How do I tell which engine my F150 has?

The quickest way to know is to read the official documentation on the truck or decode the vehicle’s VIN; you can also read badges on the engine or in the engine bay. If you don’t have paperwork handy, a dealer or Ford’s resources can confirm the engine from the VIN.

Where to find engine information on paperwork

Many F-150s clearly state the engine type on two common documents: the window sticker (Monroney label) and the driver’s-side door jamb placard. These sources are typically accurate for the vehicle as it rolled off the production line.

• Window sticker (Monroney label): This official window sticker lists the exact engine option, such as 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, or 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel.


• Door jamb placard: The driver’s-side door jamb or B-pillar label usually includes the engine specification alongside other build details.


• Original build sheet or order sheet: If you can access the vehicle’s build documentation or the order confirmation from Ford or the dealer, it will state the engine choice.


• Owner’s manual or service records: Some manuals or records note the engine type, especially if the vehicle has had service under warranty or recalls tied to a specific engine.

These paperwork sources are generally reliable for identifying the engine. If the truck has undergone an aftermarket swap, however, the paperwork may no longer reflect the current engine.

Decode the VIN to confirm engine

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is your most precise internal record. Ford and many third-party decoders map the VIN to the engine type and code, which can confirm exactly which engine is installed.

1. Locate the VIN: on the dashboard near the windshield (driver’s side) or on the driver’s door jamb plaque, then copy the 17-character code.


2. Use Ford’s official VIN decoder or a trusted automotive service site: enter the VIN and pull up the engine description.


3. Interpret the engine code: the decoder will translate the digits to an engine option (for example, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, etc.). Note that digit mappings can vary by model year, so use the correct year-specific decoder.


4. If you can’t access online decoding, contact a Ford dealership with the VIN and they can pull the exact engine specification from Ford’s system for you.

VIN-based confirmation is the most definitive method, and it can reveal the exact configuration even if the paperwork is incomplete or the vehicle has undergone ownership changes.

Visual clues you can check in the engine bay

If you’re inspecting the truck in person and want a quick cross-check, look for on-engine identifiers and badges. This method is helpful but not always definitive, as badges can be removed or replaced during maintenance or ownership changes.

• Engine badges on the valve covers or engine cover: common labels include 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L, or 3.0 Power Stroke Diesel. A PowerBoost hybrid may bear “PowerBoost” or “Hybrid” markings.


• Diesel indicators: a 3.0L Power Stroke badge (and sometimes a diesel-specific setup) helps distinguish the diesel option from gasoline engines.


• Hybrid indicators: a battery or hybrid system presence near the engine bay often accompanies a PowerBoost setup; some hybrids display a branded badge on the engine cover.


• Turbocharger cues: turbocharged EcoBoost engines (2.7L and 3.5L) will often have turbo plumbing or a display of “EcoBoost” on the engine cover or nearby components.

Exterior and under-hood badges are convenient, but if a badge has been replaced or removed, rely on paperwork or VIN decoding for accuracy.

Current engine options commonly found in recent F-150s

As Ford’s lineup evolved, several engines have been offered in the F-150 over the past few model cycles. The most common current options include:

• 2.7L EcoBoost V6


• 3.5L EcoBoost V6


• 5.0L Coyote V8


• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6


• 3.0L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel (available in certain trims/markets)

Note that availability can vary by model year, trim level, and region. If you’re unsure, cross-check with the VIN decoder or your local Ford dealer for the exact configuration on your vehicle.

Why knowing your engine matters

Engine type affects towing capacity, fuel economy, maintenance intervals, and compatibility with certain fluids and components. Whether you’re buying used, planning service, or looking at upgrades, confirming the engine helps you source the right parts and get accurate service guidance.

Summary

To determine the F-150’s engine, start with the paperwork: window sticker and driver’s door placard usually state the engine plainly. If paperwork isn’t available or you want a definitive answer, decode the VIN with Ford’s official decoder or by contacting a dealership. Physical badges and under-hood labels can provide quick hints, especially for popular options like the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, and 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel, but they aren’t always reliable indicators on their own. In practice, using a combination of documentation, VIN decoding, and if needed, a dealer confirmation yields the most accurate result.

How do I identify a Ford engine?

To identify a Ford engine, look for a stamped engine code on the side of the block, a tag on older engines, or check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on newer models. The engine block's casting number, often found on the passenger side, can be looked up online to determine the engine's year, displacement, and specific type. For V8 engines, counting the bolts on the valve covers is a quick way to identify the engine family, such as 6 bolts for a 289/302/351W or 7 bolts for a 429/460.
 
This video explains how to identify a Ford 351 Windsor engine: 1mClassic NationYouTube · May 15, 2020
Methods for engine identification

• Engine Block Casting Number:
  • Locate the code, typically on the passenger side of the engine block, just behind the starter mount. 
  • You may need to clean the area with a wire brush and degreaser. 
  • Look for a code like "c9o e - 6 0 1 5 - b - 8" and use it on a Ford engine identification website to find details like the year and engine model. 
  • The first two characters often indicate the decade and year of casting (e.g., "c9" for 1969). 
  • A letter like "O" might signify a specific block design for certain models. 
• Engine Identification Tag:
  • Found on engines built from early 1964 onwards. 
  • Locations vary: under coil attaching bolts on many engines, under the dipstick tube for some 352 V8s, or under the carburetor for larger V8s. 
  • The tag contains information like the cubic inch displacement (CID) and production date. 
• Valve Cover Bolt Count (for V8s):
  • 2 bolts: 239/256/272/292/312 Y-blocks 
  • 5 bolts: 332/352/360/390/406/427/428 FE engines 
  • 6 bolts: 221/260/289/302/351W (Windsor) engines 
  • 7 bolts: 429/460 (385 series) engines 
  • 8 bolts: 351C (Cleveland)/351M/400 engines 
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):
  • On newer Ford vehicles, the 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine code. 
  • You can find the VIN on the driver's side door jamb sticker or by looking through the windshield at the dashboard plate. 
  • You can then cross-reference the VIN engine code with charts online or with a Ford dealership to identify the engine. 

How do I tell what engine my F150 has?

You can identify your F-150's engine by checking the VIN, looking for the sticker on the engine, or inspecting the air filter cover for a label. The easiest method is often using the VIN, as the 8th character indicates the engine type, or looking for a specific sticker on the air filter housing for some engines like the 5.4L Triton.
 
This video shows how to find the engine number on a Ford F-150: 1mMotor MatchupsYouTube · Jul 6, 2025
Method 1: Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

• Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
• Locate the 8th character of the VIN.
• Look up the 8th character (and the 10th for the model year) on the Ford Pro VIN decoder or a similar online tool to identify the engine. 

Method 2: Check the engine itself

• Look for a sticker: Check the driver's side valve cover (the top of the engine) towards the back for a sticker with the engine code. 
• Examine the air filter cover: For a 5.4L 3-valve Triton engine, a sticker on the air filter cover often says "5.4 3 valve Triton". 
• Check the coils: If you can't find a sticker, a 3-valve 5.4L engine has straight ignition coils, while a 2-valve engine has coils that come up at an angle with an elbow. 

This video explains how to identify a Ford 5.4L Triton engine: 40sKonaBlueSVTYouTube · Sep 21, 2022
Method 3: Consult other resources

• Owner's manual: Your owner's manual will have details about the engine specifications for your vehicle. 
• Original window sticker: The original window sticker lists the engine and other features of the vehicle when it was new. 
• Ford's official website: You can check the Ford website for specifications on current models by entering your vehicle's details. 

Can a Ford VIN tell me the engine?

Identify Ford Modular Engines by VIN
You can identify them with a combination of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, and type of vehicle. Locate the 8th digit of the VIN and vehicle year. Consult the table below to identify your engine.

What digit of the VIN tells you engine?

The eighth digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) typically tells you the engine type for most modern vehicles. This digit acts as a code, and its meaning varies by manufacturer and model year. You will need to consult a specific decoding chart for the correct brand and year to find the engine details associated with that eighth digit. 
This video explains what the 8th digit of a VIN indicates: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Feb 28, 2014

• Manufacturer-specific codes: Automakers use their own systems, so an "F" could mean one thing for a 2017 Ford and something else for a 2011 Ford. 
• Decoding is key: Since the code is just a key, you can't know the engine type just by looking at the digit alone. You need to match it with the correct manufacturer and model year reference guide. 
• Vehicle Descriptor Section: Digits 4 through 8 of the VIN are collectively known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section and contain information like engine type, body style, and model.