What oil does a Ford 250 take?

The exact oil for a Ford F-250 depends on the engine and model year. In practice, gasoline-powered F-250s typically use a 5W-30 full synthetic (or synthetic-blend) oil, while diesel-powered F-250s with the 6.7L Power Stroke commonly require a higher-weight oil such as 15W-40 CJ-4/CK-4. However, the precise specification can vary, so consult the owner’s manual, the oil cap label, or Ford’s official resources for your exact truck.

Gasoline-powered F-250s: oil weight and specifications

Gasoline engines in the F-250 lineup generally follow a standard oil specification, but some older or special-edition engines may have different requirements. The list below covers typical options you’re likely to encounter.

• 5W-30 full synthetic oil — the most common specification for modern gasoline F-250 engines, offering strong protection and easier cold starts.


• 5W-20 oil — in some older or specific model-year configurations, 5W-20 may be allowed or specified; always verify with the manual or fill cap.


• Conventional 5W-30 oil — historically used in some older engines; synthetic versions are generally preferred for longevity and performance.

Bottom line for gasoline F-250s: 5W-30 full synthetic is the standard baseline for most recent models, with 5W-20 or conventional options appearing only where the manual explicitly allows. Always double-check your truck’s documentation for certainty.

Diesel-powered F-250s: the Power Stroke oil requirements

Diesel variants, especially those with the 6.7L Power Stroke, have higher lubrication demands and often require a heavier oil or specific API classifications. The following guidance reflects common practice across many model years, but exact specs can vary by year and emission calibration.

• 15W-40 CJ-4/CK-4 oil — a traditional diesel-grade option used on many Power Stroke engines, balancing protection in heavy use and high-temperature operation.


• 5W-40 synthetic (where specified) — some model years or regional specifications may allow a synthetic 5W-40, particularly for cold starts or extended drain intervals; verify with the manual.

For the diesel F-250, the safe default is to follow Ford’s recommended 15W-40 CJ-4/CK-4 oil unless the owner’s manual or fill-cap specifies a different grade. Diesel engines often tolerate a narrow band of grades and rely on APIs and Ford’s service specs for compatibility in emissions-equipped systems.

How to confirm the exact oil for your F-250

Because the oil requirement varies by engine and year, use these steps to get the precise specification for your truck.

1. Check the owner’s manual for the Lubrication section, which lists the required oil weight and API/specifications.


2. Inspect the oil fill cap on the engine; many caps print the recommended grade (for example, 5W-30).


3. Match the engine code or VIN to Ford’s official specification resources or the Ford Owner app for year-specific guidance.


4. When in doubt, consult a Ford dealership or a trusted technician who can verify the correct spec for your exact model and region.

Verifying through these channels ensures you’re using the right oil for your engine, climate, and maintenance schedule, avoiding potential warranty or performance issues.

Maintenance tips and change intervals

Oil change intervals depend on the oil type (synthetic vs conventional), driving conditions, and the engine in question. General guidance is:

• Most gasoline F-250s: synthetic-blend or full synthetic oil changes every 7,500–10,000 miles under normal driving, more frequently under severe duty or extreme conditions.


• Diesel F-250 with Power Stroke: traditional intervals are shorter, often 7,500–10,000 miles with synthetic oils, and sometimes 5,000–7,500 miles under heavy use or in harsh climates.

Always follow Ford’s recommended intervals from the owner’s manual, and consider shorter changes if you routinely tow heavy loads, drive in dusty conditions, or operate in extreme temperatures.

Summary

In short, the Ford F-250’s oil requirement hinges on the engine and year. Gasoline engines typically use 5W-30 full synthetic, with some configurations permitting 5W-20 or conventional oils if explicitly allowed. The diesel 6.7L Power Stroke commonly calls for 15W-40 CJ-4/CK-4, with certain years allowing 5W-40 synthetic. To ensure accuracy, always verify the exact specification for your vehicle through the owner’s manual, the oil cap, Ford’s official resources, or your dealer.

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 F-250 take?

The F-250 oil type depends on the engine, with the 6.2L gas engine typically requiring 5W-20 and the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel generally calling for 10W-30. However, 5W-40 is recommended for the diesel in severe duty or biodiesel applications, and 0W-40 can be used in extreme cold. Always check your owner's manual or use the FordParts website to confirm the specific recommendation for your model year and engine. 
Gasoline engines

• 6.2L V8: The recommended oil is SAE 5W-20 that meets the Ford WSS-M2C945-A/B specification. 
• 7.3L Gas: The recommended oil is SAE 5W-30, which is a common recommendation for this engine. 

Power Stroke diesel engines

• 6.7L:
  • Normal Use: SAE 10W-30 meeting the Ford WSS-M2C171-F1 specification.
  • Severe Duty: SAE 5W-40 is recommended for conditions like heavy towing or extended idling.
  • Biodiesel Use: SAE 5W-40 or 15W-40 are approved.
  • Extreme Cold (<-22∘is less than negative 22 raised to the composed with power<−22∘F / -30∘negative 30 raised to the composed with power−30∘C): SAE 0W-40 can be used. 

How to find your specific oil type

• Owner's Manual: The most reliable source of information is your vehicle's owner's manual.
• FordParts Website: You can enter your vehicle's year, make, and model (or VIN) on the FordParts website to get the exact recommended oil and filter. 

What kind of oil does a 2010 Ford F-250 take?

The 2010 Ford F-250 oil type depends on the engine: the 5.4L gasoline engine uses 5W-20 oil, while the 6.4L Powerstroke diesel engine uses 15W-40 for most conditions or 5W-40 for heavy towing and severe service, though the owner's manual may specify other viscosities based on temperature. It is crucial to confirm the correct oil type with the owner's manual for your specific engine and to use oil that meets the specified Ford specification (WSS-M2C171-F1 for the 6.4L diesel). 
5.4L Gasoline Engine 

• Oil type: SAE 5W-20 meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
• Capacity: 7 quarts (with filter). 

6.4L Powerstroke Diesel Engine 

• Oil type: For heavy towing and severe conditions, use 5W-40 or 15W-40. For normal conditions, a 15W-40 is often recommended, but other viscosities like 10W-30 are acceptable depending on the temperature range. 
• Ford Specification: It is essential to use oil that meets Ford's WSS-M2C171-F1 specification instead of some CK-4 oils, as Ford has found some CK-4 formulations may provide inadequate wear protection. 
• Capacity: 15 quarts (with filter). 

What kind of oil does a 2013 Ford F-250 take?

The 2013 Ford F-250 oil type depends on the engine. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel typically uses 10W-30 for normal use, but requires 5W-40 (or 15W-40) for severe duty and/or biodiesel, according to this YouTube video, a Facebook video, and this AMSOIL page. For the 6.2L gas engine, the correct oil is 5W-20, as stated on the oil cap and by AMSOIL https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/ford/f250-hd-pickup/6-2l-8-cyl-engine-code-6-9-flex/ and other sources.
 
For the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine

• Normal duty: Use a 10W-30 oil that meets Ford's specification WSS-M2C171-F1. 
• Severe duty or heavy towing: Use a 5W-40 or 15W-40 oil. This includes frequent idling, stop-and-go traffic, and heavy towing. 
• Biodiesel blends: Use 5W-40 or 15W-40 oil. 

For the 6.2L gas engine

• Use SAE 5W-20: oil. This is generally printed on the oil fill cap. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner's manual or the oil fill cap to confirm the correct oil type and specifications for your specific engine. 
• Ensure the oil meets the Ford specification listed for your engine, especially when using 6.7L diesel engines. 
• It is recommended to use Motorcraft oil and filters, though other brands that meet the correct specifications are also acceptable.