How to Change the Oil in a 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel

by Mark RobinsonUpdated November 07, 2017

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Items you will need

Wheel chocks
Ratchet with 36 mm socket
¾-inch combination wrench
Motorcraft 6.0L Powerstroke oil filter with O-ring
15W-30 or 15W-40 engine oil
Drain pan
Drain plug gasket

Changing the oil on your 6.0-liter Powerstroke diesel is an important part of maintaining the overall health of your engine. Offered by Ford in the Super Duty line of pick-up trucks, the Powerstroke holds an oil capacity of 15 quarts. Ford recommends that the engine oil be changed every 7,500 miles for normal service and every 5,000 miles for severe service.

Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks underneath the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal cable from the battery.

Locate the Powerstroke’s oil filter cap at the top of the engine. Loosen the oil filter cap using a ratchet with a 36 mm socket. Raise the cap to remove the oil filter and O-ring attached underneath. Detach the filter and O-ring from the cap and properly dispose of both.

Locate the oil pan drain plug underneath the vehicle. Position a drain pan underneath the plug and loosen the plug using a ¾-inch combination wrench. Allow all of the oil to drain out into the drain pan. When finished, inspect and clean the threads on the drain plug.

Replace the drain plug gasket as necessary and reinstall the drain plug. Use the ¾-inch combination wrench to tighten the plug.

Install a new O-ring onto the oil filter cap, then snap the new oil filter onto the oil filter cap. Place the new filter into the housing. Tighten the oil filter cap using the ratchet and 36 mm socket.

Open the oil filler cap on the passenger’s side of the vehicle near the firewall. Insert a funnel inside the filling receptacle.

Refill the engine with 15 quarts of 15W-40 (if operating above temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit) or 15W-30 engine oil (if operating below temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Afterwards, use the engine oil level dipstick to check the oil level.

Seal the drain pan and move it from underneath the vehicle. Reconnect the negative terminal cable to the battery and start the engine. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes, then check underneath the engine area for any leaks. Recheck the oil level with the engine oil level dipstick.

Dispose of the used engine oil at your nearest automotive parts outlet or repair shop. This service is normally free of charge.