How much oil does a 97 7.3 powerstroke take

1999-2003 7.3L Fluid Capacities

F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty,Diesel w/Filter
Table of Contents Show
5,000 miles/6 months under normal operating conditions -- 3,000 miles/3 months under severe duty conditions
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty Long Box Wide Frame
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty
RWD SuperCab,Regular cab (Short wheel base)
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty,6 Spd Trans w/Oil Cooler
MOTORCRAFT High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
Fill to line on reservoir.
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty Front,w/(Dana 50)
100,000 miles under normal operating conditions 30,000 miles under severe duty conditions
SAE 75W-90 Front Axle Gear Oil
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty Rear,w/10.50" Axle
100,000 miles under normal operating conditions 30,000 miles under severe duty conditions
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Gear Oil
Recommended: BLUE DIAMOND SEVERE DUTY GEAR OIL 85W-140 S14
Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that may required a lubricant change. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Add 8 oz. of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, FORD Specification: (EST-M2C118-A), for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
F350 Super Duty Rear,w/(Dana 80)
100,000 miles under normal operating conditions 30,000 miles under severe duty conditions
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Rear Axle Gear Oil
Recommended: BLUE DIAMOND SEVERE DUTY GEAR OIL 75W-90 S9
Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that may required a lubricant change. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water. Add 8 oz. of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, FORD Specification: (EST-M2C118-A), for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water

DO NOT use FORD Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange color). Includes .5 qt. for coolant reserve tank.
F250 Super Duty,F350 Super Duty
Automatic Transmission Fluid MERCON V
MOTORCRAFT Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate Fluid
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions for the mixture ratio.

Oil Change Interval & Capacity

What Is the Oil Change Interval for a 7.3L Powerstroke?

You should change the engine oil and filter in your 7.3L Powerstroke once every 5,000 miles at minimum — more often if you frequently use it for heavy-duty hauling.

Engine oil cools, protects and lubricates your engine for maximum performance, so it’s critical to regularly change the oil for a heavy-duty engine like the 7.3L Powerstroke. If your oil suffers contaminant buildup or the level gets too low, the engine will deliver poor performance and may even break down.

How Much Oil and Fluid Do You Need in Your 7.3L Powerstroke?

The 7.3 Powerstroke’s fuel capacity varies based on configuration, with some models holding nearly 40 gallons of diesel. As for engine oil and other fluids, there are valuable rules of thumb for maintaining the proper levels in your Powerstroke engine, but it’s always essential to perform a physical check before filling to ensure you have what you need.

Some important stats for 7.3 fluid capacity include:

Engine oil: 15 quarts
Transfer case: 2.0 quarts
Coolant: 8 gallons

Best Oil for the 7.3L Powerstroke

What Is the Best Oil for the 7.3L Powerstroke?

Ford heavy-duty trucks with 7.3L Powerstroke engines often have to perform in extreme hot and cold as well as under heavy stress. That’s why it’s key to select a high-quality motor oil that will rise to the challenge by reducing engine wear and boosting fuel economy. We recommend the reliability of synthetic oils designed for maximum performance.

There are several factors you should consider when choosing the best oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke:

Viscosity: It’s usually best to choose 10W-30 viscosity rating oils for normal, lighter-duty operation. If you’re taking your truck on rough terrain, routinely hauling heavy loads or anticipating a harsh winter, an oil in the 5W-40 or 15W-40 range might be more appropriate for your specific needs.
Protection: It’s key to select an oil designed specifically to protect diesel engines and compatible with the Ford guidelines laid out in your owner’s manual.
Reliability: Some oils contain additives designed to block oil oxidation and sludge formation, which can help your truck run more efficiently and sustain its performance.

Common Symptoms

Though the 7.3’s straightforward build gives it excellent longevity with the proper care, it can develop issues. Watch for these red flags that you might be experiencing one of the common problems with the 7.3 Powerstroke:

Black smoke: Several issues can cause your 7.3 to emit black smoke, including a dirty air filter, incorrect fuel spray pattern or stiction in the turbo.
Check engine light: Injector or turbo issues can come from debris or stiction buildup over time and cause a check engine light warning.
Difficult cold start: Stiction in injectors, low fuel quality and glow plug issues can all impact the cold start on your truck.
Fuel filter plugged: Bacteria in your tank can cause a buildup of scummy residue in your fuel filter, affecting fuel flow.
Running rough: Stiction or injector failure can cause your truck to bounce or shake while idling.
White smoke: A transmission leak or low fuel quality can cause excessive white smoke to come out of your tailpipe.
Difficult hot start: A leak in your fuel system or poor quality fuel can cause a hot start issue with your 7.3 Powerstroke engine.
Excessive crankcase pressure: Excessive pressure in your crankcase can stem from substances like fuel, air or moisture forcing their way through the rings.

DIY Service Video Series

How-To Change a Fuel Filter on a F-350 7.3 Powerstroke

Changing the fuel filter on a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L Powerstroke.

The Hot Shot’s Secret “How to” series is provided for informational purposes only. It is intended to ...

provide general guidance only. Tools, techniques, best practices, products and regulations are continually changing, We assume no responsibility for the completeness, reliability nor accuracy of the information in this video. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and safety regulations. Hot Shot’s Secret disclaims liability for any omissions, errors, material performance or the outcome of any project. Any action you take upon the information in this video is strictly at your own risk and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection the use of this video. If you have a question regarding any element of a project, please consult a professional rather than exclusively relying on this video.[+] Show More

How-To Change a Fuel Filter on a F-350 7.3 Powerstroke

Changing the fuel filter on a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L Powerstroke. [...]

How to Change a Transmission Filter on a F-350 7.3 Powerstroke

Changing the Transmission Filter on a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L [...]

How to Change an Oil Filter on a F-350 7.3L Powerstroke

Changing the Oil Filter on a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L Powerstroke. [...]

How to Change an Air Filter on a F-350 7.3L Powerstroke

Changing the Air Filter on a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L Powerstroke. [...]

How to Grease a F-350 7.3L Powerstroke

Greasing a 1999 Ford F-350 with a 7.3L Powerstroke. The Hot Shot’s [...]

The contents of HotShotsSecret.com, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Diagnose Your Diesel section are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your mechanic or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding your vehicle’s condition.

How much oil do I need for a 7.3 Powerstroke?

Some important stats for 7.3 fluid capacity include: Engine oil: 15 quarts. Transfer case: 2.0 quarts. Coolant: 8 gallons.

How much oil does a 1997 Ford Powerstroke take?

How Much Oil And Fluid Do I Need in my 7.3l Powerstroke?.

What is the best oil to run in a 7.3 Powerstroke?

Ford recommends a 15W-15 multigrade oil as the best default oil for 7.3 engines. Many Ford dealerships only use this oil for 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel Engine. Shell Rotella T5 is labeled as Multigrade engine oil. 15W-40 for all engines, not just the 7.3 Powerstroke.