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How much oil does a Ford 3.5 V6 take?

The Ford 3.5L V6 engine typically requires 5 quarts of oil for a standard oil change. This includes the oil filter, which holds an additional 1 quart of oil. So the total oil capacity for a Ford 3.5 V6 engine is around 6 quarts.


Detailed Explanation


The Ford 3.5L V6 engine is a popular powertrain option found in many Ford vehicles, including the F-150 pickup truck, Explorer SUV, and Mustang sports car. This engine has an oil capacity that varies slightly depending on the specific model and year, but generally falls within the 5-6 quart range.


The standard oil change procedure for a Ford 3.5 V6 involves draining the old oil from the oil pan and replacing it with 5 quarts of new oil. An additional 1 quart is required to fill the oil filter, bringing the total oil capacity to around 6 quarts.


Oil Change Recommendations



  • Use a high-quality synthetic motor oil recommended by Ford, typically 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity.

  • Change the oil and filter every 5,000-10,000 miles, or as specified in your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

  • Check the oil level regularly and top up as needed, being careful not to overfill.

  • Dispose of used oil and filters properly, as they can be harmful to the environment.


Maintaining the proper oil level and changing the oil at the recommended intervals is crucial for the long-term health and performance of your Ford 3.5 V6 engine.

How much oil does a Ford 3.5 L V6 hold?


6.0 qt
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost

ItemCapacity
Engine oil (with oil filter)5.7 L (6.0 qt)
Engine coolant12.4 L (13.1 qt)
Brake fluidBetween MIN/MAX on brake fluid reservoir
Rear axle fluid (four-wheel drive)2.11 pt (1.0 L)



What oil does the Ford 3.5 EcoBoost recommend?


Ford recommends a 5W-30 full synthetic or premium synthetic blend motor oil that meets the WSS-M2C946-B1 specification for the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. While the Motorcraft brand is an option, any oil that meets the Ford specification and is the correct viscosity (5W-30) is suitable. 
Recommended oil

  • Viscosity: 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30
  • Type: Full synthetic or premium synthetic blend
  • Specification: WSS-M2C946-B1 

Key considerations
  • Meet specifications: It is crucial to use an oil that meets Ford's specific WSS-M2C946-B1 specification, not just the viscosity. 
  • API SN Plus: Using oil that meets the API SN Plus specification is recommended, as it helps prevent low-speed pre-ignition issues in turbocharged engines. 
  • Brand: While Motorcraft is the Ford-branded option, other brands like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Mobil 1, Castrol, and others are suitable as long as they meet the required specifications. 



What happens if you overfill 3.5 EcoBoost oil?


Overfilling engine oil is something a lot of people do, but it's important to fix it right away because it can cause some serious damage. Too much oil can foam up, which messes with the oil's ability to lubricate properly. This can lead to your engine overheating and losing oil pressure.



How many quarts of oil does a 3.5 liter V6 engine take?


6 quarts
Capacity: 6 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.


Kevin's Auto

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.