If you’re the proud owner of a 7.3L Powerstroke, then you know that this engine is built for some serious hauling! In order to keep your engine running in top condition, it’s important to use the best oil for your vehicle.
Ford requires using 15W40 or 10W30 oil for their 7.3L Powerstroke, depending on weather conditions or driving habits. Also, the capacity of 7.3L Powerstroke is 15 quarts of oil.
This article reviews the best 15W40 and 10W30 oil from Motorcraft and other oil brands to help you choose the best-suited oil for your vehicle. Also, you will be equipped with 7.3L Powerstroke oil capacity and oil type when doing the maintenance.
Let’s get started!
Best Oil For 7.3L Powerstroke
It’s preferable to use synthetic motor oils to keep your 7.3L Powerstroke engine running at peak performance. The following is a detailed list of the best oil for your 7.3L Powerstroke engine. Each of these products meets Ford’s specifications and will perform excellently.
Best 15W40 Oil For 7.3L Powerstroke
Ford Genuine Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
Valvoline Premium Blue Diesel Engine Oil
Shell Rotella T6 Diesel Full Synthetic Engine Oil
Ford Genuine 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
Ford Genuine Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
Ford Motor Company’s Motorcraft business manufactures some of the most dependable motor lubricants available. This Genuine 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil is specially designed for heavy-duty diesel engines, including 7.3L Power Stroke. The oil is made with quality hydro-processed base oils and proprietary additives. The combined effect of these components sets it apart from other products.
Diesel engines are more likely to produce soot as a result of combustion, which diminishes the anti-wear qualities of the oil. The outstanding soot dispersancy property of this lubricant helps eliminate the problem and significantly minimizes engine wear. As a result, the engine will be cleaner.
Moreover, the product does an excellent job of removing sludge buildup in your 7.3L Powerstroke engine. Ford’s premium lubricant compositions provide better rust and corrosion protection, as well as protect the particulate filters.
Additionally, the oil comes with antioxidants that combat high-temperature oxidation, thus protecting the base oil. Lastly, enhanced protection against thickening and foaming is part of its performance benefits.
- Approved by Ford
- Prevents sludge buildup
- Protects against thickening and foaming
- Provides better rust and corrosion protection
- Performs well in a wide range of temperatures
- High price
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Valvoline is a trusted brand with high-quality engine oils that can be found all over the world. This Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil is designed to meet the demanding requirements of the 7.3L Powerstroke engine. Valvoline employs One Solution Technology in this product to protect your vehicle against the four key causes of engine breakdown: wear, heat, deposits, and friction.
When compared to industry standards, Valvoline Premium Blue diesel oil exhibits superior oxidation resistance and wear protection. Furthermore, this oil also helps to increase engine efficiency and fuel economy. Through its exceptional cleaning ability, it can keep your engine clean and operating well.
The product is formulated for trucks and equipment that work hard in both on and off-road applications. No matter the condition, Valvoline Premium Blue oil will improve the overall engine performance immediately after application, making your car run smoothly and quieter. It’s no wonder that it is well-liked by many vehicle owners and has an ever-expanding user base.
- Provides great wear protection in heavy duty vehicles
- Protects vehicle against engine breakdown: wear, heat, deposits, and friction
- Increases engine efficiency and fuel economy
- Ensures vehicle runs quietly and smoothly
- Ensures year-round performance
- Needs to change more frequently as it's conventional oil
- The packaging is prone to damage
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Shell Rotella’s T6 motor oil is characterized by the Triple Protection performance technology to provide high performance, long-lasting protection, and the ability to prolong engine life. This oil is made with entirely synthetic base oils and specialized additives. This helps protect your 7.3L Powerstroke engine against deposits, wear, and oil breakdown while also enhancing low-temperature flow.
Besides, the exhaust catalysts and particulate filters present in today’s low-emission vehicles benefit from this product’s low-ash composition. More than that, it improves fuel economy compared to conventional SAE 15W-40 oils.
Other benefits of this formulation include improved oxidation performance, outstanding corrosion, and foaming resistance. It is a fantastic choice for all modern heavy-duty engines as well as older diesel engines such as the 7.3L Powerstroke engine. Many of the world’s leading engine manufacturers have approved Shell Rotella T6 oil.
- Triple Protection Plus technology prevents wear, deposits, & oil breakdown
- Helps improve fuel economy
- Advanced additives protect against the effects of soot, dirt, and sludge
- Protects the exhaust catalysts and particulate filters with low ash formulation
- Provides better viscosity control and optimizes engine oil pressure
- High price
- The packaging is prone to leak
Best 10W30 Oil For 7.3L Powerstroke
Schaeffer SynShield OTR Plus Diesel Engine Oil 10W-30
Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil
Read more: 5w30 Vs 10w30: Detailed Comparison
Schaeffer SynShield OTR Plus Diesel Engine Oil 10W-30
Schaeffer SynShield OTR Plus Diesel Engine Oil
Schaeffer is a global brand, with a large number of devoted consumers. Over the course of many years in the industry, Schaeffer has developed a stellar market reputation. This premium heavy-duty diesel engine oil is developed to give optimal protection against aeration, wear, oxidation, and deposit formation to your 7.3L Powerstroke.
With the use of patented friction modifiers, Micron Moly and Penetro found in this oil can prevent metal-on-metal contact, resulting in greater efficiency. More than that, this lubricant has outstanding low volatility properties that help to control oil usage. Likewise, it enhances and optimizes the overall engine durability and reliability.
Additionally, SynShield OTR Plus 10w30 maximizes fuel savings while preserving engine durability. Finally, your engine will have a better cold starting and will be able to handle a wider temperature range.
- Provides excellent fuel economy
- Resists viscosity thickening and the formation of deposits
- Protects against oil aeration and foaming
- Ensures low temperature pumpability and cold crank startability
- Some owners found the oil burn off after short time
Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil
Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel
You definitely can’t go wrong with Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 oil. This is one of the finest brands available for your 7.3L Powerstroke engine. It provides the best overall lubrication properties. This composition features a triple Protection plus technology for maximum protection.
With this oil, you won’t have to worry about the engine’s arch enemies, such as deposits, wear, and oil breakdown as it can address all of these issues.
Shell Rotella oils are rigorously tested in the most demanding environments. As a result, this lubricant can withstand severe temperatures, particularly in winter. You can rely on this product to perform 37 percent better than the maximum wear requirement on average.
- Ideal for heavy-duty vehicles that operates under high heat and stress conditions
- Protects against sludge, deposits, and oil breakdown
- Provides superior engine cleanliness throughout the oil drain interval
- Improves fuel economy
- Protects the exhaust catalysts and particulate filters by low ash formulation
- Price often swings
7.3L Powerstroke Oil Capacity
The oil capacity of the 7.3L Powerstroke engine is 15 quarts or 14.2 liters. With three bottles of 5-quart, you can refill the entire engine.
Note: The 7.3L Powerstroke has a total capacity of 18 quarts of oil, with about 3 quarts at the top-end. The additional 3 quarts are stored in the oil rails and the HPOP reservoir.
However, because most of us aren’t draining the oil rails to get every last drop out, we’ll continue with the 15 quarts figure.
Read more: Best Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke
7.3L Powerstroke Oil Type
Viscosity Grade
Ford suggests SAE 15W-40 and SAE 10W-30 viscosities for the 7.3L Powerstroke engine. You should use 15W-40 in high temperatures (30°F or above) and go for 10W-30 during cold conditions (-10 of 30°F). The chart (from owner’s manual) below shows the recommended viscosity grades to use different weather conditions.
Read more: Ford Refrigerant and AC Compressor Oil Capacity Charts
Oil Specifications
Ford advises that you use OEM fluid to keep your 7.3L functioning well. The recommended engine oil for the 7.3L Powerstroke is Motorcraft 15W-40 Super Duty and Motorcraft 10W-30 Super Duty.
Ford engine oil specification number for 7.3L Stroke is WSS-M2C171-C or API Service categories CG-4/SH. You can use oil from any brand that complies with these specifications. However, avoid using oil with one of the following designations: SG, SH, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 because they have the potential to inflict serious damage to your engine.
Final Words
Using the right oil in your 7.3L Powerstroke is an important part of your maintenance routine. I’m sure that by now, you should have full knowledge of the oil guide as well as the best oil to use when doing an oil change for your Ford.
Of all of the products I reviewed above, I would recommend any of them, but the Motorcraft oil should be your first pick as it is OEM-approved oil. If you want to change to another brand, the Shell Rotella T6 is worth trying.
Let me know down in the comments which product is your favorite.
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