How many gallons of coolant does a 6.0 powerstroke take?
The 6.0 Power Stroke typically requires about seven gallons of coolant to fill its entire cooling system. The exact amount varies by model year and configuration, but plan on roughly 6.5–7.5 gallons for a full fill or refill after draining.
In this piece, we explain what contributes to that capacity, how the figure is used in maintenance, and practical steps for draining, refilling, and bleeding the system to avoid air locks and overheating.
What goes into the system’s capacity
The total coolant capacity accounts for all passages the coolant travels through—the engine block and heads, the radiator core, the heater core, and the various hoses and by-pass lines. While Ford does not publish a single “litre-by-component” figure for every 6.0L truck, the full system is designed to hold roughly 6.5–7.5 gallons (about 25–28 liters) when filled hot and full.
- Engine block and cylinder head passages that carry coolant through the combustion chambers and around moving parts.
- Radiator core and upper/lower hoses that store and distribute coolant as the radiator transmits heat to the atmosphere.
- Heater core and associated by-pass lines, which add additional volume when the HVAC system is engaged.
- Additional plumbing including tees, fittings, and the thermostat housing that connect components.
Note: Actual capacity can vary with model year, whether the heater core is included in the fill, and if an auxiliary cooling loop is fitted in certain configurations. Always consult the owner’s manual or a Ford service bulletin for exact specs for your truck.
Practical numbers and year-to-year variance
Most 6.0L Power Stroke owners report a full-system capacity in the 6.5 to 7.5 gallon range. If you are draining and refilling as part of maintenance, it’s prudent to purchase a coolant bag or concentrate that yields about 7 gallons of finished coolant, plus a small reserve for topping off after bleeding the system.
For vehicles with the optional or aftermarket heater core or additional cooling loops, capacity may edge toward the higher end of that range. If a dealer service procedure lists a precise value, use that figure for the specific vehicle.
How to refill and bleed the cooling system
To avoid air pockets and ensure proper heater operation, follow a careful refill and bleeding procedure. This sequence helps the engine reach proper operating temperature and prevents overheating or cold-running issues.
- With the engine cold, place the vehicle on a level surface and remove the radiator cap.
- Prepare a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water, or the mix recommended by Ford for your region, and have a clean funnel ready.
- Pour coolant into the radiator until the level approaches the neck, then run the engine with the heater on high and the radiator cap off to bleed air. Watch the coolant level and top off as air pockets release.
- Keep the engine at idle until the thermostat opens and the level rises steadily, then re-tighten the radiator cap once the level stabilizes.
- Check for leaks and recheck the level after the engine has cooled; top off to the proper level if needed.
Some technicians also perform a drain-and-fill procedure for the cooling system using a flush kit, especially if the coolant is old or contaminated. If you smell burnt coolant or notice overheating, stop driving and inspect for leaks or a failed water pump, thermostat, or head gasket.
Summary
In ordinary terms, the 6.0 Power Stroke typically requires about seven gallons of coolant to fill its complete cooling system. The exact figure varies by model year, heater-core inclusion, and by-pass configurations. When performing maintenance, plan for roughly 6.5–7.5 gallons total, and follow a careful bleed procedure to prevent air locks and overheating.
