Searching for the best oil for 6.7 PowerStroke engines – Our Top 5
You probably wouldn’t argue with me when I say, we spend too much money on our trucks. I remember the time I bought my first F-series, my girlfriend was beside herself at the price, I thought it was the best money I ever spent!
But there’s one thing you can never spend too much on, and that’s maintaining your truck correctly. If you’ve spent your hard earned money on a Ford Super Truck, make sure you’re feeding her the good stuff – not just any old oil but the best oil for 6.7 PowerStroke engines.
Power Strokes are resilient but they do take bit of a hammering sometimes, especially if you drive your truck every day and if the conditions aren’t the kindest. A quality oil goes a long way to ensure she keeps that hearty rumble and keeps driving for many years to come.
Below we’ve tried most of the top selling diesel oils and narrowed it down to our Top 5. If you’re ready for a 6.7 powerstroke oil change, see what we’ve got for you below.
#1 Rotella Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil
Shell’s Rotella T6 can be found in mechanic garages all over the world and is one of the most reliable and versatile diesel oils there is. In fact, you can even use it in gasoline engines too, small and large, if you really wanted to, you could use it in your motorcycle or Vespa too.
The reason we have the Rotella as our top pick is because of its reliability. No matter where in the world you are, you know it’s going to be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s made to the highest standards and is constantly improved to make sure it keeps the latest diesel engines rumbling just the way we like them.
Renowned for being one of the most (if not the most) versatile motor oils in the world, Rotella T6 offers an excellent balance of protection and cost-effectiveness. For us, this is easily the best synthetic oil for Ford 6.7 diesel Power Stroke engines.
Great For Power Stroke Engines
If you’re worried about DPF issues on your Power Stroke, you will love this oil. It features an advanced low-ash formulation that helps control blocking of exhaust after-treatment devices. This helps maintain emission compliance and diesel efficiency. One of the best things about Shell’s Rotella T6 Synthetic Oil is it’s perfectly compatible with 6.7 Powerstroke DPF and SCR systems. If you check the reviews of this oil on Amazon, you’ll find several Ford owners who swear that this is the only oil they’ll ever use in the Power Stroke.
Better Fuel Economy
Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 synthetic heavy duty engine oil offers enhanced fuel economy capability of 1.5% compared to SAE 15W-40 oils. Not only does this save you money, it does so with zero downside to engine protection or durability. In fact, this oil provides a significantly increased level of protection against harmful engine wear.
Notable Specifications
- 1.5% better fuel economy
- Improved heat resistance
- Outstanding Shear Stability
- Improved Deposit Control
- Increased Level of Wear Performance
Overall Assessment
Hands down one of the best oils for 6.7 Power Stroke engines, and the go-to oil for many Ford owners. Very affordable too which makes it a no brainer in our eyes.
#2 Motorcraft Super Duty SAE 15w-40 Synthetic Ford Diesel Motor Oil
Motorcraft might be a little pricey but there’s a reason it’s on this list – Motorcraft 15w40 diesel oil is the recommended oil for 6.7 Powerstroke by Ford themselves. In fact, after talking to the owner for a nearby Ford dealership the rumor was this is the exact oil that will be in your truck when you drive it off the lot in every Ford truck, although we never found out for certain.
Perfect Match For Diesel Engines
Not only is Motorcraft 15W-40 oil perfect for Ford Power Stroke engines, it’s also perfect for any other diesel engine too. As it’s Ford’s own formulation, you know it’s going to fit any diesel engine like a glove. It goes without saying too that it meets all the engine requirements set out by Ford for its vehicle owners.
Great For Old Power Stroke Engines
One thing we love about this oil is it’s the perfect pick if you’re running the older 7.3L Power Stroke or the 6.0 Power Stroke. If you have an older generation Ford truck and are looking to do an oil change, Motorcraft diesel oil by Ford is the perfect choice. Even if you’ve got a few years on your truck, this oil should have your engine rumbling like its brand new again.
Great Lubrication
Motorcraft is a 6.7 Powerstroke oil made with Ford’s unique diesel technology and is designed to lubricate and protect – ensuring protection against corrosion, metal-to-metal contact, dirt, sludge and grime damage and can withstand high temperatures when your truck is working especially hard.
Notable Specifications
- Designed specifically for Power Stroke engines
- Works with older generation Power Strokes
- Meets all Ford warranty requirements
- Excellent range of additives
Overall Assessment
This is the Ford approved oil for 6.7 powerstroke engines, so if you want to be 100% sure that your warranty is intact and your engine will run like clockwork, look no further. It’s a bit more expensive than the other oils, and if you’re on a budget we’re sure you’ll do just fine with the Shell Rotella T6 above, but if you want the oil that’s had the official thumbs up from Ford, this is the one.
#3 Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil
This Shell Rotella T5 10W-30 oil is another fantastic option from Shell. Why would you use this over the T6 we mentioned above.
Well, the 10W-30 oil is better suited if you’re in a warmer climate. This oil is a great choice if your vehicle is a personal vehicle without a heavy schedule, and you live in a warmer part of the country like California. For cooler temps, you’re better off going with the T6 15W-40 that we recommended above.
Triple Protection Technology
The Shell Rotella T5 10W-30 oil uses Shell’s Triple Protection Plus technology which uses synthetic base oils and additives to provide extra protection against wear, deposits and oil breakdown. Like we said, you don’t want to use any old engine oil on your Power Stroke. If you paid top dollar for your truck, choose the best oil for 6.7 Power Stroke engines that will go the extra mile to keep your engine running smoother for longer.
Improved Oxidation
Shell Rotella T5 10W-30 oil has shown better oxidation protection under extreme conditions compared to CJ-4 oils. It has also demonstrated protection against corrosion when in the presence of biodiesel. What you want is an engine oil that not only lubricates but protects as well.
Notable Specifications
- Improved fuel economy of 1.6% compared to standard 15W-40 oils.
- Improved oxidation protection
- Advanced additives
- Suitable for warmer climates
- Extended drain capabillities
Overall Assessment
If you’re looking for a 10W-30 diesel engine oil for your 6.7 Power Stroke, we highly recommend the Shell Rotella T5. Its advanced formulation not only means better engine lubrication and cleanliness but also protection against piston deposits and better cold starting. Overall, it’s just a great diesel oil to keep your Ford in top shape.
#4 Royal Purple 83456 Duralec Ultra 10w30 Oil, 1 Gallon, 1 Pack
Royal Purple has long been a favorite brand of diesel owners and it’s Duralec Ultra is one of the best 10W-30 oils on the market. This oil is specifically made for very heavy duty diesel engines where emission control is especially important.
Synerlec technology
Royal Purple Duralec Ultra uses Royal Purple’s proprietary Synerlec technology. This is one of the best aspects of using this oil, as it uses an advanced technique to help keep your engine protected. Synerlec creates an ionic bond with metal surfaces – this leads to increased film strength and greatly reduces or eliminates metal on metal contact.
Lubrication and Protection
Royal Purple’s Duralec Ultra is designed to lubricate even the hardest working engines over long periods of time. The oil itself has additives – zinc and phosphorous – as well as the abovementioned Synerlec tech. This is a high performance oil designed for the heaviest-duty engines. This would be recommended oil for ford 6.7 diesel if you’re one of those guys who runs their trucks hard, in hard conditions.
Notable Specifications
- Premium synthetic oil
- Designed to reduce parasitic loss for fuel savings
- Both 2 cycle and 4 cycle diesel applications
- Synerlec technology
- Designed for heavy duty engines
Overall Assessment
If you are after a 10W-30 diesel engine oil and your truck works harder than most, the Royal Purple Duralec Ultra 10W-30 diesel oil is what you’re looking for. For heavy duty trucks, it’s one of the best oils for 6.7 Power Stroke engines on the market, and used confidently by Ford owners everywhere.
#5 Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40 Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil 1 GA
Valvoline Blue Extreme is a 5W-40 diesel oil which is generally recommended for much colder temperatures, or trucks that experience very severe usage such as commercial trucks and trucks that are often drive many hours at a time. If that sounds like you, keep reading.
The Valvoline Blue Extreme oil is actually recommended for Cummins engines rather than Power Strokes. However, a 6.7L Cummins engine is very similar to a 6.7L Power Stroke, and the oils can be used between them interchangeably in most situations. In fact, if an oil is recommended specifically for Cummins engines, it’s a pretty good endorsement. They’re not quite as good as a Ford engine (ha!) but they get the job done pretty well too.
Good for extreme conditions
The Valvoline Blue Extreme 5W-40 oil is designed for trucks being used in cooler temperatures and heavy mileage. As for suitability, it’s licensed for API service CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4, CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, SN and SM. If you’re looking for an oil that provides safer starts, even in the lowest temperatures, this 5W-40 oil is for you.
Great additives and composition
The additives included in the Valvoline Blue Extreme 5W-40 oil are specifically designed to reduce oil oxidation and improve the fuel economy. It also improves the deposit control. Overall this oil has outstanding oxidation resistance and supports long life even in very heavy duty engines.
Notable Specifications
- Recommended by Cummins
- Faster and safer starts in freezing weather
- Enhanced thermal properties for hot weather
- Improved oxidation resistance
- Superior wear protection
- Great for heavy duty trucks under heavy usage
Overall Assessment
Not every Power Stroke 6.7L engine needs a 5W-40 oil, but if that’s what you’re looking for we think the Valvoline Extreme Blue 5W-40 is the best on the market today. The sole recommendation by Cummins for their engines, we think you’re in pretty safe hands. Valvoline has always proven to be a reputable brand over the years too.
How To Choose the Right 6.7 Powerstroke Engine Oil
Make sure you choose the right oil for your needs. If you’re unsure, here’s a basic guideline that should help you:
- 10W-30 oil – Ambient temperatures above zero degrees farenheit
- 15W-40 oil – Ambient temperatures above 20 degrees farenheit
- 5W-40 oil – Ambient temperatures above -20 degrees farenheit
- 0W-30 or 0W-40 oil – For very cold temperatures only
Generally, if you’re in a warmer climate and your truck only endures general use, you can stick with 10W-30.
If you have a commercial truck with a heavy schedule, opt for 5W-40 instead.
Ford also recommends a 15W-40 oil for heavy use and biodiesel applications.
It’s not always super clear which oil you should use, so if in doubt, just call your local Ford dealer and ask.
Other things to consider when choosing a Power Stroke 6.7L oil
Viscosity
Viscosity is the term used to describe how an oil reacts to low and high temperatures. At low temperatures, viscosity increases. At high temperatures, the viscosity decreases. As we touched on above, the climate where you live will be a determinant for which oil to choose. For a 6.7 powerstroke engine, most people will be fine with a 10w-30 oil. For heavier users, you may be going with a 15w-40 rating, or a 5w-40.
Additives
Additives are what make the oil more suited to your specific engine. Whether you’re using a gasoline or a diesel engine, your additive requirements will be different.
When buying oil for a 6.7 Power Stroke engine, you want to ensure you’re buying an oil that has additives suited specifically for heavy-duty truck diesel engines. Using gasoline engine oil in your 6.7L Power Stroke will be a long way from optimal usage and will slowly wear the engine down.
What you want your additives to target in a Power Stroke oil is:
- Anti wear, such as corrosion inhibitors, ZDDP, and any special formulation that improves lubrication and protection.
- Improved fuel economy. The Shell oils are great for this.
- Advanced cleaning properties, to help keep your engine free from dirt, sludge and deposits.
Compatibility
Obviously you want to ensure the oil you choose is compatible with 6.7L Powerstrokes. If you stick to the recommendations on this list, you’ll be just fine. You can also be double safe and stick with the recommended oil by Ford, which is the Motorcraft SAE 15W-40 that we recommended above. However like we said, anything we’ve recommended in this guide should be great, no matter what you Ford 6.7 diesel oil capacity.
Here are our recommendations again for your convenience. Happy trucking!
Looking for oils for Power Stroke 6.0L engines instead? We cover those here.