7.3 Power Stroke Maintenance Guide

Page Contents:

  1. 7.3 Power Stroke Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)
  2. 7.3 Power Stroke Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)
  3. 7.3 Power Stroke Oil Viscosity Chart
  4. 7.3 Power Stroke Oil & Fluid Specifications
  5. 7.3 Power Stroke Oil & Fluid Capacities
  6. Relevant Service Part Numbers

Applicable Models:

1994.5 - 1997 Ford F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty
1999 - 2003 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 Super Duty
2000 - 2003 Ford Excursion
2000 - 2003 Ford F-650, F-750
1995 - 1999 Ford Econoline E-350
2000 - 2003 Econoline E-350, E-450, E-550

Applicable Engine(s):

7.3L Power Stroke diesel V-8

Application Transmissions:

Ford E4OD four speed automatic
Ford 4R100 four speed automatic
ZF S5-42 five speed manual
ZF S5-47 five speed manual
ZF S6-650 six speed manual

Applicable Drivetrain:

2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive models

7.3 Power Stroke Maintenance Schedule

The maintenance schedule for "normal" driving conditions assumes the vehicle is driven unladen in ideal traffic conditions with minimal engine idling and constant road speeds. A vehicle will fall under the "severe" or "heavy duty" service category if it meets any of the following criteria:

• Vehicle is idled frequently and/or excessively (generally defined as 10 minutes or more idling within a 1 hour window)
• Vehicle makes frequent short trips in which the engine often shutdown before reaching full operating temperature
• Vehicle is driven off-road or in conditions that require the 4 wheel drive to be engaged
• Vehicle experiences light towing/hauling in excess of 1,000 miles between oil change intervals
• Vehicle tows and/or hauls medium to heavy loads
• Engine is run on biodiesel or biodiesel blends (any concentration)

As a general rule-of-thumb, most owners of a heavy duty pickup truck or van will fall under the severe/heavy duty service category, requiring an alternative maintenance schedule calling for more frequent service procedures. If in doubt about which service category your vehicle falls under, always adhere to the more stringent severe/heavy duty service intervals.

Many service intervals are provided in distance driven OR a period of time; service should be performed when either of these two conditions are met, whichever comes first.

Normal Service Intervals

Service Procedure

Service Interval(s)

Replace engine oil & oil filter

Every 5,000 miles/6 months

Replace fuel filter

Every 15,000 miles

Replace engine air filter

Every 30,000 miles, 30 months, or as necessary

Serpentine belt

Inspect at oil change intervals, replace as necessary

Flush/service engine cooling system

50,000 miles/48 months initially
Every 30,000 miles/36 months thereafter

Replace automatic transmission fluid & filter

Every 30,000 miles

Replace manual transmission fluid

Every 60,000 miles

Replace transfer case fluid

Every 60,000 miles [1]

Replace front differential fluid (4x4)

Every 100,000 miles [1]

Replace rear differential fluid

Every 100,000 miles [1]

[1] - Replace fluid as soon as possible anytime the unit is submerged in water; water intrusion highly likely.

Severe/Heavy Duty Service Intervals

Service Procedure

Service Interval(s)

Replace engine oil & oil filter

Every 3,000 miles/3 months

Replace fuel filter

Every 15,000 miles when using conventional diesel fuel
Every 7,500 miles when using biodiesel blends exceeding B5 (5% biodiesel)

Replace engine air filter

Inspect at oil change intervals, replace as required
Replace regardless every 15,000 miles/12 months if driving in dusty conditions

Flush/service engine cooling systems

50,000 miles/48 months initially
Every 30,000 miles/36 months thereafter

Replace automatic transmission fluid & filter

Ford E4OD (1994 - 1997)

Every 21,000 miles

Ford 4R100 (1999 - 2003)

Every 30,000 miles

Replace manual transmission fluid

Every 60,000 miles

Replace transfer case fluid

Every 60,000 miles [2]

Replace front differential fluid (4x4)

Every 30,000 miles [2]

Replace rear differential fluid

Every 30,000 miles [2]

[2] - Replace fluid as soon as possible anytime the unit is submerged in water; water intrusion highly likely.

7.3 Power Stroke Oils, Lubricants, & Fluids

Engine Oil Viscosity Chart

7.3L Power Stroke engine oil viscosity chart with ambient temperature ranges

7.3 Power Stroke engine oil viscosity chart

An engine oil viscosity grade should be selected based on the expected ambient temperature range in which the vehicle is to be operated. The 7.3L Power Stroke requires an engine oil that meets, at minimum, API CG-4/SH specifications. Note that certain viscosity grades are "acceptable" within a temperature range while others are "preferred". When possible, select an engine oil viscosity that is "preferred" within the expected temperature range. SAE 15W-40 is the most commonly used, readily available viscosity grade for the 7.3L Power Stroke.

We highly recommend a high quality synthetic motor oil due to its resilience against degradation and oxidation in engines employing an HEUI injection system. Synthetic motor oils will provide improved wear protection under the strenuous oil pressures these systems operate at.

Oil & Fluid Specifications

Fluid Type

Oil/Fluid Specification

Remarks

Engine oil

SAE 15W-40 preferred in ambient temperatures > 30° F
Recommend Amsoil Max Duty Signature Series 15W-40 diesel oil

[3]

SAE 10W-30 preferred in ambient temperatures between -10 to 30° F
Recommend Amsoil Max Duty Signature Series 10W-30 diesel oil

SAE 5W-30 acceptable in ambient temperatures < 30° F

SAE 0W-30 acceptable in ambient temperatures < 0° F

Engine Oil API Category:

CG-4/SH or equivalent

---

Engine coolant

Motorcraft VC-5 green concentrated engine coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Motorcraft VC-5-DIL green prediluted engine coolant (do NOT add water)

[4]

SCA/DCA Coolant Additive

Motorcraft VC-8 cooling system additive

---

Automatic transmission fluid

Ford E4OD

Motorcraft MERCON V ATF (XT-5-QMC)

[5]

Ford 4R100

Manual transmission fluid

5 speed (ZF S5-42, S5-47)

Motorcraft MERCON V ATF (XT-5-QMC)
Recommend Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic ATF

---

6 speed (ZF S6-650)

Transfer case fluid

Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF (XT-10-QLVC)
Recommend Amsoil FE Synthetic ATF as a high quality, full synthetic alternative

[6]

Front differential gear oil

Dana 50 TTB (F-250 only)

SAE 80W-90 gear oil (synthetic preferred)
Recommend Amsoil Severe Gear 80W-90 synthetic gear oil

---

Dana 60

SAE 80W-90 gear oil or SAE 90 hypoid gear oil (synthetic preferred)
Recommend Amsoil Severe Gear 80W-90 synthetic gear oil

Rear differential gear oil

Sterling 10.25, 10.50

SAE 75W-140 full synthetic gear oil
Recommend Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-140 synthetic gear oil

[7]

Dana 80

SAE 75W-90 full synthetic gear oil
Recommend Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

Dana 135 (F-550 only)

SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Recommend Amsoil Severe Gear 80W-90 synthetic gear oil

Limited slip additive

Motorcraft XL-3 friction modifier

Brake fluid

Motorcraft PM-1 DOT 3 brake fluid
Recommend Amsoil DOT 3 synthetic brake fluid

---

Clutch hydraulic fluid

Power steering fluid

Motorcraft MERCON V ATF (XT-5-QMC)

---

[3] - Refer to viscosity chart for complete viscosity grade application details; be mindful of the terms "preferred" and "acceptable". When possible, select a viscosity grade that is preferred within the expected ambient temperature range in which the vehicle is being operated.
[4] - 50/50 coolant-to-water ratio is ideal under most circumstances and provides protection against freezing down to -34° F. The ratio can be increased to 60% engine coolant, 40% water in extremely cold environments, as necessary. Do not exceed a 60/40 ratio.
[5] - MERCON V replaces original, now defunct MERCON specification in all transmission applications
[6] - MERCON LV replaces prior Motorcraft XL-12 transfer case fluid specification; MERCON V is not suitable for use in transfer cases
[7] - Limited slip differentials may require a friction modifier to prevent chatter; use Motorcraft XL-3

Oil & Fluid Capacities

Fluid Type

Oil/Fluid Capacity

Remarks

Engine oil

15 U.S. quarts

[8]

Engine cooling system

1994 - 1997

7.2 gallons

---

1999 - 2003

8.2 gallons

Automatic transmission fluid

E4OD, 4x2

15.7 U.S. quarts

[9]

E4OD, 4x4

16.2 U.S. quarts

4R100

17.1 - 17.7 U.S. quarts

Manual transmission fluid

5 speed

3.4 U.S. quarts

[10]

6 speed

5.8 U.S. quarts

Transfer case fluid

2.0 U.S. quarts

[10]

Front differential gear oil

Dana 50 TTB (F-250 only)

1.9 U.S. quarts

[10]

Dana 60

2.9 U.S. quarts

Rear differential gear oil

Sterling 10.25 (1994 - 1997)

3.75 U.S. quarts

[10],[11]

Sterling 10.50 (1999 - 2003)

3.45 U.S. quarts

Dana 80

4.15 U.S. quarts

Dana 135 (F-550 only)

12.25 U.S. quarts

Brake fluid

N/A; fill to reservoir marker

---

Clutch hydraulic fluid

N/A; fill to reservoir marker/line

---

Power steering fluid

N/A; fill to correct dipstick level

---

[8] - Refill capacity with filter change; some repair procedures may require additional oil to be added if the high pressure oil pump reservoir, hoses, or cylinder head oil rails are drained. Always verify correct engine oil level with vehicle parked on level ground.
[9] - Transmission fluid should be filled until the level has reached the appropriate dipstick indicator
[10] - Fill component until oil has reached the lower level of the fill plug hole; fill plug height is the appropriate lubricant level indicator. When checking fluid level, oil should be no less than 1/4 inch below the fill plug opening. Always fill and check fluid level with vehicle parked on level ground.
[11] - If friction modifier/additive is required for limited slip differential, add before filling with gear oil

7.3 Power Stroke Service Parts List

Part Description

Part Number(s)

Engine air filter

1994.5 - 1997

Motorcraft FA-1617 (Ford F5TZ-9601-A)

1999 - 2001

Motorcraft FA-1680 (Ford XC3Z-9601-AA)

2002 - 2003

Motorcraft FA-1750 (Ford 2U2Z-9601-AA)

Engine oil filter

Motorcraft FL-1995

Engine oil fill cap

Motorcraft EC-743 (Ford F3AZ-6766-B)

Oil pan drain plug

Ford F6TZ-6730-AA

Fuel filter

1994.5 - 1997

Motorcraft FD-4595 (Ford F4TZ-9N184-A)

1999 - 2003

Motorcraft FD-4596 (Ford F81Z-9N184-AA)

Fuel filter housing cap/lid

1994.5 - 1997

Ford 5TZ-9G270-A

1999 - 2003

Ford F81Z-9G270-BA

Lift pump (fuel pump)

1994.5 - early 1999

Ford F6TZ-9350-A (mechanical engine mounted lift pump)

Late 1999 - 2003

Bosch 69136, Ford F814-9350-AA (electric chassis mounted lift pump)

Serpentine belt

1994.5 - 1997

Motorcraft JK81195 (single alternator configuration)

1999 - 2003

Motorcraft JK81227 (single alternator configuration)

Glow plug

Motorcraft ZD-11 (Ford F4TZ-12A342-BA)

Glow plug relay

Ford F81Z-12B533-AC

Thermostat

1994 - 1995

Ford F4TZ-8575-CB

1996 -2003

Ford F6TZ-8575-EA

Thermostat housing gasket

1994 - 1995

Ford F4TZ-8255-A, Victor Reinz C32036

1996 -2003

Motorcraft RG602 (Ford F81Z-8255-AA)

Radiator overflow/degas cap

Ford 9C3Z-8101-B

Upper radiator hose

1994.5 - 1997

Motorcraft KM2989

1999 - 2003 (single alt)

Motorcraft KM4495

1999 - 2003 (dual alt)

Motorcraft KM4351

Lower radiator hose

1994

Gates 21405

1995 - 1997

Gates 22216

1999 - 2000

Motorcraft KM4542

2001 (built before 4/29/01)

Motorcraft KM4542

2001 (built after 4/29/01)

Motorcraft KM4671

2002 - 2003

Motorcraft KM4671

Block heater coil

Ford F7TZ-6A051-AA

Cam position sensor (CPS)

Ford F4TZ-12K073-C

Exhaust backpressure sensor (EBP)

Motorcraft DPFE3 (Ford 4C3Z-9J460-A)

Exhaust backpressure sensor tube

1994.5 - 1997

Ford F4TZ-9D477-A

1997.5 - 1998

Ford F7TZ-9D477-AA

1999 - 2003

Ford 1C3Z-9D477-AA

Turbocharger up-pipe gasket

1994.5 - 1997

Mahle/Fel-Pro 8194

1999 - 2003

Ford F4TZ-6K854-C

Injector control pressure sensor (ICP)

1994.5 - 1996

Ford F4TZ-9F838-A

1997 - 2003

Ford F6TZ-9F838-A

Injection pressure regulator (IPR)

1994.5 - 1995

Ford 2C3Z-9C968-BA (serial # 501 - 187,099)

1996 - 2003

Ford F81Z-9C968-AB (serial # 187,100+)

Engine oil cooler

Ford 1C3Z-6A642-AA (cooler only, does not include front or rear header)

Automatic transmission filter

Ford YC3Z-7A098-BA (E4OD & 4R100 transmissions)