Does Ford f350 take regular gas?
The Ford F-350’s gasoline-powered variants typically run on regular unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane rating. The diesel-equipped models require diesel fuel. This article breaks down the engine options, octane requirements, and practical fueling tips to help you choose the right fuel for your truck.
More detail: The F-350 offers two gasoline engines and a diesel option. The gasoline units—such as the 7.3L V8 and the 6.2L V8—are designed for regular 87-octane fuel, while the 6.7L Power Stroke is a diesel engine and runs only on diesel. Model year and trim can affect exact specs, so always confirm with your owner's manual or the fuel door sticker.
Gasoline engine options and octane guidelines
Before listing the specifics, it helps to know which engines are gasoline-powered and what octane they require.
- 7.3L V8 Gasoline: Uses regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
- 6.2L V8 Gasoline: Uses regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: Diesel fuel only; gasoline is not compatible.
In short, for the gasoline engines, 87-octane regular fuel is generally sufficient. Using higher-octane fuel like 89, 91, or 93 typically does not provide a meaningful performance or efficiency gain in these engines unless the manufacturer specifically calls for it in a particular configuration or towing scenario. Always follow the engine-specific guidance in your owner's manual.
What octane means for performance
Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking in a spark-ignition engine. While higher-octane fuels can be beneficial for engines designed to require them, Ford’s F-350 gasoline engines are built and tuned to operate on regular 87-octane fuel. If you tow heavy loads or drive in high-altitude conditions, consult the manual for any exceptions, but in most cases, 87 octane is adequate.
Diesel fuel considerations
The diesel option in the F-350 is the 6.7L Power Stroke. If your truck is equipped with this engine, you should only use diesel fuel (specifically ULSD in most markets).
- 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: Diesel fuel only; do not use gasoline.
- Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) as recommended by Ford and fuel suppliers.
- Keep in mind that filling with the wrong fuel type can cause serious and costly damage; if that occurs, do not start the engine and seek professional help.
Diesel fuel has different properties and additives than regular gasoline. Always verify the fuel type before refueling and follow Ford’s guidance to prevent damage or voided warranties.
Practical fueling tips for F-350 owners
These tips can help you fuel your F-350 correctly and avoid common pitfalls.
- Confirm your engine type (gasoline vs diesel) by checking the badging, owner's manual, or the fuel door sticker.
- For gasoline engines, use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane.
- Higher-octane fuels (89–93) are not required for most gasoline F-350 engines and typically do not yield noticeable benefits unless the manual specifies otherwise.
- If you tow heavy loads or operate in challenging conditions, consult the owner's manual for any recommended octane guidelines specific to your configuration.
- When refueling, avoid mixing fuels or topping up with a different grade unless explicitly approved by Ford for your engine.
If you accidentally fill a diesel engine with gasoline (or vice versa), do not start or run the vehicle. Contact roadside assistance or a qualified technician to drain and flush the fuel system as needed to prevent damage.
Summary
For most Ford F-350 gasoline models, regular unleaded gasoline with 87 octane is sufficient and recommended. The vehicle’s diesel option requires diesel fuel only. Always verify the exact fuel requirements in the current owner’s manual for your model year and configuration, and follow Ford’s guidance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
