How much oil does a 7.3 l Ford E350 take?
The typical total oil capacity for a full change on the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel in a Ford E-350 is about 14 quarts (roughly 13.3 liters), including a new filter.
In Ford’s E-Series lineup, the 7.3-liter engine is the Power Stroke diesel that powered many vans from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s. The exact amount can vary slightly by model year and whether the oil filter is replaced during the service, but 14 quarts is the figure most manuals and aftermarket guides cite for a standard oil change. Always check your owner’s manual or a Ford service bulletin for your specific year and configuration.
Engine variants and capacity notes
Demystifying the figure requires recognizing that the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel is the variant most commonly referenced for the E-350. If your van uses a different powertrain, or if you’re looking at a non-diesel 7.3L option in another market, the capacity may differ. The guidance below focuses on the diesel engine that powered most E-Series cargo and passenger vans.
Year-to-year nuances
Most 7.3L Power Stroke E-Series configurations share the same approximate capacity, but small production changes and the exact oil filter used can shift the total by a quart or so. When performing a change, it’s best to refer to the exact specification for your year and to account for the oil filter replacement in the total.
Before performing the change, note that the quoted figure refers to a full change including a new filter. If the filter isn’t replaced, the total required may be slightly lower, though you should still use the full quantity recommended by your manual to ensure proper lubrication of the entire engine.
- About 14 quarts (roughly 13.3 liters) of engine oil with a new filter for a full change on a 7.3L Power Stroke diesel in the E-350. Use 15W-40 heavy-duty engine oil, or synthetic 5W-40 in cold climates, per Ford guidance.
Conclusion: For most E-350s equipped with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, plan on about 14 quarts of oil for a standard change with filter. Always confirm with your manual, as years and configurations can introduce small variations.
Oil type and service interval
Oil grade and service intervals matter as much as the quantity. Ford typically recommends a heavy-duty diesel oil such as 15W-40 for daily driving, with synthetic options (like 5W-40) acceptable in colder climates or for extended drain intervals. Oil change frequency depends on use: fleet and severe-duty applications often require more frequent changes, while lighter, highway-only use may allow longer intervals. Always follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual or the dealership’s guidance, and consider factors like climate, load, and mileage when deciding on an interval.
In practice, many owners and fleets perform changes every 5,000–7,500 miles under standard conditions, with synthetic oils sometimes enabling longer intervals. However, diesel engines with heavy loads—such as towing or frequent start-stop driving—benefit from adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to protect the 7.3L Power Stroke’s long-term reliability.
Summary
For a standard oil change on a Ford E-350 with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, expect about 14 quarts (roughly 13.3 liters) of engine oil when you replace the filter. Use the oil grade recommended by Ford (commonly 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel oil, with 5W-40 synthetic as an option in certain climates). Always verify the exact capacity and oil specifications for your model year in the owner’s manual or a Ford service bulletin. Regular maintenance and the correct oil type help maintain performance and longevity for this classic powertrain.
