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What kind of oil does a Ford F-350 Super Duty take?

Gasoline-powered F-350 Super Duty models typically use SAE 5W-20 engine oil, while the Power Stroke 6.7L diesel requires SAE 5W-40 diesel engine oil meeting Ford’s specifications. Always verify the exact specification and capacity for your engine in the owner’s manual.


Engine oil options by powertrain


Ford lists distinct oil recommendations for the two main powertrains found in the F-350 Super Duty. The guidance below reflects common specifications by engine type, but model year and region can affect the exact requirement.


Gasoline engines


The gasoline options in recent F-350 Super Duty models (such as the 6.2L Boss V8 and the 7.3L Godzilla) are generally matched with SAE 5W-20 engine oil as the standard viscosity. Oils should meet Ford’s gasoline engine specifications, with full synthetic preferred for maximum protection. Depending on your manual and climate, 5W-30 may be acceptable in certain situations.



  • Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W-20 (with 5W-30 acceptable per manual or climate requirements)

  • Oil type: Full synthetic is preferred; conventional oils may be allowed if specified by Ford for your year

  • Specification: Meets Ford WSS-M2C930-A (or newer WSS-M2C930-C) for gasoline engines

  • Capacity: Varies by engine; refer to the owner's manual


For the exact grade and capacity, always consult your owner's manual or a Ford service advisor, as recommendations can shift with model-year updates.


Diesel engines


The F-350 Super Duty with the Power Stroke 6.7L diesel uses a diesel-specific oil. The typical specification is SAE 5W-40 full-synthetic diesel engine oil that meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 standard (often compatible with API CK-4). This oil is designed to protect high-load diesel operation and maintain performance across varying climates.



  • Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W-40 diesel engine oil

  • Oil type: Full synthetic

  • Specification: Meets Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 (API CK-4 commonly compatible)

  • Capacity: Varies by engine; refer to the owner's manual


As with gasoline engines, confirm the exact specification and capacity for your exact year and configuration in the owner’s manual or with a Ford dealer.


How to verify the right oil for your truck


Because engine choices and model years vary, the safest step is to consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official guidance for your specific vehicle. Look up the recommended viscosity, the exact Ford specification codes (for example, WSS-M2C930-A for gasoline and WSS-M2C171-F1 for diesel), and the correct oil capacity. Your local Ford dealer or a trusted mechanic can confirm these details for your VIN.


Summary


In brief, the Ford F-350 Super Duty uses SAE 5W-20 engine oil for gasoline powertrains and SAE 5W-40 diesel engine oil for the Power Stroke 6.7L diesel. Oil capacity depends on the exact engine and year, so always check the owner’s manual or consult a Ford service professional to ensure you use the correct oil type, specification, and quantity for your truck.

Can I use 5W30 instead of 5W20 in my Ford?


Yes, you can likely use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in your Ford, especially if it's an older vehicle, as they have similar cold-start viscosity and 5W-30 offers slightly thicker protection at operating temperature. While Ford sometimes recommends 5W-20 for fuel economy, switching to 5W-30 is unlikely to cause harm, particularly in higher-mileage engines, and may provide better protection under stress. 
Key differences

  • Cold starts: Both 5W-20 and 5W-30 have the same viscosity (thickness) when the engine is cold. 
  • Hot operation: At high temperatures, 5W-30 is thicker than 5W-20, offering a thicker film for protection, especially in high-stress or high-heat conditions. 
  • Fuel economy: The switch to 5W-20 in some newer models was largely driven by fuel economy regulations, and many older engines were originally designed for 5W-30. 

What to consider
  • Check your owner's manual: The most accurate advice will always be in your vehicle's owner's manual. 
  • Engine age and mileage: Older or higher-mileage engines may benefit more from the thicker 5W-30 oil. 
  • Driving conditions: If you frequently tow, haul heavy loads, or drive in very hot weather, 5W-30 can provide better protection. 
  • Potential downsides: Using a thicker oil may slightly decrease fuel economy. In some specific cases with newer engines, it could potentially lead to a minor increase in noise, so it's always best to start with the manufacturer's recommendation if possible, according to a Reddit post. 

In conclusion, using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 is generally considered a safe and acceptable alternative for most Ford vehicles.



What kind of oil does a Ford f350 Super Duty take?


Castrol – GTX High Mileage 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Engine Oil, 5 Quart (Part No. 15980E)



What oil does a 5.7 L V8 take?


The correct oil for a 5.7L engine is SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil for newer models (starting around 2019/2022) and SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend for older models (e.g., 2009-2018). Always check your owner's manual and the oil cap for the most accurate recommendation, as it's the definitive source for your specific vehicle's requirements. 
For newer models (approx. 2019+):

  • Oil Type: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil. 
  • Recommendation: Some sources suggest using 0W-20 over 5W-20 as the factory has switched, and it offers better performance in cold weather. 

For older models (approx. 2009-2018):
  • Oil Type: SAE 5W-20 synthetic or synthetic blend oil. 
  • Recommendation: This is the original viscosity recommended for these engines. 

Important considerations
  • Check the oil cap: The most accurate viscosity is printed directly on the oil filler cap of your engine. 
  • Follow manufacturer specifications: Use oil that meets the manufacturer's specific quality specification, such as MS-6395 for some Ram trucks. 
  • Consider your climate: While manufacturers recommend a specific oil, climate can influence your choice. If you live in a very hot climate, some people prefer a slightly thicker oil like 5W-30 for better protection under heavy loads, such as towing. 
  • Use a full synthetic: Full synthetic oils provide better protection and performance, especially in varying temperatures, and often allow for longer oil change intervals. 



What kind of oil does a 6.7 Ford f350 take?


For a Ford F-350 with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine, the recommended oil types are 10W-30 for normal operation and 5W-40 for severe operation or colder climates. The required oil must meet the Ford specification WSS-M2C171-F1. For optimal cold-weather performance, a 0W-40 full synthetic oil can be used in all temperatures. 
Recommended oil types

  • 10W-30: Recommended for normal usage and is best for moderate climates. 
  • 5W-40: Recommended for severe operation, towing, and colder climates as it provides better flow during cold starts. 
  • 0W-40: A full synthetic option that offers the best performance in both freezing and hot temperatures. 

Important specifications
  • Specification: Always use an oil that meets the Ford specification WSS-M2C171-F1. 
  • Biodiesel: If using biodiesel fuel blends (B20 max), 5W-40 or 15W-40 is recommended. 

Oil capacity
  • The 6.7L Power Stroke engine requires approximately 13 quarts (13 liters) of oil when changing the filter. 
  • Always check the oil level after refilling. 


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.