What type of oil does a Ford Transit 350 take?

In most current Ford Transit 350 models, the engine calls for 5W-20 synthetic motor oil, but the exact specification can vary by engine and model year, so you should verify in the owner's manual or on the oil fill cap.

Engine options and oil basics

The Transit 350 is offered with several engines depending on year and market. The most common in North America is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (gasoline). Some regions have diesel options such as a 3.2L Power Stroke, and older gasoline options include a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6. Oil viscosity and certification are specified by Ford for each engine, and using the wrong grade can affect performance and warranty.

The following guide outlines the most common configurations and their typical oil recommendations. Always confirm for your exact vehicle using the manual or dealer.

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (gas) — commonly uses 5W-20 synthetic oil (full synthetic or synthetic blend) as the standard specification; depending on climate and service bulletin, some configurations may accept 5W-30.


• 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (gas) — some markets have used this engine with 5W-30 synthetic oil; verify in your manual for exact grade.


• 3.2L Power Stroke Diesel (where offered) — typically requires 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil to meet emissions and lubrication needs.

These recommendations reflect current common practice, but variations exist by market, year, and engine code. The safest approach is to consult the exact specification in your owner’s manual or on the oil fill cap.

How to confirm the right oil for your Transit 350

When in doubt, use these verification steps to ensure you’re using the correct oil for your specific Transit 350:

• Check the oil fill cap on the engine; many caps list the recommended viscosity and specification.


• Consult the owner’s manual for the exact grade, certification, and service interval applicable to your engine code and model year.


• Look up your vehicle’s VIN on Ford’s official support portal or contact a Ford dealer to confirm the oil specification for your exact configuration.

Following the correct oil specification helps maintain warranty coverage, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity, especially in commercial fleets where duty cycles can be demanding.

Maintenance reminders

In addition to choosing the right oil, adhere to Ford’s maintenance schedule, use Ford-approved oil filters, and replace the oil and filter at the recommended intervals or sooner under severe service conditions.

Summary

The Ford Transit 350’s oil type depends on engine and year. For most current gas-powered Transits, 5W-20 synthetic oil is standard; diesel variants, if applicable, typically require 5W-40 diesel oil. Always verify with the owner’s manual, oil cap, or a Ford dealer to ensure you’re using the correct grade and specification for your specific vehicle.

What kind of oil does a Ford Transit 350 take?

STP High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil 1 Quart
5W-30.

Is 5W-30 oil ok for diesel?

You can put 5W-30 in a diesel engine only if the vehicle's owner's manual specifically recommends it, as it is generally suitable for light-duty engines, but not for heavy-duty ones. Always check your owner's manual to confirm the correct viscosity and specifications for your engine. 
Considerations for using 5W-30 in a diesel engine:

• Check your owner's manual: This is the most crucial step. The manufacturer's recommendation is the only definitive guide for your specific vehicle. 
• Light-duty vs. heavy-duty: 5W-30 is often suitable for light-duty diesel engines in cars and pickup trucks. However, heavy-duty diesel engines typically require a thicker oil (like 15W-40) due to higher operating temperatures and pressures. 
• Diesel-specific additives: Some diesel oils contain specific additives not found in gasoline oils. Using a non-diesel rated 5W-30 could be problematic depending on your engine's requirements and needs. 
• Environmental conditions: 5W-30 is often recommended for its ability to flow well in colder temperatures, which can improve cold starts. 
• Potential downsides: Using a thinner oil than recommended can lead to lower oil pressure and potentially faster wear on some components. Some sources suggest that for high-mileage engines, a slightly thicker oil like 5W-40 can help reduce leaks. 

How many quarts of oil does a Ford Transit 350 HD take?

The Ford Transit 350 HD oil capacity is 12 quarts (11.36 liters) for models with the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine, which is a significant increase from older models. Models with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine require only 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil. Always check the owner's manual for your specific model year and engine to confirm the correct capacity. 
Key information

• 3.5L Duratec V6: 12 quarts (11.36 liters)
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 6 quarts (5.7 liters) 

Important considerations

• Always check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct oil capacity and type for your specific vehicle. 
• Newer models have a higher capacity: Many newer models with the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine require 12 quarts, which is a change from previous models. Be aware that some oil change places might mistakenly add only 6 quarts, so it's important to be informed. 
• How to check the oil level: After refilling, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Shut off the engine, wait for about 15 minutes, and then check the dipstick to ensure the oil is at the correct level. 

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.