Best Oil for 6.7 Powerstroke in 2024

12th Sep,2023

Choosing a high quality oil is important for keeping a powerstroke engine well-maintained. Without the right oil, your engine may be prone to damage – and the costs can gut your bank account.

After months of testing to find the best oil for 6.7 powerstroke engines, we’ve finally compiled our best picks below.

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Top 4 Engine Oils for 6.7 Powerstroke in 2024

1 – Motorcraft Super Duty SAE 15w-40 Synthetic Ford Diesel Motor Oil

Motorcraft Super Duty

If you want a highly-specialized Ford 6.7 powerstroke oil rather than a generic one, the Motorcraft Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil SAE 15W-40 is the perfect pick on our list. This engine oil is formulated by the Ford Motor Company itself, guaranteeing only the best performance, protection, and cleaning action for your engine.

It’s only right to get an oil that’s the perfect match for your vehicle, and you don’t have to search far because this engine oil does a great job in keeping your diesel engine in tiptop shape. Since it’s specific to the name, this super duty diesel motor oil is one of the few designed to meet all the engine oil requirements set by Ford.

So if you own a Ford truck, this oil will fit your engine like a glove. Despite that, this Motorcraft oil is compatible with other diesel engines like Cummins CES 20086, Detroit Diesel 96K22, Volvo VDS – 4.5, and Mack EOS – 4.5. 

PROS:
  • Brand-specific for Ford Powerstroke engines
  • Excellent engine protection against corrosion and wear
  • Works great with older-generation diesel engines 
  • Superior engine lubrication
  • Meets Ford requirements

CONS:
  • Premium price

This specific engine oil for Ford is formulated with premium hydroprocessed base oils and proprietary additives — both working together to give the best protection and performance that a 6.7 powerstroke needs. You can also expect excellent lubrication from this oil, so the engine parts won’t have metal-to-metal contact.

Cleaning is superb as well because it fights the formation of dirt, soot, grime, sludge, and all the undesirable byproducts of combustion in the engine. Your Ford truck is working as hard as it can, so using a heavy-duty premium oil that works just as hard is important. 

Another thing that we like about this product is it’s great for older-generation powerstroke diesel engines. If you have a vehicle or truck that already has 200,000 miles in it, this oil from the Ford Motor Company is recommended, and it can still make that diesel engine run like it’s almost new.

All in all, this Ford diesel motor oil perfectly matches all the requirements of a 6.7 powerstroke. If you want the best power stroke diesel oil that ticks all the right boxes for a diesel engine, this is a great option.

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2 –  Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil SAE 5w-40 CJ-4

Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil

When you do a quick search for the best synthetic diesel motor oil, the Shell Rotella T6 engine oil is one of the names that pop up in many lists. That’s because it’s a great all-around oil for most engines.

Shell Rotella T6 actually has a cult following and is recommended by many for its versatility, better performance, and protection. It also meets standards like the CJ-4.

Many users, including us, recommend the Rotella T6 oil because of its superior protection, low-ash formula, and good proprietary additives that ensure your Ford power stroke engine is protected against contaminant formation.

Of course, that’s what you need to keep your power stroke engine in its best shape all the time for pulling, towing, and other tasks. The Rotella T6 is a heavy-duty diesel motor oil that works excellently for a heavy-duty 6.7 Powerstroke, and our tests reflect the same.

PROS:
  • Synthetic formulation
  • Great value
  • Improves fuel economy
  • Handles engine pressure and high temperatures well
  • Low-ash oil formulation
  • 500,000 miles limited warranty

CONS:
  • Bottles might leak without proper handling during shipping

With its synthetic formulation, Rotella T6 oil effectively cleans a 6.7 powerstroke engine and protects it from sludge formation. Multi-functional dispersants are infused in this motor oil for combatting the formation of dirt, soot, and other harmful contaminants that cause engine damage.

In addition, this oil has a low-ash formula that protects against engine wear and prevents foaming and aeration. It even improves fuel economy so you spend less on fuel.

With its SAE 5w-40 viscosity rating, this oil is also excellent for high-temperature powerstroke operations. This is extremely important since 6.7 powerstroke engines handle a lot of pressure, and this diesel motor oil resists viscosity loss so you’d experience no breakdowns even in heavy-duty trucks.

Overall, the Rotella T6 is one of the highly-rated, widely-used diesel engine oils in the market. It’s a recommended oil by many consumers due to its reliability and value, and our experts agree. With the miles you’ll run, it will be a long time until your next oil change compared to other engine oils.

And while you can think of it as a generic diesel engine oil more than a specialized one for a 6.7 powerstroke, it’s one that won’t disappoint.

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3 – Royal Purple Duralec Ultra 10w-30 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil

Royal Purple Duralec Ultra 10w-30 Full Synthetic Diesel Motor Oil

When you think of high-quality motor oils, Royal Purple is a name that belongs to one of the best brands.

Royal Purple has been making significant rounds in the industry for many years now, and they made their way to the top by working with race cars and other heavy-duty vehicles. With that, it’s no surprise that they provide some of the best oils for a 6.7 powerstroke engine.

For powerstrokes, one of their best products is the Duralec Ultra 10w-30 — a high-performance CI-4 Plus engine oil that’s designed for heavy-duty diesel engines. 

The Synarlec additive technology is this oil’s claim to fame. This tech forms a high-strength oil film that protects the engine parts of a 6.7 powerstroke by forming an ionic bond with metal surfaces. Thus, metal-to-metal contact is prevented from damaging the engine over time.

Furthermore, the resistance to oxidation and corrosion is enhanced by this oil, making sure that you get a long engine life.

PROS:
  • Synarlec additive technology provides great protection
  • Synthetic formula
  • Cleans the engine well for long engine life
  • Great synthetic formulation for heavy-duty use
  • Meets 6.7 powerstroke standards

CONS:
  • Purple color of the oil makes it a bit tricky to tell if the oil is dirty

As for engine cleaning capabilities, the full synthetic formulation of this engine oil will keep parts cleaner compared to sole detergents. Soot, dirt, grime, and other deposits are prevented from forming in your 6.7  Powerstroke, making sure it runs smoothly.

Plus, this premium synthetic engine oil is also designed to reduce parasitic loss for fuel savings. The Royal Purple Duralec Ultra 10w-30 is recommended for use in both two-cycle and four-cycle diesel applications including automotive engines, commercial fleet, and stationary industrial engines.

In a nutshell, the Royal Purple Duralec Ultra 10w-30 motor oil is one of the best oils for 6.7 Powerstroke. It keeps the engine clean and ensures great overall performance.

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4 – Schaeffer 700 SynShield Durability Advantage 15w-40 Synthetic Oil

Schaeffer 700 SynShield Durability Advantage

Another popular brand that’s best designed for heavy-duty diesel engines is the Schaeffer 700 SynShield Durability Advantage.

This oil meets and exceeds numerous API service categories for vehicles, with the approved list including CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus and older, making it a good oil for a 6.7 powerstroke.

This full synthetic oil is designed for exceptional cleaning and protection from wear, oxidation, aeration, deposit formation, and soot contamination that a 6.7 powerstroke is prone to. Its low-ash formula keeps soot, sludge, and other deposits at bay for keeping your engine at its optimum state.

This full synthetic diesel motor oil is the type that’s designed to last longer than the usual engine oils you can find. That’s a good sign since oil changes will be less frequent. You’ll drive more miles and save way more money as well.

In addition, this product is also designed to control your oil consumption with its super low volatility characteristics. You’ll see a decrease in the fuel consumption of your car, which also helps you save a few bucks.

This highly recommended engine oil from Schaeffer also optimizes the durability of the engine during high mileage and hour accumulation situations.

PROS:
  • Exceeds a wide range of engine requirements including powerstroke
  • Excellent cleaning and protection from wear
  • Low-ash formula for further engine protection
  • Low volatility so you get a lower oil consumption
  • Less frequent oil change
  • Meets industrial standards
  • Lasts long

CONS:
  • A bit expensive

Compared to conventional CJ-4  oils, the Schaeffer 700 SynShield Durability Advantage oil boasts 85% less wear and 77% greater soot handling for your 6.7 powerstroke. And with high thermal and oxidative stability, this premium oil is resistant to thickening and sludge formation. This makes the oil last long and therefore make the next oil change further down your calendar.

Proprietary friction modifiers in this oil such as Micron Moly and Pentro effectively provide a slippery shield for engine parts to glide smoothly against each other. As such, pistons, bearings, and other parts are protected from friction brought about by metal-to-metal contact.

And of course, that’s super important for a power stroke engine. A diesel engine definitely works hard, and if it’s not properly lubricated, it would not last very long.  You don’t want that to happen, of course. That’s why you need engine oils that are effective lubricants and will also clean up deposits.

Your 6.7 powerstroke also won’t experience breakdowns with this synthetic engine oil, even when operating at high temperatures and extreme conditions. Designed for maximum durability and longevity, the Schaeffer 700 SynShield Durability Advantage oil is definitely one of the oils recommended for a Ford 6.7 powerstroke. 

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How to Choose the Best Motor Oil for a Powerstroke Engine

Oil For 6.7 Powerstroke

Powerstroke engines generate more heat compared to other diesel engines primarily due to the extreme conditions they operate in. But since they are relied on for their high performance, tasks such as pulling, towing, and other heavy-duty jobs are a cinch.

According to Ford, the recommended oil for their powerstroke engines is an API CJ-4 motor oil. For normal use, a viscosity rating of 10w-30 is a standard. And for heavy use and biodiesel applications, Ford recommends a 15w-40 oil.

Still, you may have a few questions in mind when it comes to choosing the right oil for diesel engines. To make things easier and better so you don’t have to look through hundreds of website posts, here are some factors you should make sure to consider:

Also, if you find think that your oil smells unusual see this separate post we wrote on the topic oil smell like gas.

Compatibility

Aside from the brand name, one of the first things you should check is whether the oil is compatible with the engine.

At the very least, the oil you’re going to buy should adhere to Ford specification WSS-M2C171-F1. A 6.7 powerstroke demands high engine protection from combustion byproducts and high temperatures, so it’s crucial that it meets this specification.

Ensuring that the type of oil is compatible with a 6.7 powerstroke is the best thing you can do to keep your engine in tip-top shape. Also, if your power stroke vehicle has hit the 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles mark, make sure to look for high-mileage diesel motor oils.

man changing engine oil

Additive Technology

Generally speaking, some kinds of additives include rust inhibitors, dispersants, friction modifiers, antioxidants, antiwear, and antifoam agents. Some companies incorporate their own proprietary ones for a specific type of product.

The best oils use a superior additive package to keep your 6.7 powerstroke free from sludge, grime, varnish, deposits, and other harmful contaminants. You don’t want your engine to have an oil change more frequently than necessary.

Here’s a short list of benefits that engines get from a better additive package:

  • Superior cleaning. There are a lot of harmful contaminants that develop in the diesel type of oil. Dispersant and detergent additives work best in cleaning all the sludge and dirt that forms in the oil. An additive package that’s using biocide can also help eliminate grime in the engine because it feeds on bacteria and microbes.
  • Boost performance. Some additives can increase the performance of your oil. This goes hand in hand with fuel economy and longevity of engines as well. With this, you’ll drive more miles as well.
  • Anti-wear. Corrosion inhibitors, ZDDP, and lubricity improvers further help protect engines from wear and tear when using. Basically, it’s key to a long-lasting engine, especially for a powerstroke.

Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the oil’s resistance to low and high temperatures. For a 6.7 powerstroke engine, normal-use trucks and vehicles should have a right oil with 10w-30 rating. On the other hand, a heavy-use powerstroke is suggested to have an oil with 15w-40 rating.

These recommendations are based on Ford’s requirements,  but make sure to check for possible variations in your user manual as well.

Keep in mind that diesel oil naturally behaves differently depending on the change in temperature. At low temperatures, viscosity increases and the molecules gel up. Whereas at high temperatures, the viscosity decreases and the molecules stop flowing.

engine oils

Because of that, manufacturers have to add improvers to the base oil. These are the two oil grade specifications as provided by the Society of Automotive Engineers:

  • Monograde Oils – This further falls into two categories, known as the ‘winter time’ grades and the ‘summer time’ grades. How do you tell the difference? Grades that have a ‘w’ after them (such as 0w, 10w, 25w) are the winter grades. That means these have a higher resistance to cold temperatures. On the other side of the spectrum, summer time grades (such as SAE 20, 30, or 40) are more suited for areas with warmer temperatures.
  • Multigrade Oils – It’s not really necessary to get a different grade of oil in the winter and a new one in the summer. Multigrade oils will give you that double action you need, as they are ideal for both low and high temperatures. These are the SAE 5w-40, 15w-40, and similar labels.

Still, there are instances when you’ll find using monograde engine oils are way more practical for engines. If you live in a mostly cold area, then there’s no reason for using a multigrade oil.

The best thing is to look at the temperatures your truck or vehicle operates in. That would be a good measure to find out which viscosity grade to purchase when you buy new motor oils.

6.7L Powerstroke – Oil Change Guide

The first step is to drain the oil by undoing the drain plug. Once you’ve plugged it back, use the oil filter removal tool to undo the oil filter. Take note that the oil must be fully drained before oil filter removal.

Replace it with a new oil filter and fill it with fresh oil. Install the new oil filter — you won’t need the oil filter removal tool for this. Finally, wipe everything down to keep things clean.

Conclusion

To make sure that a 6.7 powerstroke engine is in its optimum working condition, you need the right oil that meets or exceeds the specific requirements set by the Ford Motor Company. Choosing an oil for 6.7 powerstroke engines can be tricky, as this particular engine is quite finicky when it comes to oils.

We hope this buyer’s guide and list on our website help you make that right decision easier, now that you know the which are the best ones in the market.

Our Top Pick – Motorcraft Super Duty SAE 15w-40 Motor Oil

Motorcraft Super Duty

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In our list, the best oil for 6.7 powerstroke engines is the Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil. Since this oil is also produced by Ford, it’s a no-brainer how well they work together. It provides excellence in lubrication, cleaning, and overall performance to keep your engine in its best shape.

William Johnson

William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.