How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend

  • Meets factory standard
  • 15w-40 viscosity
  • 37% better wear protection

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy

  • Fully synthetic blend
  • 0w-20 viscosity
  • Quick cold-weather starting

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Castrol 03559 Edge 5W-30 C3

  • Longest oil change interval
  • Fully synthetic blend
  • 5w-30 viscosity

By the end of this review and buyers guide you are going to understand what all those terms you read on the product really mean. We hope to demystify the elaborate acronyms and weird formulas freely displayed on packaging with little explanation. 

When it comes time for your next oil change, go for it with confidence! If you use a local dealership or garage, demand that your oil change is done with the oils and filters you select. If they want to do the oil change on their terms, then use your freedom to shop around.

For achieving that 500,000 mile target on your 7.3 powerstroke motor, regular filter replacement is vital along with your oil change. Don’t even consider an oil change without changing the oil filter. 

The fact is, expensive oils are expensive for a very good reason. They protect your engine and last longer. There is intense competition amongst oil manufacturers to outdo one another and so they don’t skimp on additives and high grade synthetic products.

Here’s a surprise for you! Did you realise that MANY non dealership garages put in the cheapest oil that is available?! Yup, especially if you’re a lady driver, the assumption is that you don’t know that there are different oils and don’t care! So up to 50% of people COULD be getting ripped off!  I, the reviewer, worked briefly for such an unscrupulous garage and saw first hand. There is oil for males and oil for ladies in the store room!

So guys, make sure the ladies in your life read this. There is major discrimination going on!

Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Oils for your 7.3 Powerstroke Motor.

  • The 9 Best Oil For 7.3 Powerstroke Motors
    • Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 120758 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
    • Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Engine Oil
    • Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
    • Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil
    • Castrol Edge 03559 5W-30 Advanced Synthetic
    • Royal Purple 43154 15w40 Multigrade Oil
    • Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
    • Liqui Moly 2043 MoS2 Anti-Friction 10W-40 Motor Oil
    • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
  • Final Thoughts
  • Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke: FAQs
    • How many miles can a 7.3 Powerstroke last?
    • How often should I change oil in a 7.3 Powerstroke?
    • What is the 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity?
    • How to choose the best oil for a 7.3 Powerstroke?
    • What are multigrade oils?
    • What do terms such as Multigrade 5W-40 or 0W40, 15W-40 motor oil mean?
    • What is viscosity?
    • What is the best oil for me in Northern Canada?
    • What is sooting and what causes it?

The 9 Best Oil For 7.3 Powerstroke Motors

Best fuel economy and best low temperature anti wear oil

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Mobil 1 comes in Quart packs as well as 1-gallon jugs and larger
  • It is available in one-gallon jugs which are cheaper than quart bottles
  • Best sub freezing climate oil
  • Our personal likes are fuel efficiency and high engine performance

  • 0W- means the possibility of excessive engine year if the 7.3 Powerstroke is subject to high temperature conditions
  • Not a good oil for hot summer climates, Africa or Australia where high temperature conditions exist

Mobil 1 is a top synthetic diesel oil and is suitable oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors. 

It’s the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke engines under sub freezing conditions.

The multigrade Range is from 0W to 20. This is a very thin viscous oil with some incredible features. First off. That low viscosity means it gives you minimum wear in freezing conditions on a cold start-up. Because of the low friction inherent in 0W- oils, it also gives you up to 2% improved miles per gallon and considerable increases in your 7.3 Powerstroke diesel performance. Effectively you are getting an extra 2 gallons of Diesel fuel for every hundred gallons of fuel you buy for your truck!

It has excellent low wear additive protection. It is charged with a good performance oil additive.

It has an awesome soot-resistant oil additive.  It strongly rejects soot build-up on engine casing, glow plug, or injectors. When you drop the drain plug and drain this oil, it takes all the gnarly stuff with it leaving your engine spotlessly clean and ready for the next oil change.

This is one of the best fully synthetic triple protection type oil with outstanding cold start enhancement. It minimizes wear and increases engine life.

Judging from other automotive engineers’ posts and comments, many use this oil, and likewise, recommend it for its excellent wear resistance. They like its high viscosity and performance in cold climates.

High quality blend with best overall lubrication properties and meets factory standard

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • SAE 15W-40 protection
  • Goes beyond CK-4 wear requirements
  • Boasts triple protection plus technology
  • Good fuel consumption
  • Synthetic blend oil with 15W-40 Viscosity. This oil comes in multi Quarts packs as well as 1-gallon jugs

  • Is a synthetic blend of fossil oil and synthetic. It is not entirely eco friendly
  • Can lead to sludge build up

Ford recommends a 15W-15 multigrade oil as the best default oil for 7.3 engines. Many Ford dealerships only use this oil for 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Engine. Shell Rotella T5 is labeled as Multigrade engine oil. 15W-40 for all engines, not just the 7.3 Powerstroke. But let’s examine Shell Rotella T5 oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors. 

It’s a synthetic blend. That means it will probably be inclined to soot your engine slightly more than fully synthetic oil. But it is the best choice if you need an economical oil. 15W-40 Multigrade diesel oil is the factory recommended oil for 7.3 engines. However, that does not mean it is the BEST oil for all conditions!

Shell Rotella T5 is a Triple Protection Plus Technology oil, which means it is chemically engineered to reduce wear as well as bind the oil components together through powerful chemical interactions. The third part of the “triple” is that its viscosity is engineered to flow almost seamlessly from 15W all the way through to 40W.

Cons? There are not many. But if you are going to run your 7.3 Powerstroke engine in under freezing temperatures, then this may not be the best choice. The 15W still means you still get a good cold start with high viscosity to safeguard engine wear. But it is not ideal for freezing conditions.

Good cold start lubrication properties

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Shell Rotella T6 oil meets Ford Specification API for 7.3 Powerstroke motors
  • Shell Rotella T6 is a 5W-40 multigrade oil
  • Can handle sub freezing temperatures and provide immediate cold start protection
  • Good fuel consumption
  • Outstanding 1.5% better fuel consumption

  • The very low viscosity which is good in low temperature but may increase engine wear if you work your vehicle or in high temperature scenarios

The very low viscosity which is good in low temperature but may increase engine wear if you work your vehicle or in high temperature scenarios

The 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 quart so fill your motor with 15 quarts and 2 quarts for the oil filter.  The Shell Rotella T5 has some significant differences that make it the best oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke. If you are really into fully synthetic oils then this is an excellent choice for a 7.3 Powerstroke engine. Shell Rotella T6 is another Triple Protection Plus Technology oil similar to the T5.

If you live in a climate where winters hit freezing or very low temperatures,  then this is one of the best choices of oil for the 7.3 Powerstroke engine.

A diesel  7.3 Powerstroke truck works hard. The oil needs to withstand high pressure at low temperatures. Typically diesel engine wear is high. This is because conventional oils deliver low viscosity. And it offers great fuel consumption. 1.5% more miles per gallon of diesel. That is a great feature and very good when you are running such a thirsty engine as the Ford 7.3 Powerstroke.

This oil also contains an oil additive to protect each glow plug and injector in your engine. When you drain your oil, all the soot and performance-sapping sludge come right on out.

German manufactured to very high German standards & low cost

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Valvoline Premium Blue is available in Quart packs as well as 1-gallon jugs and larger
  • Recommended specifically by major automotive manufacturers such as Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar and Volvo
  • 10W means also fairly good for cold start up lubrication
  • Good fuel consumption
  • Not within the 15W-40 factory spec but very resilient to higher temperatures due to its excellent lubrication additives

  • For those living in very hot climates, the 5W- viscosity is not ideal
  • Considerably more expensive than other oils

The 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. A cheaper option is to buy 1 gallon jugs. I always like to have a little oil left over for topping up the engine. Valvoline Premium Blue oil claims to be a patented proprietary one solution technology. It is a fully synthetic diesel oil.

Some People are just Valvoline oil fans and view this as the best oil. They have some good reasons to. It is a preferred oil for many high end engines and is their preferred synthetic oil. Being a heavy-duty engine, the  7.3 Powerstroke engine is also going to do very well on this particular engine oil. It produces high performance in all diesel truck engines, not just the 7.3. It meets very high anti-wear specifications with low soot and sludge build-up. 

These are good features to look for in finding the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors. It meets the industry requirements for CJ-4, CK-4 and most API services.Being a light oil 10W oil it provides reasonable fuel economy which is likely to deliver over 1% better fuel consumption.

Longest oil change interval and excellent wear resistance

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Castrol Edge oil comes in Quart packs as well as 1-gallon jugs
  • Castrol SAE 5W-30 is another suitable oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors
  • Another superior 7.3 Powerstroke oil for cold climates. The northern states like Alaska and countries like Canada are going to find this oil a great choice
  • This is an ideal oil for 7.3 Powerstroke engines fuel economy if you are using OW grades of fuel
  • Not within the 15W-40 factory spec but very resilient to higher temperatures due to its excellent lubrication additives

  • Significantly more expensive than many other oils

The 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. 1-gallon Jugs are available from Amazon.

Having a 5W-30 upper-end viscosity means it does not affect engine performance as much as say, a 5W-40 oil. It has been engineered for high pressure applications. Working under extreme loads like frequent towing or heavy loading makes this much more suitable oil than a 40 synthetic oil.

There is no proof to dispute Castrol’s claim that it has a 30% improved oil film which reduces power sucking friction. It also claims massive SIX times wear resistance over the industry benchmark. 

Once again Castrol seems to top other oils with a claimed ten times stronger resistance to high temperature thickening against the industry benchmark. These are good features to look for in finding the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors.

Best protection for expensive catalytic emission system

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Royal Purple is a well known heavy-duty engine oil
  • Royal Purple motor oil is a fully synthetic oil and is engineered to deliver above average performance
  • This 15W-40 is a Ford 7.3 Powerstroke factory recommended oil
  • Normal fuel consumption
  • Contains the ZDDP additive for excellent anti-wear

  • More expensive alongside similar oils
  • The amount of Zinc Phosphorus is not stated but ZDDP can cause carbon buildup and catalytic converter damage if not regularly changed
  • Exceeding recommended oil changes, ZDDP can cause oil to become acidic and actually increase engine wear and corrosion

The 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. 1-gallon Jugs are available from Amazon. Ford likes the top end viscosity to be a 40 synthetic oil. So once again, we remind you. 

This is for normal working conditions and climate. The best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke engines is going to depend on any extremes of high temperature, ultra low temperature conditions,  high pressure, and the extreme load conditions you put your 7.3 Powerstroke into. 

This is another fully synthetic oil and is engineered to deliver above average performance.  It contains a specific oil additive to prevent metal to metal contact and another additive line up that includes white sludge build up and contains the ZDDP additive. ZDDP is a phosphorus and Zinc combination that holds the oil together and exerts a good degree of pressure protection. Like towing that heavy trailer up a long mountain pass!

These are good features to look for in finding the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke motors.

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 is a very popular heavy-duty oil. It comes in 1 gallon jugs
  • Being a 5W oil this is perfect for low temperature to freezing cold start wear resistance

  • Generally more expensive than similar fully synthetic oils
  • The 5W- low temp viscosity requires caution in its use in 7.3 Powerstroke motors in very hot or high temperatures

The 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. 1 gallon Jugs are available from Amazon.

The name Magnatec refers to molecules that act like magnets and strongly attach to metal surfaces. This feature makes it perfect for cold start conditions. Castrol correctly claims that as much as 75 % of engine wear occurs in the first 20 minutes after starting a cold engine. This awesome feature almost totally prevents this from occurring. This significantly increases the life of your 7.3 Powerstroke engine.

Castrol has tested the oil against the industry IVA wear test and it hits a 4 times smoother performance. This oil is definitely a 7.3 Powerstroke friendly oil as it’s going to help you hit that 500 000 mile target.

Top anti-friction properties

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Liqui Moly is a fully synthetic heavy-duty engine oil
  • Liqui Moly is a uniquely formulated fully synthetic oil. It is highly suitable as 7.3 Powerstroke oil for most climates
  • Being a low 10W oil it provides wear protection for moderate to freezing climates

  • Not much except high price
  • We don't like the 1 gallon bottle design, specifically the spout. It gligs and is difficult to pour easily without a large funnel

The 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. That is just over 16 liters. 5 Liter Jugs are available from Amazon.

It has an awesome anti friction additive called MoS2 which was developed by German chemical engineers. As you can guess, this is manufactured in Germany to the usual high standards associated with the German automotive Industry. It has been the oil of choice for many German manufactured vehicles. It is highly suitable for a number of reasons. Being lesser known than some of the other brands it comes in very much cheaper. Yet without sacrificing one bit of quality. It has all the benefits of a fully synthetic engine oil plus.

We have included it as an oil for 7.3 Powerstroke engines because it falls very close to the factory multigrade specification with a slightly lower low temperature capability. This means quick lubrication for cold start and the MoS2 Anti Friction additive protects the motor during warm up.

2nd most fuel efficient and excellent cold start lubrication

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

Application: Multigrade Diesel Engine oil suitable for 7.3 Powerstroke

  • Liqui Moly is a fully synthetic heavy-duty engine oil
  • Being a low 5W oil it provides even more wear protection for moderate to freezing climates
  • Liqui Moly 5W30 is a Fully Synthetic TopTec 4200 Engine Oil with enhanced performance abilities
  • Due to its low viscuoisty it is going to deliver at least 1.5% better fuel efficiency

  • Not much except high price

The 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil capacity is 15 quarts to fill your motor and two quarts to fill the oil filter. That is just over 16 liters. 5 Liter Jugs are available from Amazon.

This is a high compression synthetic motor oil for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles like the 7.3 Powerstroke engine. 

This product uses HC synthetic technology, along  with the latest additives, and guarantees a motor oil that provides exceptional protection against wear and reduces oil and fuel consumption. Apart from its fuel economy, the oils film strength assists in preventing soot deposits, wear and friction. It also has excellent anti ageing properties. That means it stays together as an integral oil mixture longer.

Final Thoughts

7.3 powerstroke owners, when it comes time for your next oil change, go for it with confidence! If you use a local dealership or garage, demand that your oil change is done with the oils and filters you select. If they want to do the oil change on their terms, look elsewhere. Look at the highest and lowest temperatures for where you live. 

  • Go for 15W-40 for high temperature climates. 
  • Go for oW-30 or v5W-30 for low temperature climates. 

Look for heavy duty and anti wear additives if you are pulling heavy loads or working in extreme and varying conditions. I’m thinking Farmers and WildLife workers.

Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke: FAQs

How many miles can a 7.3 Powerstroke last?

The first step to attain high mileage can be equated with having healthy blood pumping through your body. Therefore, engine life is going to depend on running the best quality oil through that 7.3 Powerstroke engine. If you do so, you can expect 500,000 miles of motoring. Yep, you read it right. 500,000 miles!

Correct engine oil selection simply equals longer engine life. Engineers have known it since the first combustion engines were invented. In fact, regular engine oil changes will improve your oil consumption and your fuel consumption. It also significantly affects the performance.

How often should I change oil in a 7.3 Powerstroke?

The change intervals recommended ex Factory is 5000 miles. However, many experienced automotive engineers change engine oil and oil filters with change intervals of between 3500 to 4000 miles. 

It depends on how hard your vehicle is working, such as the extremes of heat and cold you work in and of course your budget. But don’t go beyond 5000 miles. Although some synthetic oils state that a 10000-mile target is possible, it cannot be regarded as a best practice. Performance, wear viscosity, and general engine protection is going to be affected.

What is the 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity?

For a full oil change, after a proper oil drain, the 7.3 powerstroke oil capacity is broken into two volumes. 15 quarts for the Engine Pan and 2 quarts to prime the new oil filter.

How to choose the best oil for a 7.3 Powerstroke?

The Ford  Diesel trucks, from F250, the Super Duty, and the Ford Ranger The 7.3 Powerstroke have to be in the top 2 or three long time popular diesel power plants for Ford throughout the USA. All these and other vehicles are all driven by the incredibly well proven  7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Engine. because it’s simply good. That’s it. Ford finally arrived at its best diesel engine ever. The 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel power plant. Let’s now fill that 7.3 Powerstroke with the right oil with the best composition, viscosity and additives!

What are multigrade oils?

That means you can buy an all-season, one oil. You no longer need one oil type for Winter and another one for Summer.

What do terms such as Multigrade 5W-40 or 0W40, 15W-40 motor oil mean?

Basically, the 5W-40 multigrade motor oil means the oil has a viscosity of 5W when it’s very cold. Like freezing.

The 40 means that the oil remains with a viscosity of 40W when you run your engine hot. For example when your temperature gauge shows the vehicle is running at its optimum 176°F – 185°F.

What is viscosity?

The viscosity is slipperiness and ability to keep slippery during changing temperatures. So a good viscous range means the oil works efficiently throughout a large range of temperatures that your 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine is going to work in.

What is the best oil for me in Northern Canada?

A 5W-40 motor oil is going to be good through a temperature range of close to freezing to optimum diesel engine temperature.5W-40 motor oil is only beaten by a motor oil such as 0W-40 if you are starting your vehicle from freezing condition.

What is sooting and what causes it?

Sooting is carbon build up from oil that burns slightly at high temperatures. Conventional oils are the worst for sooting.  

How many quarts of oil does a 7.3 L Ford engine hold?

Engine Oil Capacity and Specification - 7.3L.

How much oil does a 99 7.3 hold?

Engine Oil Capacity: With filter 15 quarts.

How much is an oil change for a 7.3 Powerstroke?

In total, an oil change on the 7.3L Powerstroke takes 15 quarts of 15W-40 oil, so you will likely need to add around 13 quarts at this stage. Check your dipstick to ensure the oil is at the appropriate level, and start the engine.

How much oil does a 2000 Ford f350 7.3 take?

With filter 15 quarts. When refilling, remove dipstick to provide adequate venting and allow oil to flow into crankcase. After refill, check oil level.