Ford Powerstroke Diesel Fluid Types & Capacities - Complete Guide: 7.3L, 6.0L, 6.4L, 6.7L
Posted by Adam Blattenberg on Dec 5th 2025
From daily-driven work trucks to high-output performance builds, proper fluid maintenance is one of the most effective ways to extend Powerstroke engine life, cooling efficiency, injector longevity, and turbocharger reliability. This comprehensive Powerstroke Fluids Guide covers every generation—7.3L, 6.0L, 6.4L, and 6.7L—with verified specifications for engine oil, coolant, fuel system additives, HPOP lubricants, transmission fluid, transfer case requirements, axle gear oil, brake fluid, and other critical service items. Whether you’re maintaining a stock fleet truck or supporting a fully built setup, these factory-correct fluid types and capacities help ensure peak performance, durability, and consistent operating temperatures across all Powerstroke platforms.
7.3L Powerstroke (1994.5–2003)
Engine Oil
Capacity:
Type: 15W-40 CK-4 (conventional or synthetic)
Notes: HEUI fuel injection system relies heavily on clean oil; 5,000-mile or less oil changes are recommended.
Cooling System
Capacity: roughly 8 gallons total system
Type: Green ethylene glycol coolant (SCA/DCA additive required)
Note: Many upgrade to EC-1 ELC red coolant to reduce cavitation concerns.
Transmission
4R100 Automatic:
Dry fill: 17 qt
Drain and refill: 6–8 qt
Type: Mercon V
ZF-5 / ZF-6 Manual:
ZF-5: 3.1 qt
ZF-6: 5.8 qt
Type: Mercon ATF
Transfer Case
BW1356 / BW4407:
Capacity: 2.0–2.5 qt
Type: Mercon ATF
Differentials
Front (Dana 50/60):
Capacity: 2.0–2.5 qt, 75W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic
Rear (Sterling 10.5):
Capacity: 3.5–4 qt, 75W-140 synthetic
PLUS Limited-slip additive required if equipped.
Brake Fluid
Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4
6.0L Powerstroke (2003–2007)
Engine Oil
Capacity: 15 qt with filter
Type: 15W-40 or 5W-40 CK-4 synthetic
Notes: Proper maintenance is critical for HPOP & injector health. 5,000-mile or less oil changes are recommended.
Cooling System
Capacity: 6.5–7 gallons
Type: Gold Motorcraft coolant (VC-7) OR ELC red conversion
Notes: Many switch to ELC + coolant filtration to prevent oil cooler plugging.
Transmission
5R110 TorqShift Automatic:
Dry fill: 17–18 qt
Service fill: 7–10 qt
Type: Mercon SP
ZF-6 Manual:
5.8 qt, ATF Mercon
Transfer Case
BW271 / BW273:
2 qt, Mercon ATF
Differentials
Front (Dana 60): 2–2.5 qt, 75W-90 or 75W-140
Rear (10.5 Sterling): 3.5–4 qt, 75W-140 synthetic
Brake Fluid
DOT 3 / DOT 4
6.4L Powerstroke (2008–2010)
Engine Oil
Capacity: 15 qt
Type: 15W-40 CK-4 or 5W-40 synthetic
Notes: Regeneration cycles degrade oil more quickly; synthetic recommended.
Cooling System
Capacity: 6.9 gallons
Type: Gold coolant or ELC conversion
Notes: With two EGR coolers and a stack plate heat exchanger design oil cooler, keeping coolant clean is very important.
Transmission
5R110 TorqShift:
Dry fill: 17–18 qt
Service fill: 7–10 qt
Type: Mercon LV
Transfer Case
BW273: Roughly 2 qts, Mercon ATF
Differentials
Front (Dana 60): 2–2.5 qt
Rear (10.5 Sterling): 3.5–4 qt
Brake Fluid
DOT 3 / DOT 4
6.7L Powerstroke (2011–Present)
Engine Oil
2011–2016: 13 qt, 10W-30 or 15W-40 CK-4
2017+: 13 qt, 10W-30 preferred for fuel economy
Cooling System (Primary + Secondary)
Primary Cooling System:
Capacity: Roughly 6.3 gallons
Type: Motorcraft Orange coolant (late models: Yellow universal)
Secondary Cooling System:
Capacity: Roughly 3.0 gallons
Type: Same coolant as primary
Transmission
6R140 TorqShift (2011–2019):
Dry fill: 17 qt
Service fill: 6–10 qt
Type: Mercon LV
10R140 TorqShift (2020+):
Dry fill: 20–22 qt
Service fill: 7–10 qt
Type: Mercon ULV
Transfer Case
2011–2016: 3.0 qt, Mercon LV
2017–2019: 2.7 qt, Mercon LV
2020+: 2.9 qt, Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid XL-12
Differentials
Front Dana M275 / M300:
Capacity: Roughly 3 qt, 75W-90 or 75W-140
Rear Sterling 10.5 / 10.8:
SRW: 3.5–4 qt
DRW: 4–4.5 qt
Type: 75W-140 synthetic
NOTE: Add friction modifier for limited slip models.
Brake Fluid
DOT 3 / DOT 4
NOTE: Change every 3 years for best ABS and hill assist performance
