The peak performance of the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke significantly relies on clean high-grade oil. At the same time, you need to know the oil capacity of 6.0 Powerstroke to ensure the overall maintenance of the Ford diesel engine.
The oil capacity of 6.0 Powerstroke depends on the make and year. Generally, all models take 15 qt. of oil.
I will also share oil changing intervals and procedures along with the most age-old question: how many quarts of oil does a 6.0 Powerstroke take?
How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 6.0 Powerstroke Take?
The straightforward answer is Ford 6.0 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 qt. Remember, 6.0 filter housing’s oil includes in this capacity.
| Engine Name | Make Year | Oil Capacity (quart) |
| Ford 6.0 Powerstroke | 2003 | 15 |
| Ford 6.0 Powerstroke | 2004 | 15 |
| Ford 6.0 Powerstroke | 2005 | 15 |
| Ford 6.0 Powerstroke | 2006 | 15 |
| Ford 6.0 Powerstroke | 2007 | 15 |
So, one question might have popped up in your mind: how many gallons of oil does a 6.0 Powerstroke take – roughly 4 gallons.
What is the Oil Change Interval of 6.0 Powerstroke?
Now, it is important to know the oil change intervals of 6.0 Powerstroke.
According to experts, intervals of oil change depending on a few factors. Oil changing intervals are 7,500 miles and 5,000 miles in normal and severe operating conditions, respectively. When used with heavy-duty oils, it can go up to 10,000 miles and more between oil changes.
What is the Best Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke?
When selecting the best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke, you must follow a few criteria. The factors include,
Correct Weight of the Oil: Check the weight and viscosity of your selected oil. For 6.0 Powerstroke, 15W-40 is the standard viscosity.
Budget: Is your selected oil within your budget?
Availability: Whenever you need oil, can you find it anytime?
Scheduled Maintenance: Do you follow the normal maintenance process of changing your 6.0 Powerstroke oil?
How to Change Oil in 6.0 Powerstroke?
The oil change procedure doesn’t take much time to complete. The process is a bit messy, but following the steps below can save valuable time, money and effort.
Required Items:
- Wheel chocks
- 36 mm ratchet socket
- Combination wrench of ¾”
- O-ring and oil filter of 6.0 Powerstroke
- Ford recommended Engine oil
- Drain pan
- Drain plug gasket
Step 01: Park the Powerstroke on an Even Surface
Your vehicle needs to be parked on a flat surface. Remember that engagement of the parking brake is necessary. At the same time, grab a few pieces of concrete and place them underneath the rear wheels. Thus, the vehicle will stop moving while you work. Then, get into the hood and look for the negative terminal cable of the battery. Disconnect the cable once you find it.
Step 02: Oil Filter Removal
Every engine consists of an oil filter cap, and 6.0 Powerstroke is no exception. Find out the oil filter cap. Use the 36 mm ratchet socket to unfasten it. You will need to remove the oil filter and the attached O-ring available. Both parts can easily be properly disposed of by raising the cap.
Step 03: Draining Old Oil
Then, look for the oil pan drain plug. It is generally available underneath the 6.0 Powerstroke. An oil pan needs to be placed under the plug before unfastening it using a ¾” combination wrench. Drain out all the oil. After draining, review and clean the drain plugs thread.
Step 04: Drain Plug Fastening
If the drain plug is damaged or broken, replace it. Next, fasten the drain plug again. Here, the right tightening of the plug is a must. You can do it using a ¾” combination wrench.
Step 05: New Oil Filter Installation
Now, it is time to install the new oil filter into the housing. Get the fresh O-ring and place it onto the oil filter cap. Then snap the new oil filter onto the oil filter cap. Place the new filter into the housing. Finally, use the 36 mm ratchet socket to tighten the cap of the oil filter.
Step 06: Opening the Oil Cap
Next, on the vehicle’s passenger side is an oil cap; open it. If you are struggling to find the oil cap, remember it is available near the firewall. Get a funnel and insert it into the filled container.
Step 07: Refilling Correct Oil Type
Hopefully, you have already bought the Ford-recommended oil. Choose the Royal Purple 04154/300905 Synthetic Motor oil for your 6.0 Powerstroke. Fill the crankcase with 15 qt. of oil viscosity rating of 15W-40 is suitable if the operating temperature is more than 30° F. While 15W-30 viscosity rating is good when the working temperature is less than 30° F.
Once refilling is done, get a dipstick and check the oil level.
Step 08: Final Step
Move the oil pan under the car after sealing it. Then, the negative terminal needs to be connected to the battery. Press the “Engine Start” button and run the engine for a few minutes. Check for any possible leaks under the car.
Warnings:
The drain plug needs to be tightened at the right torque. The thread can get damaged if you over-tighten it. Damaged threads can cause an oil leak. So, be careful while tightening.
The whole process will take a maximum of 1 hour.
FAQ
What does the 6.0 Powerstroke oil change cost?
You can determine the 6.0 Powerstroke oil change cost based on a few items’ prices. The items are
Oil Filter: Price is between $10 – $25 depending on the brand
Oil Crush Washer/Gasket: The price range is $ – $5
15 qt. of Oil: The cost will be $80 – $100
So, the overall cost range is $95 – $125. This price is when you decide to go for a DIY project.
If you can be a professional, the price quotation will be $185 – $200. This quotation is for full synthetic oil.
Which oil should you recommend for Powerstroke engines?
Ford recommended oil for the 6.0 Powerstroke engine is 15W-40 in normal conditions. Remember to buy high-quality, heavy-duty oil. Also, it would always be best to choose synthetic oil because the best ingredients are used in this oil type. Synthetic oil protects the engine from different damages.
What is the 6.0 Powerstroke oil viscosity chart?
The below chart describes 6.0 Powerstroke oil viscosity.
| Ambient Temp (°F) | Recommended Viscosity | Important Note |
| More than 10 | 15W-40 | Suggested viscosity rating for ambient temperatures > 30° F |
| -10 to 90 | 10W-30 | Suggested viscosity rating for ambient temperatures between -10 and 30° F |
| Less than 30 | 5W-30 | Mentioned using an engine block heater |
| Less than 0 | 0W-30 | Mentioned using an engine block heater |
Is synthetic oil better for Powerstroke engines?
Yes, synthetic oil is better for Powerstroke engines. Generally, when a vehicle is used for hauling or towing heavy loads, it overheats. Synthetic oil cleans the inside of the engine, preventing overheating and reducing friction between the engine parts.
Last Words
So, there it is, now you know how many quarts of oil a 6.0 Powerstroke takes. Moreover, I shared more information than you required. Make sure to buy the oil based on the viscosity rating, price, additives, etc.
Also, change the oil according to the Ford recommendation. Regular changes in the oil will help you increase the shelf life of the engine. Thus, you will get long-term service from the Ford 6.0 Powerstroke engine.
