carfluidsexpert.com
Home » Top 10 Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke

Top 10 Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke

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!

best oil for 7 3 powerstroke

Image
Product
Best Overall
Shell Rotella 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – T5 Synthetic Blend
  • Synthetic blend for heavy-duty engines
  • Exceed max wear requirement by 37%
  • Best budget oil
Ford Approved
FORD Motorcraft Super Duty 15W-40 Diesel Oil
  • Specified for Powerstroke engines
  • Meets API CJ-4 service category
  • Satisfies exhaust emission standards – 2007
Shell Rotella 5W-40 – T6 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil
  • Shear stability resists viscosity loss
  • Compatible with emission systems
  • Works great in low temperatures
Valvoline Premium Blue – SAE 15W-40 Diesel Oil
  • Unique DPT for soot control
  • Increased TBN level and retention
  • Minimized filter restriction
Schaeffer Manufacturing SynShield 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
  • Very good wear protection
  • Viscosity and oxidation controlled
  • Meets API CK-4 specs
Royal Purple 15W40 Duralec Super Synthetic Oil
  • Standard wear protection
  • Enhanced fuel efficiency
  • Compatible with synthetic & conventional oils
Delo 15W40 Synthetic Blend Oil
  • Designed for heavy-duty performance
  • Better wear protection & engine life
  • Meets OEM cleanliness requirements
Mobil Super 15W40 Diesel Engine Oil
  • For heavy-duty engines
  • Low-temperature pumping
  • Reduces wear, extends engine life
AmazonBasics Synthetic 5W40 Diesel Oil
  • High mileage, longer drain intervals
  • Prevents rust and corrosion
  • Reduces exhaust emissions
LUCAS CJ-4 Synthetic SAE - 15W40 Engine Oil
  • 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

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.

Check Latest Price

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


Shell Rotella 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – T5 Synthetic Blend
This is the best overall choice for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. The oil itself is a synthetic blend of base oil and additives. It has a 15W40 grading which is highly recommended by the manufacturers. The oil maintains viscosity in low temperatures as well as very high temperatures. Fuel requirement is very low, also shows lower emission. Good deposit control and wear protection. Rotella oil is available in other variants as well. A lot of the users also prefer it for high mileage.
Pros
Synthetic blend for heavy-duty engines
Exceed max wear requirement by 37%
Best budget oil

buy on Amazon

FORD Motorcraft Super Duty 15W-40 Diesel Oil


FORD Motorcraft Super Duty 15W-40 Diesel Oil
The Motorcraft 15W40 oil meets the exact manufacturer’s recommendations for 7.3 Powerstroke engines. Built specifically for FORD vehicles, it meets the CJ-4 API service category. The oil is 15W40 viscosity graded. Performs very well in high to moderately low temperatures. Protects the engine and preserves the performance. Almost non-existent sludge accumulation. Resists wear and tear and minimizes friction. Meets highway exhaust emission standards.
Pros
Specified for Powerstroke engines
Meets API CJ-4 service category
Satisfies exhaust emission standards – 2007
Cons
Not suitable for gasoline engines
Pricey

buy on Amazon

Shell Rotella 5W-40 – T6 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil


Shell Rotella 5W-40 – T6 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil
The T6 variant of Shell Rotella is engineered with shear stability. It provides excellent fuel economy while maintaining sufficient protection and durability. According to the manufacturer, this oil visibly reduces engine wear. The key reason why people use this oil is because of its uniform viscosity. Even in low temperatures, the viscosity remains just right to fire up your 7.3 Powerstroke engine instantly. Best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke diesel after T5. The oil resists disintegration and ensures long term protection for the engine. Like the T5 variant, it has very good deposit control.
Pros
Shear stability resists viscosity loss
Compatible with emission systems
Works great in low temperatures

buy on Amazon

Valvoline Premium Blue – SAE 15W-40 Diesel Oil


Valvoline Premium Blue – SAE 15W-40 Diesel Oil
Valvoline Premium Blue is another market-leading quality engine oil. It’s also 15W40 rated as per 7.3 Powerstroke manufacturer specifications. This oil is highly suitable for modern diesel engines. It provides sufficient lubrication while maintaining standard emission control. Even in those engines equipped with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and DPF (diesel particulate filtration). Provides good viscosity in high and normal temperatures. Licensed for CJ-4, CK-4, and many other API services. Provides very good mileage as well.
Pros
Unique DPT for soot control
Increased TBN level and retention
Minimized filter restriction
Cons
Poor shear value
Questionable quality control

buy on Amazon

Schaeffer Manufacturing SynShield 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil


Schaeffer Manufacturing SynShield 15W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
This oil was engineered for hard-working heavy-duty diesel engines. It’s a Blend of advanced wear-resistant additives & anti-oxidants. It also has SynShield durability advantage which provides severe-performance protection that grants your engine longer service life. This lubricant creates a durable film coating that protects metal bodies from frictional wear and heat. Also, the oil is engineered to withstand breakdown due to heavy usage, minimizing deposits. Judging from the user reviews, it reduces fuel consumption and emission as well.
Pros
Very good wear protection
Viscosity and oxidation controlled
Meets API CK-4 specs
Cons
Quality not ensured

buy on Amazon

Royal Purple 15W40 Duralec Super Synthetic Oil


Royal Purple 15W40 Duralec Super Synthetic Oil
ROYAL PURPLE's is a 7.3 Powerstroke synthetic oil licensed by API. Like many others, it’s a combination of premium base oils & additives, blended to create high-performance motor oils. This 15W40 diesel engine oil optimizes Powerstroke’s performance. It also delivers superior protection and enhances performance in diesel engines as well as gasoline. The oil meets ILSAC GF5 & Dexos1 performance requirements. It reduces overall fuel consumption and lower emission. Prolongs engine life by minimizing internal friction and wear of parts.
Pros
Standard wear protection
Enhanced fuel efficiency
Compatible with synthetic & conventional oils
Cons
Can create performance issues

buy on Amazon

Delo 15W40 Synthetic Blend Oil


Delo 15W40 Synthetic Blend Oil
The Delo 15W40 Synblend with ISOSYN is an API CK-4 certified heavy-duty engine oil. Specifically designed for on-highway applications. The oil helps reduce fuel consumption in diesel engines and lower CO2 emissions. This synthetic blend oil complies with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) systems. Also recommended for off-highway emission compliant engine applications. The SAE 15W40 viscosity grade is essential for your 7.3 Powerstroke which this oil perfectly preserves. required. Also meets OEM cleanliness requirements that are necessary for lower maintenance and better engine health.
Pros
Designed for heavy-duty performance
Better wear protection & engine life
Meets OEM cleanliness requirements

buy on Amazon

Mobil Super 15W40 Diesel Engine Oil


Mobil Super 15W40 Diesel Engine Oil
The Mobil Super is conventional diesel engine oil. It may or may not have additional ingredients as additives after refining. However, it’s more versatile than synthetic & hybrid motor oil. As you can use it in different types of engines. This oil is SAE 15W40 viscosity graded. Which means it’ll work great in heated and normal driving environments. It provides top-notch engine performance, both on and off the highway. Aside from protecting the engine from rust, wear, and tear, it reduces fuel consumption. Which is highly desired in modern diesel engine oils. And eventually, it reduces CO2 emission as well.
Pros
For heavy-duty engines
Low-temperature pumping
Reduces wear, extends engine life

buy on Amazon

AmazonBasics Synthetic 5W40 Diesel Oil


AmazonBasics Synthetic 5W40 Diesel Oil
The AmazonBasics synthetic 5W-40 engine oil provides a better fuel economy than 15W-40 engine oils. It reduces consumption considerably and lowers exhaust emissions from different circulatory systems. It has high mileage and can be used for longer draining intervals. Also offers high and especially low-temperature protection. Your Powerstroke will fire right up even in the coldest of mornings. This grade is also recommended for Powerstroke users in colder climates. Additionally, this engine oil creates a protective film that helps reduce the wearing of engine components. So your engine runs healthy for a long time.
Pros
High mileage, longer drain intervals
Prevents rust and corrosion
Reduces exhaust emissions
Cons
Not certified by many leading manufactures

buy on Amazon

LUCAS CJ-4 Synthetic SAE - 15W40 Engine Oil


LUCAS CJ-4 Synthetic SAE - 15W40 Engine Oil
The Lucas synthetic oil meets 7.3 Powerstroke engine requirements. Like many other diesel engine oils on the market, it reduces engine wear and fuel consumption. Lowers emissions from exhaust system. The oil doesn’t break down easily and thus provides good mileage. Good deposit control. Also certified by many manufacturers.
Pros
Maintains a healthy emission control system
Less oil consumption
Thermal breakdown resistant

buy on Amazon

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?

The oil capacity for the 7.3 Powerstroke is 15 quarts with a filter (14.0 L). 13 quarts go into the crankcase and 2 quarts go to the filter. It is important to know the correct amount of oil this diesel engine requires for proper maintenance.

What are the 7.3 Powerstroke oil change intervals?

Ford recommends to change 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil in intervals of every 7,500 miles.

How to change 7.3 Powerstroke engine oil?

Here is a useful YouTube guide. Be sure that you have the dedicated 7.3 Powerstroke oil type before changing.

What is considered high mileage for a 7.3 Powerstroke engine?

High mileage for a 7.3 Powerstroke engine varies depending on factors such as the maintenance history of the vehicle, driving conditions, and overall use. Generally 200,000 miles is considered high however many of these diesel engines last well into the 300,000 mile range or more with proper maintenance and care.

Can I use high mileage oils in a low mileage engine?

Yes you can. They save fuel and considerably reduce emissions.

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.

Add comment