Looking for the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke engines? If so then you’ve found the perfect source.
As one the most reliable diesel engines ever produced, proper maintenance can help it last hundreds of thousands of miles. In our detailed guide, you’ll learn about the model overview, manufacturer’s choice, types of oil depending on mileage, reviews of the best oils, oil change procedure, and service intervals as recommended by Ford.
So without further ado, let’s find out the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Synthetic blend for heavy-duty engines
- Exceed max wear requirement by 37%
- Best budget oil
- Specified for Powerstroke engines
- Meets API CJ-4 service category
- Satisfies exhaust emission standards – 2007
- Shear stability resists viscosity loss
- Compatible with emission systems
- Works great in low temperatures
- Unique DPT for soot control
- Increased TBN level and retention
- Minimized filter restriction
- Very good wear protection
- Viscosity and oxidation controlled
- Meets API CK-4 specs
- Standard wear protection
- Enhanced fuel efficiency
- Compatible with synthetic & conventional oils
- Designed for heavy-duty performance
- Better wear protection & engine life
- Meets OEM cleanliness requirements
- For heavy-duty engines
- Low-temperature pumping
- Reduces wear, extends engine life
- High mileage, longer drain intervals
- Prevents rust and corrosion
- Reduces exhaust emissions
- Maintains a healthy emission control system
- Less oil consumption
- Thermal breakdown resistant
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Shell Rotella Diesel Engine Oil – T5 Synthetic Blend
- Triple protection plus technology
- SAE 15W-40 like protection
- Exceeds CK-4 wear limits
We’ve selected the Shell Rotella T5 as the best diesel engine oil for several reasons.
First of all, it’s a blend of synthetic base oils and enhanced additives. Designed to protect your engine even at low temperatures.
Protects like SAE 15W-40 multigrade oil, but in the form of a synthetic blend. And exceeds maximum wear requirement by 37%, beyond CK-4 wear limits.
Also shows a 55% better deposit control. And thanks to the high-temperature oxidation protection feature, the oil won’t easily disintegrate into components.
Judging from the specifications, it’s a suitable oil for a wide range of applications. Perfect for 7.3 Powerstroke and other leading diesel engines.
Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke Recommended by Manufacturer
There are a few things that you need to consider before adopting a certain type of oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. The most important ones are as follows:
Viscosity Grade
The recommended engine oil for 7.3 Powerstroke should have SAE 15W-40 graded viscosity. They can be used in low temperatures (about 20F) to very high temperatures. But if the temperature drops lower than 20F, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-30 grade oils can be used.
Capacity
A 7.3 Powerstroke engine has 15 quarts capacity. 13 quarts for the crankcase. 2 quarts for the filter. The original 1994 Ford had 12 quarts capacity. It was re-calibrated in 1995 for increased space.
Specification of Oil
Proper oil selection for your Powerstroke is highly important for performance and durability. Ford recommends ‘Motorcraft’ or similar category oil that matches with their specifications. Precisely, API service category CJ-4/SH. The details are listed in the ‘Capacities and Specifications’ chapter in their user manual.
Oil specification is also important to maintain emission standards. Check out the Ford user manual for more clarity. Also, this may provide a quick overview.
Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke by Mileage
We’ve already gone through the manufacturer’s recommendations. But what about users like you? What do they prefer?
A lot of the users have recommended 15W40 synthetic oil for the 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine. The advantage is that it won’t get light during hot seasons and performs fairly well during moderately cold temperatures.
The Rotella T5 synthetic blend, which is our overall #1 selection, seems to be popular amongst diesel engine users. Most users use the 15W40 variant, every 6000+ miles and seem to be satisfied with it. A lot of them also have 300k+ mileage on their rucks. So it’s without a doubt the best oil for high mileage 7.3 Powerstroke engines.
Additionally, for low mileage engines having less than 12K miles annually, a lot of users have been using high mileage oils. Why? Because these oils are consumed in fewer amounts and they reduce emissions.
Important
Although the Rotella 15W40 is great and all, in very cold temperatures, the engine takes longer to light up. So some users prefer 10W30 or 5W40 oils in colder months to avoid inconvenience. So if your region experience very low to fairly high temperatures, try switching between multiple variants for the best outcome.
User recommended brands: Shell Rotella, Motorcraft, Valvoline Premium Blue, Royal Purple.
Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke
Well, now we know how to make the best selection analyzing the key parameters. So take a look at our top selections and find the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine.
The top best product [hide]
Shell Rotella 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – T5 Synthetic Blend
FORD Motorcraft Super Duty 15W-40 Diesel Oil
Shell Rotella 5W-40 – T6 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil
Valvoline Premium Blue – SAE 15W-40 Diesel Oil
Schaeffer Manufacturing SynShield 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Royal Purple 15W40 Duralec Super Synthetic Oil
Delo 15W40 Synthetic Blend Oil
Mobil Super 15W40 Diesel Engine Oil
AmazonBasics Synthetic 5W40 Diesel Oil
LUCAS CJ-4 Synthetic SAE - 15W40 Engine Oil
Model Overview
The 7.3 Powerstroke is a turbocharged diesel engine trademarked by ‘Ford’. It has a hydraulic electric unit injection system that uses compressed engine oil for building fuel pressure into the injection chamber. Quite opposite a typical injector.
According to the PowerstrokeHub, the 1994-1998 models had ‘ZS S5-47 5’ manual and ‘Ford E4OD 4’ auto transmission. But they swapped places with ‘ZF S6-650 6’ manual and ‘Ford 4R110 4’ auto transmission systems in the 1999-2003 models.
From 1994 to 2003, the injector coding of the Powerstroke engine changed as well. Though all of them use ‘A’ code injectors, the type and flow rate varied from year to year.
Early models up to the year 1997 used single-shot injectors until the split shot was introduced in 1997-1999 models. The high-torque international model had single-shot injectors but a high flow rate. Also during that time, the flow-rate increased from 98cc to 130cc.
After 1997, all the Powerstroke engines equipped split shot injectors with a max flow-rate of 140cc.
The biggest change to this engine, however, came in 2003. The world needed something more fuel-efficient with lower emittance. So Ford introduced a smaller 6.0L model which completely replaced the 7.3L model by 2004.
But over the years, the oil requirement for 7.3 Powerstroke stayed the same. 15 quarts, 15W40 grade diesel oil.
If you wanna know more about the 7.3 Powerstroke, this may help.
Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke - FAQs
What is the 7.3 Powerstroke oil capacity?
What are the 7.3 Powerstroke oil change intervals?
How to change 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil?
What is considered high mileage for a 7.3 Powerstroke engine?
Can I use high mileage oils in a low mileage engine?
Remember that 7.3 Powerstroke is an old Ford model but an excellent diesel engine. So while changing the engine oil, make sure the oil meets the manufacturer’s specs. Try to use oils that boost the engine, consume less fuel, and lower emission.
Putting it briefly, the manufacturers recommend a 15W40 oil for regular and high-temperature regions. But in cold northern regions, a 5W40 oil will fare better. And also, there’s no harm in seasonal switching.
7.3 Powerstroke Oil Type by Year
The 7.3 Powerstroke engine had been in commission from 1994 to 2003. It was one of the most successful and revolutionary diesel engines at that time.
Over the 10 years development period, it’s oil requirement stayed pretty much the same. It uses 15 quarts diesel engine oil. 2 quarts go to the filter and the other 15 to the crankcase.
The oil should have 15W40 graded or 5W40 graded viscosity. As previously mentioned, depends on your climate and region. Preferred brands are Motorcraft, Shell Rotella, Valvoline Premium Blue, and Royal Purple.
Although in case of any confusion, it’s best to follow your user manual or consult with an expert.
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