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Does the Ford F350 take regular gas?

Yes — if your F-350 is equipped with a gasoline engine, you can use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Diesel-equipped F-350s require diesel fuel. Because the F-350 line offers both gasoline and diesel powertrains, the exact fuel depends on the engine in your truck. This article breaks down which engines use which fuel and how to fuel them properly.

Engine options and fuel types

Gasoline engines

Gasoline variants power daily driving and demanding towing with a choice of robust V8s and a turbocharged EcoBoost option.

7.3L V8 gasoline

6.2L V8 gasoline

3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline

All gasoline F-350 engines are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 (AKI). Using 87 octane or higher is suitable for most drivers, and premium fuel is not generally required for these powertrains unless Ford specifies otherwise for a particular condition.

Diesel option

The diesel-powered F-350 uses Ford’s Power Stroke engine family, delivering high torque for heavy-duty towing and work use.

6.7L Power Stroke V8 Diesel

Diesel engines require ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel). Do not use gasoline in a diesel engine, and follow the vehicle’s manual for fuel quality and maintenance guidelines.

Fueling considerations and tips

Guidance to help you fuel the F-350 correctly across its engine options.

Always confirm your exact engine configuration to know the correct fuel type.

Gasoline engines use gasoline only (regular unleaded, 87 octane minimum); diesel engines use ULSD only.

For everyday driving, 87 octane is usually sufficient for gasoline engines; higher-octane fuels are optional and may not provide noticeable gains unless specified by Ford for certain conditions.

Following the recommended fuel type and octane helps protect the engine, sustain performance, and maintain reliability when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Summary

The Ford F-350 accepts regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) for its gasoline engines and diesel fuel for the Power Stroke diesel option. Always verify your specific model’s engine type to confirm the exact fuel requirements, and refer to the owner's manual for any special octane or fuel recommendations. Proper fueling supports optimal performance and longevity across all configurations.

Is the F-350 a diesel?

Yes, the Ford F-350 Super Duty is available with a diesel engine, the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel. It is also offered with gasoline engines, but the diesel option provides higher torque for heavy-duty towing and hauling.

This video discusses the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine in the Ford F-350: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Oct 20, 2024

Engine options: While the F-350 offers gasoline engines (like the 6.8L and 7.3L V8s), it is also available with one or two versions of the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel.
Performance: The diesel engine is known for its high torque, which is beneficial for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Availability: Both new and used F-350 models can be found with the diesel engine, with various trim levels available.

What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?

If you put 87 octane instead of 91 in a car that requires it, your modern engine's computer will likely adjust timing to prevent damage, but you may experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. For a one-time mistake, drive gently and fill up with 91 octane the next time to dilute the fuel. However, consistently using lower-octane fuel in a high-compression or performance engine can lead to engine knocking and potential damage.
What to expect in the short term

Reduced performance: You may notice less acceleration and overall power.
Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling noise that can occur when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder.
Decreased fuel economy: Your car may use more fuel to go the same distance.

How to mitigate the effects

Avoid hard acceleration: Drive gently, especially at high speeds or when climbing hills, to minimize the risk of engine knocking.
Fill up with 91 octane: When your fuel tank is low, fill it up with 91 octane to mix with the remaining 87 octane fuel. This will dilute the lower-octane fuel and raise the overall rating.
Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if 91 octane is a requirement or simply a recommendation.
Be cautious with performance vehicles: Cars with turbochargers or high-compression engines are more susceptible to damage from lower-octane fuel, so it is especially important to avoid aggressive driving.

Do they make a gas F-350?

Yes, the Ford F-350 is available with a gas engine. Ford offers both a standard 6.8L V8 gas engine and an upgraded 7.3L "Godzilla" V8 gas engine, which is a powerful option for those who don't need the torque of a diesel.
This video shows the exterior of a Ford F-350 with a gas engine: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Dec 23, 2022

Standard engine: A 6.8L gas V8 is standard on many Super Duty models and produces 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque.
Optional engine: An available 7.3L gas V8, nicknamed "Godzilla," produces 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque and is known for its strong performance.

This video reviews the Ford F-350 with the Godzilla V8 engine: 31sThe Dirthead ShedYouTube · Jun 13, 2025

What kind of gas does a Ford F-350 take?

A Ford F-350 takes either regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) or diesel fuel, depending on the model. For gasoline models, check the owner's manual or the fuel cap for specific recommendations, as some engines might benefit from or require premium fuel, particularly when towing. Diesel models use diesel fuel, and using gasoline in a diesel engine is harmful and prohibited.

Gasoline-powered F-350

For most gasoline models: Use regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
For some models: Some engines, like the 6.8L, recommend 87 octane but perform best with premium fuel (91 octane or higher).
Flex-fuel (E85) models: If your vehicle has a yellow fuel cap, it's a flex-fuel model and can use E85 fuel in addition to gasoline.
Do not use: Leaded fuel, fuels containing methanol, or fuels with metallic-based additives.

Diesel-powered F-350

Use diesel fuel: Diesel models require diesel fuel and should never be filled with gasoline.
Use the correct type: Use low-sulfur diesel fuel unless the engine was specifically designed or retrofitted for high-sulfur diesel fuel.

How to be sure

Check the owner's manual: The most reliable source for information is your vehicle's owner's manual.
Look at the fuel cap: Some models have specific labels on the fuel cap that indicate the correct fuel type.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.