE "EXCEPTION 2001-2002 VEHICLES" SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles
Engine Vehicle
3.3L Villager
3.9L Lincoln LS
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
Exception 2002 Vehicles
Engine Vehicle
2.0L HP Zetec SVT Focus
3.3L Villager
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
NOTE: IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS APPLICATION, SAE 5W-30 OIL IS RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-8-16 .
PARTS INFORMATION
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Part Name
XO-5W20-QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Quart (USA)
CXO-5W20-LSP12 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Liter (Canada)
XO-5W20-5QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 5 Quart Jug (USA)
XO-5W20-DSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 55 Gallon Drum (USA)
CXO-5W20-DBSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 205 Liter Drum (Canada)
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-8-16
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Information Only.
OASIS CODES: 401000, 490000, 497000, 499000
Fig. 1: SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Quart
The third one
ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 02-1-9, Date of Issue: January 21, 2002
FORD: 1992-2002 CROWN VICTORIA; 1993-1994 TEMPO; 1993-1997 THUNDERBIRD; 1993-2002 ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS; 1995-2000 CONTOUR; 1998-2002 ESCORT ZX2; 2000-2002 FOCUS; 1993-1996 BRONCO; 1993-1997 AEROSTAR; 1993-2002 E SERIES, F-150, RANGER; 1995-2002 WINDSTAR; 1997-1999 F-250 LD; 1997-2001 EXPLORER; 1997-2002 EXPEDITION; 1999-2002 SUPER DUTY F SERIES, SUPER DUTY F-53 STRIPPED CHAS.; 2000-2002 EXCURSION; 2001-2002 ESCAPE
LINCOLN: 1991-2002 TOWN CAR; 1993-1998 MARK VIII; 1993-2002 CONTINENTAL; 2000-2002 LS; 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR
MERCURY: 1992-2002 GRAND MARQUIS; 1993-1994 TOPAZ; 1993-1997 COUGAR; 1993-1999 TRACER; 1993-2002 SABLE; 1995-2000 MYSTIQUE; 1999-2002 COUGAR; 1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER
Superceded Bulletin(s): 01-4-7, Date of Issue: March 5, 2001
Related Ref Number(s): 01-4-7, 02-1-9
ARTICLE BEGINNING
DESCRIPTION
ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY
NOTE: This article supersedes Technical Service Bulletin 01-4-7 dated March 5, 2001.
This article is being republished in its entirety to update the vehicle models, engines and years affected.
NOTE: PLEASE REFER TO THE VEHICLE APPLICATION LIST LATER IN THIS TSB FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS TSB.
ISSUE
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles. See Fig. 1 .
ACTION
All 2001 and 2002 vehicles where SAE 5W-20 is specified should be serviced at the recommended oil change intervals using SAE 5W-20. This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy.
Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be used in many previous model year vehicles. It is recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.
All 2001-2002 vehicles other than those listed in the "Exception 2001 Vehicles" or "Exception 2002 Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20 motor oil at the factory and should also be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oil.
VEHICLE APPLICATION LISTING APPROVED FOR SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL
"Â 1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer
"Â 1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique
"Â 1999-2002 2.0L Cougar
"Â 1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer
"Â 1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2
"Â 2000-2002 2.0L Focus
"Â 2001-2002 2.0L Escape
"Â 1993-1997 2.3L Ranger
"Â 1993-1994 2.3L Mustang
"Â 1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz
"Â 1998-2001 2.5L Ranger
"Â 1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
"Â 1999-2002 2.5L Cougar
"Â 2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape
"Â 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
"Â 1993-2002 3.0L (Vulcan) Aerostar/Ranger, Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
"Â 1995-2000 3.0L (Vulcan) Windstar
"Â 1993-1994 3.0L (Vulcan) Tempo/Topaz
"Â 2000-2002 3.0L 4V Lincoln LS
"Â 1995-2002 3.8L Windstar
"Â 1993-1997 3.8L Taurus/Sable, Thunderbird/Cougar, Continental
"Â 1994-2002 3.8L Mustang
"Â 2002-2002 3.9L 4V Lincoln LS
"Â 1997-2002 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series
"Â 1996-2002 4.6L 2V Mustang
"Â 1992-2002 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
"Â 1991-2002 4.6L Town Car
"Â 1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
"Â 1996-2002 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
"Â 1995-2002 4.6L 4V Continental
"Â 1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
"Â 1997-2002 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series, Expedition
"Â 1993-1999 4.9L E-Series, F-Series
"Â 1993-1995 5.0L Mustang/Mustang Cobra
"Â 1993-1993 5.0L Thunderbird/Cougar
"Â 1997-2001 5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
"Â 1993-1996 5.0L E-Series, F-Series, Bronco
"Â 2000-2002 5.4L Excursion
"Â 1998-2002 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
"Â 1997-2002 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Expedition, E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
"Â 1993-1997 5.8L F-Series, Bronco
"Â 1993-1996 5.8L E-Series
"Â 2000-2002 6.8L Excursion
"Â 1997-2002 6.8L E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
"Â 1999-2002 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250 HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
"Â 1993-1998 7.5L All Vehicles
NOTE: FOR 1993 THROUGH 1998 MODEL YEAR FLEX FUEL VEHICLES (FFV) USE XO-10W30-FFV.
NOTE: THE "EXCEPTION 2001-2002 VEHICLES" SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles
Engine Vehicle
3.3L Villager
3.9L Lincoln LS
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
Exception 2002 Vehicles
Engine Vehicle
2.0L HP Zetec SVT Focus
3.3L Villager
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
NOTE: IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS APPLICATION, SAE 5W-30 OIL IS RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-8-16 .
PARTS INFORMATION
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Part Name
XO-5W20-QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Quart (USA)
CXO-5W20-LSP12 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Liter (Canada)
XO-5W20-5QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 5 Quart Jug (USA)
XO-5W20-DSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 55 Gallon Drum (USA)
CXO-5W20-DBSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 205 Liter Drum (Canada)
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-8-16
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Information Only.
OASIS CODES: 401000, 490000, 497000, 499000
Fig. 1: SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Quart
Last, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 AT 11:29 AM
