Choosing the best oil for 7.3 Powerstroke is not a piece of cake. Though there are a lot of options out there, you can’t go for any of them. Before picking oil for your diesel engine, consider the weather conditions.
For example, you can choose the 10W-40 for a mixed climate all year. On the other hand, you need to switch to 5W-40 in the winter or low-temperature conditions.
Indeed, which oil type will be best for your 7.3 Powerstroke depends on the weather conditions. And we enlisted the top 9 synthetic oil for 7.3 Powerstroke based on those criteria.
We also include a nitty-gritty buying guide at the end of this guide so that you make the right decision. So, let’s dive deeper into this in-depth guideline.
Table of Contents
How To Choose The Best Synthetic Oil For 7.3 Powerstroke?
Take a look at the following considerations before choosing the oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke. They will help you pick the right oil that ensures optimum engine protection against wear, deposits, and sludge.
Viscosity Grade
Do you know what viscosity grade is? Well, you might have noticed these write-ups- ‘5W-20 or 10W-30’ on the oil package. Yes, that is called viscosity grade.
The simple meaning of Viscosity is the thickness of your oil. It’s the first criteria you must take into account when purchasing oil for your car engine. Weather conditions like extreme heat or cold can affect your overall engine performance. But the oil will handle this.
Which viscosity oil will be perfect for your 7.3 Powerstroke depends on in what conditions you drive your car. Some recommend 5W-40 for the 7.3 Powerstroke engine.
But we do not agree in this case. If you drive your car in normal conditions, you can go for 10W-30. The best part is- such viscosity grade will also perform in the low-temperature condition. For heavy use, a full synthetic oil with 15W-40 will be great.
Oil Capacity
The oil capacity of your 7.3 Powerstroke engine is 15 quarts or 14.2 liters. So, you need to fill your engine with the same amount of oil. Regarding this, you need three 5-quart oil bottles to refill your entire engine.
Specification of Oil
Of course, you must take the engine specifications into account before choosing the oil for your car. Every vehicle manual will suggest what type of oil you need to pour for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. If you find it difficult to sort out this information from the manual, ask the manufacturer directly.
Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Engine [For Normal Use]
Give a shot of the following synthetic oil if you drive your car in weather normal conditions.
Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil -Normal Use
Wear, deposits, and oil breakdown are the culprits that reduce your overall car performance by damaging your car engine. And the Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-40 Engine Oil is here to guard your 7.3 Powerstroke against those culprits.
Its Triple Protection Plus technology blends synthetic base oil and advanced additive technology. Due to this, this oil delivers unmatched protection against wear, sludge, and thermal breakdown. Therefore, you will get optimum engine protection, even at low-temperature conditions.
The components of synthetic base oil will boost the ability to enhance cold starting and reduce fuel consumption. So, you don’t need to worry about changing the oil frequently, which saves your money.
Turns out, Shell Rotella T5 has an advanced low-ash formulation. It delivers better engine cleanliness. In simple words, it prevents deposits from forming in the engine compartments by lubricating every engine component.
As a result, deposits can’t block the engine piston, ensuring engine and components reliability at extended oil drain intervals.
Pros
- Deliver superior oxidation protection under extreme conditions
- Protect your engine against wear, deposits, and sludge
- Improve drain capabilities
Cons:
- Some users complain they get a leaked package though there is no physical sign of a broken oil cap.
User Experience:
Almost every user is satisfied with this oil. They can run their car smoothly as this engine oil offers superior protection against wear & damaging deposits. However, some users complain about the rebate process. It’s complicated and takes a week to get the $5 back. They want Shell Rotella to give a coupon instead of the complex rebate process.
Royal Purple SAE 10W-30 High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
‘Optimize engine performance and provide superior protection.’ This is what we can say about this high-performance synthetic motor oil that comes from Royal Purple.
The enhanced additive technology reduces metal-to-metal contact by lubricating every moving part of your car engine. You know well a low friction rate decreases engine pressure and boosts up fuel efficiency.
When it comes to engine protection, you can hardly find a synthetic oil like this one. Its advanced additive chemistry delivers unsurpassed protection against LSPI, a common problem in today’s turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engines.
On top of this, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your car’s exhaust emissions equipment. Its patented anti-wear additive chemistry reduces the harmful effects exhaust gases pose to the catalyst.
Improved compatibility with fuels containing ethanol is another remarkable feature we love. Due to the patented additive technology, white sludge and lubrication starvation will not occur with higher concentration gasoline-ethanol blends.
Pros
- Offer ultimate superior corrosion protection
- Boost up fuel efficiency
- Provider better wear protection
Cons
- Some users say they notice no additional gas mileage like others claim.
User Experience:
Most car owners are pleased with this oil performance. They observed that their engine runs better, and they get closer to 7500 miles between oil changes. The only thing users don’t like is its price. The oil is a bit expensive. But, it is worth every penny as this synthetic oil provides superior engine protection, boosting engine performance.
Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 10W-30 [For normal Use]
‘Best synthetic oil for 7.3 Powerstroke!’ Yes, you heard the right words we use in favor of Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 10W-30. It is the only oil recommended by Cummins Engine Co. Above all, this Valvoline oil is the only oil that passes the stringent tests of the Ford Motor Co. for use in their latest diesel engines.
This heavy-duty synthetic blend engine oil delivers unmatched protection for your hard-working trucks and equipment. Its proprietary One solution technology is specially formulated for heavy-duty diesel engines like 7.3 Powerstroke. As a result, you can drive your vehicle both in on and off-road applications.
Unlike other synthetic oils on the market, it has excellent oxidation resistance capability. In simple words, this oil sticks with every moving engine component for a long time in a heavy-duty engine. So, wear and sludge can’t make their home in the engine compartments, which prolongs the lifespan of your vehicle engine.
Pros
- Provide superior protection of your heavy-duty car engine against wear & sludge
- Prolong the longevity of your car engine
- Improve overall engine performance
Cons
- Some users complain that it leaked out in the box.
User Experience:
Every vehicle owner with a 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine recommends this Valvoline oil highly. They are pleased to observe how smoothly and quietly their trucks run by pouring this synthetic motor oil into their engine.
And the best bet is- they can run their car both in warm and cold weather conditions with the Valvoline synthetic oil. However, only a few users complain about a leaky package. So, we suggest Valvoline address this issue in the account.
Schaeffer SynShield OTR Plus Diesel Engine Oil 10W-30
Increase fuel efficiency while maintaining durability & engine protection. Yes, these are the benefits you will enjoy if you fill your engine with Schaeffer SynShield OTR Plus Diesel Engine Oil 10W-30.
The SynShield OTR Plus 10w30 diesel oil contains detergency additives. Because of this, oil residue and soot buildup can’t make their way into your critical engine parts to block the engine. As a result, your engine performs the best resisting corrosion and abrasive wear.
Unlike other oils on this list, it combines anti-wear additives and antioxidants. Due to these, this oil maintains viscosity and performs like a charm- even in higher operating temperatures.
On top of this, this synthetic oil has two friction modifiers- Micron Moly and Penetro. It helps to reduce friction significantly throughout the engine components to let your engine move smoothly.
Pros
- Resist corrosion and abrasive wear
- Protect your engine against oil aeration and foaming
- Enhance fuel and engine efficiency
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive
User Experience:
Most car and truck owners with a 7.3 Powerstroke are highly praised for this oil. They were surprised to see its performance. Some car drivers claim this oil picked up 2mpg. They find the pour point, viscosity index, and flashpoint of this oil are impressive. The only downside they found is- it’s not a full synthetic oil. However, it performs the best- even better than full synthetic Castrol.
Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke (For Heavy Use)
You can try out the following oils if you drive a heavy-duty vehicle under extreme conditions.
Shell Rotella T 5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Diesel Motor Oil
Heavy-duty vehicles like construction, agriculture, and diesel pick-up trucks require full synthetic oil that can handle an increased rate of heat & stress. And the Shell Rotella T5 15W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil is what you need.
Like other Shell Rotella oils, this one also blends synthetic base oil and advanced additives. Together with, the full synthetic oil provides unmatched engine protection-even at low temperatures. Above all, its Triple Plus Technology offers better low-temperature flow. It delivers optimum engine component protection by maintaining the viscosity control- even in high-temperature conditions.
Apart from these, the advanced low-ash formulation delivers outstanding engine cleanliness. Because of this feature, deposits or sludge fail to make a home in the engine compartments and pistons. Indeed, synthetic oil offers superior protection against sludge & wear.
Pros
- Improve oil breakdown resistance to ensure prolonged life of your engine resisting extreme weather conditions
- Protect your engine from wear, deposits, and sludge
- Perfect oil for heavy-duty car
Cons
- Some users receive leaky oil container
User Experience:
Each vehicle owner with a 7.3 Powerstroke feels proud to have this oil into their engine. They were surprised to observe how this oil lets the engine run smoothly and quietly.
Therefore, this oil doesn’t break down easily and stays in the engine compartment for a long time, protecting the engine against wear & sludge. The only issue some users complain about is- its leaky container. So, the oil manufacturer should focus on fixing this problem.
Royal Purple 43154 15w40 Multigrade Oil
Royal Purple is another reliable name for truck and car owners. This brand specially formulated their oil for heavy use like under extreme weather conditions. And the Royal Purple 43154 15w40 Multigrade Oil is not an exception to that.
This motor oil blends premium base oils with proprietary additive technologies. It creates high-performance oil and increases the oil strength. As a result, you will get the best engine performance, even in driving your car under extreme conditions.
Unlike other engine oils, this synthetic motor oil is thicker. So, it sticks with the internal engine compartments for a long time and keeps them well-lubed. In return, no metal-to-metal friction will occur, which protects your engine against wear & sludge optimally.
Pros
- Provide better wear protection
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Deliver optimum corrosion protection
Cons
- Expensive
User Experience:
Users are satisfied with this oil to have in their car engine. It improves the fuel mileage, and they get about 10k miles between oil changes. Therefore, car owners found this oil made start-ups less noisy. The only shortcoming is- this oil is a bit pricey. However, it is worth every buck as it is functional and comes with 3 cases.
Best Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke in Winter (For Low-Temperature Use)
If you live in a colder region, you must pour full synthetic 5W-30 oil into your car. And the following best winter oil for 7.3 Powerstroke we enlisted comes with the viscosity rate of 5W-30.
Castrol Edge 5W-30 C3 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Do you want to get the best performance from your car engine in winter? Then, feed it with this full synthetic oil from Castrol Edge. The Castrol Edge oil comes with Fluid Titanium Technology. It delivers superior oil strength for diesel engines to let your engine perform, even in extreme driving conditions.
Turns out, Castrol’s patented titanium technology offers superior wear protection. It improves oil film strength by 30%. As a result, every moving part of your engine remains lubricated. In other words, this oil reduces power-robbing friction to decrease engine pressure and maximizes its performance.
Nonetheless, this synthetic oil improves fuel efficiency. The oil from Castrol Edge keeps the internal engine compartments well lubed. So, no wear will occur, which reduces engine stress and boosts up engine performance.
Pros
- Enhance fuel efficiency
- Improve oil strength to reduce metal frictions
- Improve gas mileage
Cons
- Some users find the cap a bit difficult to open
User Experience:
Some car owners experienced a significant amount of piston slap during a cold start before using this oil. It only goes when the engine gets warmed up. But this issue no longer remains once they pour this Castrol Edge full synthetic oil. Therefore, it also makes the car smoother and quieter. A few consumers only complain about opening the oil cap. They find it a bit challenging to open. However, it’s not a big deal. Just use a screwdriver to separate the plastic ring from the cap top to get it open.
Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
A test proves that up to 75% of engine wear will occur during the initial 20 minutes of warm-up. Oil drains off your moving engine parts once the engine stops. But this scenario will not happen anymore.
This Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic Oil contains intelligent molecules. They form an extra thick layer of protection during the time of engine warm-up. It reduces engine wear dramatically by lubricating every critical component of your engine.
In other words, it makes your engine parts 4x smoother by decreasing metal friction.
Pros
- Reduce engine wear
- Make the critical engine parts 4x smoother
- Deliver optimum wear protection
Cons
- Some users say they got the package arrived soaked in oil
User Experience:
Most consumers are pretty much happy with the performance of this synthetic oil. They noticed an increased mileage after pouring this oil into their car engine. Also, it keeps their engine smooth and quiet. The leaky package is the only downside some users claim about. So, Castrol should focus on this to fix the issue.
Liqui Moly (2011 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
At the bottom of this list, we bring Liqui Moly (2011 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil for its excellent ability to protect the engine from wear & sludge.
The HC synthetic technology combines unconventional base oils with advanced additives. Due to this combination, the oil gets enough strength to fight against sludge and wear to offer superior engine protection.
Therefore, this oil can also reduce fuel consumption to improve fuel economy. Indeed, you will get the best output from your engine by using this full synthetic oil.
Pros
- Boost up fuel efficiency
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Protect your engine against sludge, wear, and damaging deposits
Cons
- It brings no additional improvement on increasing mileage
User Experience:
Most of the car owners who have Japanese and German-made cars find this full synthetic oil functional. It makes their car smooth and quiet, improving overall car performance. However, some consumers complain that they don’t get enough mileage according to their expectations.
Buyer’s Guide
You should pick the oil for your Powerstroke knowing all about the oil change accessories and the oil type, weight, viscosity, interval to change the oil, everything to pick the right oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke.
Manufacturer Recommended Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke
Check your car manual to pick the right oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke. In the case of your car or trucks with 7.3 Powerstroke, the oil recommendation may vary depending on its model and year. So, it would be best to use the oil recommended by the specific car manual.
What is the Recommended Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke by Manufacturer?
The manufacturer-recommended oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke is Motorcraft 15W-40 Super Duty or Motorcraft 10W-30 Super Duty. In other words, 15W-40 or 10W-30 will be perfect for the 7.3 Powerstroke.
7.3 PowerStroke Oil Type By Year
Check the below chart to know what type of oil you need to pour into the 7.3 Powerstroke engine.
| Model | Oil Type |
| 1996 FORD F350 7.3 DIESEL | 15W-40 or 10W-30 |
| 2001 FORD F350 | 15W-40 or 10W-30 |
| FORD E-450 | 15W-40 |
7.3 PowerStroke Oil Capacity
How much oil and fluid do you need in your 7.3l Powerstroke? To know the answer, check the below chart out.
| Oil/Fluid | Specification | Capacity |
| Engine Oil | All years | 15 quarts |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | ZF S5 5-speed ZF S6 6-speed | 3.4 quarts5.8 quarts |
| Auto Transmission Fluid | E40D 4×2E40D 4×44R100 | 15.9 quarts16.4 quarts17.1-17.7 quarts |
| Transfer Case | BW1536 | 2.0 quarts |
| Front Differential Fluid | Dana 50 IFSDana 60 | 1.9 quarts2.9 quarts |
| Rear Differential Fluid | Sterling 10.25Sterling 10.50Dana 80Dana 135 | 3.75 quarts3.45 quarts4.15 quarts12.25 quarts |
How Often Should I Change Oil in a 7.3 Powerstroke?
Here the parts are free from rust, dust, and other algae. Even when the engine becomes weak and older, it consumes more engine oil.
When you are driving your truck regularly, you need to maintain it properly. There are two separate scenarios to change your oils and maintenance. When you are using your truck for regular use, then you can do the oil change every 5000 miles or once in 6 months. It will keep the parts free from rust, dust, and other algae, and thus keep your engine smooth and have good performance in riding.
Similarly, there is another scenario. If you use the truck for heavy-duty and off-road, then you will need to give special care to it. Then, you will need to change the engine oil every 3000 miles/ 3 months. For rough use, there is more possibility to have rust and algae in your engine. The better care you give to your truck, it will give you longer service for years.
What Happens if You don’t Change the Oil after every 5000 Miles?
The engine will get dry, it will lose smoothness, and will get rusted in no time. In this way, the engine will be out of order and you will face serious trouble. We just need to use 7.3 Powerstroke approved oil here. So, changing the oil timely will keep you hassle-free.
What is the 7.3 Powerstroke Oil Change Cost?
The price of oil changes from brand to brand. When you go to your dealer, he will charge from $50 to $70 for changing your oil. It varies depending on the service center where you are changing your oil. So, you can ask the mechanic about the cost.
Accordingly, the cost of oil differs, too. You can get your engine oil from $50 to above $200 based on their features and make. Good and perfectly modified engine oil for 7.3 Powerstroke will cost you much.
On the other hand, you can get general engine oils on an affordable budget. So, you choose wisely which oil to use and from where to change it at an affordable cost.
How To Change Oil in 7.3 Powerstroke
Changing the oils in time gives improved performance and increases the engine life. Here is the simple process of 7.3 Powestrock oil change:
- You will need the proper type of engine oil and the filter first.
- You will need a screwdriver, hammer and some other tool to do the task.
- A 15 quarts size pan will be needed too. Better keep a 20 quarts size container
- Place the oil pan below, use a drain valve and remove the clip to drain the used oil.
- You can use a funnel to control the oil drainage properly.
- Use a strap wrench to loosen the oil filter, it will help to drain oil.
- Make a hole in the oil filter to drain oil, then remove it from the engine.
- Use the new filter, fill the filter with oil. It will hold around 2 quarts of oil.
- Clean the upper portion of the filter as there is no debris.
- Follow the filter installation guide and install it.
- Fill the engine oil in the specific engine oil chamber
- Then fill the crankcase with 13 quarts of oil.
- Never overfill the crankcase.
7.3 Powerstroke Oil Change Kit
You can use the oil change kit for your truck. It comes with necessary oil and other necessary attachments that are required for your oil change. These kits are made with full premium quality engine oil. You will find these ready kits available to stores and service centers.
As an example, we can tell about the 9000 SynShield OTR Plus 5W-40 Synthetic Oil that is a 4 Gallon oil with other necessary attachments. You will find a NAPA Gold Oil Filter that will ensure removing all kinds of particles from the oil. And an F-Bomb Diesel Additive with the kit for optional use. These are ready-made kits that you can use for your truck.
Using Oil change kit is not necessary in all cases. But, you will find it all in a kit that is required for your oil change. So, you have to find a way, firstly you can get a kit, or can buy the things separately. Whenever you are changing the oil, take expert assistance and get the job done well.
7.3 PowerStroke Service Interval
Here is the maintenance or service interval chart of your 7.3 Powerstroke.
| Service Name | Normal Operating Condition | Special Operating Condition |
| Oil & Oil Filter | Every 5,000 miles | Every 3,000 miles or3 months |
| Fuel Filter | Every 15,000 miles | Every 15,000 miles |
| Air Filter | Inspect filter minder every 5,000 miles and replace as needed | Inspect filter minder every 3,000 miles and replace as needed |
| Coolant Check/Change | Change every 15,000 miles | Change every 15,000 miles |
| Coolant Nitrite Strength Check | Change every 15,000 miles | Change every 15,000 miles |
Why the Perfect Oil for 7.3 Powerstroke is Important
7.3 Powerstroke is a powerful engine that gives you performance. There are lots of oils of different types. All of them will not suit the 7.3 Powerstroke. We need to find the right type and use it for a smooth performance. It is also crucial. So, it is better to use the Ford recommended oils.
There are different types of oil that motor mechanics use. A 15W-15 multigrade oil is a perfect one for the 7.3 engine. If we take market data, it is the most used oil by the mechanics. A few are using 15W-40 for their engine, but it is not the exact suit.
We had an overall discussion on the 7.3 Powerstroke oils, these could become good information for you. You also have to look after the 7.3 Powerstroke oil viscosity and synthetic oil. So, now we will check some common frequently asked questions here to know other related issues.
FAQ:
Which oil is recommended for a 6.0 powerstroke?
Here is the list of oil you can pick for a 6.0 Powerstroke:
1. Ford XO-15W40-5QSD
2. Liqui Moly 2332
3. Shell Rotella T5 550045348
4. Delo 222290388
How often should you change the oil on a 7.3 diesel?
You should change the oil on a 7.3 diesel every 5000 miles.
How many miles can a 7.3 Powerstroke last?
If you properly maintain your car, your 7.3 Powerstroke will last around 400,000-500,000 miles.
What are multigrade oils?
A multi-grade oil is an oil whose properties have been enhanced to decrease the viscosity with temperature.
Is 5w40 thicker than 15W40?
Both are the same as these two oils have the same viscosity grade (40).
Can you run kerosene in a 7.3 Powerstroke?
Yes, you can run kerosene in your 7.3 Powerstroke.
Final Thoughts
We reviewed the 9 best oils for 7.3 Powerstroke based on your driving style and under what weather conditions you drive. Still, the list seems quite long, and you may find it a bit challenging to pick the right one.
So, let’s help you to make the right decision. You can choose Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil for normal driving conditions.
On the other hand, Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Diesel Motor Oil will be your go-to option for heavy use.
And lastly, you can go for Castrol 03559 Edge 5W-30 C3 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil to drive your car smoothly under low temperatures.
About John M
John contributed as a technical head at an automobile company just 2 years after his post-graduation in Automobile Engineering. He loves to lead a free life, so he left his job & started blogging. Now, he does research on every automotive problem, part & product and seeks a better solution & best products & shares his findings with his readers to help them as well as to minimize their struggle.