Does the Ford F-350 take regular gas?
The gasoline-powered Ford F-350 uses regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher in most markets. The truck is also available with a diesel engine that requires diesel fuel.
In this article, we examine which F-350 models use regular gasoline, how octane requirements work for those engines, and what to know about refueling—including the diesel option and practical tips for fuel choices.
Fuel options and engine lineup
Ford’s heavy-duty F-350 comes in gasoline and diesel configurations. The gasoline variants are designed to run on standard, readily available fuel, while the diesel variant uses a different fuel type and has its own maintenance considerations.
Gasoline engines and octane requirements
The following gasoline-powered engines are commonly found in the F-350 lineup, and their fueling needs are straightforward:
- 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine — designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 (AKI).
- 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 gasoline engine — also designed for regular unleaded gasoline (87 AKI) in most markets.
Note: Availability of these engines varies by model year and trim. Always check your specific vehicle’s owner's manual for exact fuel requirements and octane recommendations.
Diesel option and fuel guidance
The F-350 is also offered with a diesel powertrain, most notably the Power Stroke 6.7-liter V8. Diesel-equipped models require diesel fuel and do not use gasoline. Diesel vehicles have their own fueling guidelines, including cetane ratings and lubricity specifications, so follow the manual closely.
What to know when refueling
Practical tips to keep in mind when fueling an F-350:
- Identify your engine type (gasoline vs. diesel) to use the correct fuel. Gas engines use regular unleaded 87 AKI+; diesel engines require diesel.
- For gasoline engines, regular 87 octane is typically sufficient; higher-octane fuels aren’t required for daily driving or towing and won’t necessarily improve performance unless the engine specifies otherwise.
- In the United States, many gasoline blends include up to 10% ethanol (E10); check local fuel guidelines and your manual if ethanol content matters for your vehicle.
- Do not mix fuel types—gasoline engines must not be fed diesel, and vice versa.
Bottom line: if you own a gasoline F-350, you can refuel with regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). If you own the diesel version, you must use diesel fuel.
Summary
The Ford F-350 is offered in both gasoline and diesel configurations. Gasoline-powered models run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane, while diesel models require diesel fuel. Always confirm the specific engine and fuel requirements for your model year in the owner's manual, as fuel recommendations can vary over time and by market.
