How do you determine the best oil for your 6.0 Powerstroke engine?
Generally, your 6.0 Powerstroke requires 5W40 or 15W40. This depends on your driving habits or weather conditions. Also, Ford recommends using Motorcraft oils for your truck.
To know more about the best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke, read on as I will review them in this post. There will be Ford-approved oil and other brands for your easy choice.
Let’s get started!
6.0L Powerstroke Oil Capacity
It is important for you to know the proper 6.0 Powerstroke oil capacity for your engine before purchasing. Currently, 2003-2007 6.0 Powerstroke oil capacity is 15 quarts (14.2 liters). You also need to change the filter while doing your oil service.
Consider buying OEM parts over aftermarket options. Manufacturers have tested these parts, proving their capability, ensuring quality assurance, and guaranteeing they will last longer and perform as expected.
Best Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke
To help you choose the best oil for a 6.0 Powerstroke, here is a list of recommended oils. These oils have been tested and have met or exceeded all legal requirements, even if they aren’t licensed by any car manufacturer.
The most common viscosity grades specified in the owner’s manual are 5W40 and 15W40, depending on the weather conditions. If you live in an extremely cold region, 5W40 is your ideal choice. Meanwhile, 15W40 will do a good job when you drive in warmer weather.
Read more: 5w40 Vs 15w40: Detailed Comparison
Best 5W40 Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke
Ford Genuine 5W-40
Shell Rotella T6 5W40
Motul X-cess 5W40
Ford Genuine 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil
Ford Genuine 5W-40 Full Synthetic is a high-performance, heavy-duty engine oil originating from the United States. It is suitable for light-duty diesel applications and is recommended by Ford for use in Powerstroke engines commonly found in heavy-duty vehicles such as buses, trucks, and construction equipment.
The fluid meets the oil manufacturing industry requirements such as API and requirements and 2007 exhaust emission standards.
Its formation includes using hydro-processed base oils with additives to produce engine oil that maintains the engine for long-term use.
Some of the features include low emissions that greatly minimize soot formation and deposits. This protects the exhaust system from damage. The oil also prevents sludge formation, wear, corrosion, foaming, and oxidation affecting the engine’s performance.
Ford Genuine 5W-40
Pros
- OEM approved
- Helps the engine perform well for a long time
- Can be used for older engines to improve the performance
- Protects the exhaust system
- Holds well regardless of the weather
- Prevents formation of deposits
Cons
- It is overpriced
- Easily runs out of stock as manufacturers struggle to meet the demand
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
The manufacturing process for Shell Rotella T6 includes the use of additive technology for improved performance. This oil has many benefits, such as wear resistance, protection against soot and dirt. Allegedly, using this oil reduces the levels of engine wear by up to 34% compared to other oils on the same level. Also, the fluid offers a fuel economy capability of 1.5%. This can help you save some bucks.
The shear stability exhibited by the oil enables it to maintain its viscosity. Therefore, the engine is uniformly lubricated in all weather, reducing friction among the engine parts. As a result, the engine serves you for a longer period.
Additionally, this oil has minimal harmful emissions thus environmentally friendly.
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Pros
- Operates well in extreme temperatures, thus keeping the engine well oiled
- Keeps the engine clean
- Improves fuel consumption
- Keeps the engine safe from oxidation and wear
- Can be used for a wide range of applications, vehicles & other industrial machinery
Cons
- It is pricey
- Sometimes cause slight lifting knock at first
Motul 5W-40 Synthetic Gasoline and Diesel Engine Oil
Motul has perfected the art of manufacturing quality oils, having been in the industry for more than 60 years, and this is no different. This Motul 5W-40 Synthetic is engineered for both gasoline and diesel engines. You can also use it in cars that run on LPG. It meets all the standard requirements and is approved as a multi-purpose oil.
Some of the key properties of this oil include low volatility, a factor that improves oil consumption. It also has detergents that prevent the formation of soot and harmful deposits. On the other hand, its stability ensures that the oil maintains viscosity regardless of the weather, ensuring the engine is constantly lubricated. As a result, there is less friction reducing the level of wear. Oxidation is also kept at bay.
Motul 5W-40 Synthetic Gasoline and Diesel Engine Oil
Pros
- Operates within a wide range of temperatures
- Up to 1.2% increased fuel economy
- Prevents deposits and soot
- Keeps the engine clean and long lasting by detergents and dispersants
- Superior stability that prevents the breakdownย
- Keeps the protective oil film intact, thus avoiding wear and oxidation
Cons
- The additives are a bit deviatedย
- It is pricey
Read more: Best Oil For 7.3 Powerstroke
Best 15W40 Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke
Ford Genuine SAE 15W-40
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40
Shell Rotella T6 15W-40
Ford Genuine SAE 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
Just as the name suggests, Ford Genuine SAE 15W-40 is recommended by Ford for use in vehicles with power stroke engines. They include heavy-duty construction applications, buses, and trucks that have diesel engines.
It is formulated with refined crude oil as the base through hydroprocessing, resulting in engine oil that lasts longer between changes. There are extra additives for improved performance, and the oil is engineered to meet all the requirements, including ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and the 2007 exhaust emission standards.
This product is compatible with both the new and old engine models. Using this oil can significantly improve your old vehicle’s performance and get a smooth running for the modern engine. Its viscosity remains stable in extreme weather, thus offering lubrication and protection to the engine.
However, this lubricant is not synthetic base stock. This can shorten the changing interval and have less function than synthetic oils.
Ford Genuine SAE 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
Pros
- OEM approved
- Environmentally friendly product
- Can be used in a wide range of temperatureย
- Suitable for sturdy and heavy-duty applications
- Protects the engine from wear, corrosion, and deposits
Cons
- It is not fully synthetic hence less functional
- It is pricey
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil is engineered for use in heavy-duty engines with different applications. It is “The Only One” endorsed by Cummins under One Solution Technology with exceptional features such as oxidation resistance, superior wear protection, and deposit management.
Although it is conventional oil, it exhibits superior performance and is suitable for heavy-duty engines with natural gas and diesel applications. This attribute also makes it versatile; thus, it serves a wide range of motor engines, equipment, and construction machines.
Its viscosity rating shows that the oil will perform well in both cold and hot temperatures.
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Pros
- Keeps the engine clean by controlling soot
- Prevents oxidation, wears, and buildup, thus prolonging the engines life
- Reasonable price
- Serves a wide range of engines
- Performs well in severe weather conditions
Cons
- The packaging is prone to damage
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Shell Rotella T6 15W40 is formulated with a triple protection formula that incorporates additive technology to give you the best performance. It protects the engine from deposits and sludge formation, keeping it clean and in top performance. Actually, it is said to improve the fuel economy by 1.5%compared to the other oils with the same weight.
The oil has shear stability that maintains viscosity under harsh conditions, ensuring that the engine is constantly lubricated. This prevents friction among the engine parts, in turn reducing the amount of waste emitted through the exhaust system. Eventually, it keeps the environment clean, and your engine serves you for longer.
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Pros
- Keep the engine clean and in a condition to operating at its peak performance
- Improves fuel economy, which in turn saves you money
- Prevents oxidation and corrosion for a longer-lasting engine
- Protects the exhaust system from damage
- Helps keep the environment clean
Cons
- The packaging is prone to leakages
Read more: Ford Refrigerant and AC Compressor Oil Capacity Charts
Final Thoughts
It’s important to choose the right oil for your 6.0 Powerstroke. Using the wrong oil type can lead to severe damage to your vehicle. Oil is cheap, but the engine is expensive.
With the list of best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke above, it’s easier for you to pick the best-suited oil for your vehicle.
Of all of the products I reviewed above, I would recommend any of them. But my ideal pick is the Motorcraft as it is OEM-approved. However, if you want to switch to a cheaper yet effective option, Shell Rotella is a perfect choice.
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