How Much Oil Does a 7.3 Powerstroke Takes? (Explained)

The 7.3 powerstroke engine was developed by International Navistar and was first launched by Ford. It was first invented in 1994, marking a significant milestone in the world of diesel and engines.

Now, let’s take a look at how much oil a 7.3 powerstroke uses, as well as some of its key features.

How much oil does a 7.3 powerstroke take?

A 7.3 powerstroke engine can use up to 15-17 quarts of oil, which is roughly 14.20-16.08 liters. Filling up the motor of your powerstroke usually takes 15 quarts. The remaining 2 quarts will be used to fill the oil filter. This number may vary based on the weather conditions and other factors.

The 7.3 powerstroke engine has gone through various changes in recent years. The modern 7.3 powerstroke is the culmination of all of the adjustments that it has undergone throughout the years.

Now, from 1995 to 2002, let’s look at the oil capacity of a 7.3 powerstroke engine.

1995 7.3 powerstroke:

The 7.3 powerstroke engine was first invented in the year 1994. So, after one year of its invention, no remarkable changes were made to this engine.

The 1995 7.3 powerstroke’s oil capacity is nearly 13.9 quarts. Its horsepower (HP) is 210 horsepower and its torque is 425 lb-ft.

1996 7.3 powerstroke:

The 1996 7.3 powerstroke had advanced specs compared to the 7.3 powerstroke of 1995.

Just like the 1995 7.3 powerstroke, the oil capacity of the 1996 7.3 powerstroke engine is also 13.9 quarts. Its horsepower (HP) is 215 horsepower and its torque is 450 lb-ft.

1997 7.3 powerstroke:

The 1997 7.3 powerstroke got some updates to the split-shot injectors that played a vital role in reducing emissions. Its oil capacity is 15 quarts. Its horsepower is 225 horsepower and its torque is 450 lb-ft.

1999 7.3 powerstroke: 

Until now, the 1999 7.3 Powerstroke has been regarded as the greatest engine because of its outstanding environmental efficiency, high customer satisfaction, ease of maintenance, air-to-air intercooler.

And new electronic lift pump, large split-shot injectors, TP38 turbocharger, etc.

The oil capacity of the 1999 7.3 Powerstroke is also 15 quarts, with 235 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.

2000 7.3 powerstroke: 

Just like the 1999 7.3 powerstroke, the 2000 7.3 powerstroke’s oil capacity is also 15 quarts. Its horsepower (HP) is 235 horsepower and its torque is 500 lb-ft.

No noticeable changes were made to the 7.3 powerstroke in the year 2000. As a result, its HP, torque, and oil capacity are totally similar to the 1999 7.3 powerstroke.

2001 7.3 powerstroke: 

The oil capacity of the 2001 7.3 powerstroke is 15 quarts. Despite having the same oil capacity as previous years, the horsepower has been boosted to 250 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque on automatic transmission models.

On manual transmission vehicles, horsepower and torque were raised to 275 horsepower and 525 lb-ft, respectively.

2002 7.3 powerstroke:

In the 2002 7.3 powerstroke, no major alterations were made. Thus, automatic transmission models featured the same 250 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque as the 2001 7.3 powerstroke. 

The manual transmission models with up to 15 quarts of oil capacity had 275 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

How much of these oil does 7.3 powerstroke take? 

A 7.3 powerstroke requires different oil and fluids for its smooth functionality. Let us look into some of these oils and the amount they require. Those are as follows:

Engine oil:

Engine oil is one of the vital elements of every engine. Thus, a 7.3 powerstroke engine requires up to 15 quarts, or 14.20 liters, of engine oil.

Auto transmission fluid:

For the auto transmission models of the 2001 and 2002 7.3 powerstroke engines, transmission fluid is necessary. Thus, it approximately requires 15.9 gallons or 17.7 quarts of auto transmission fluid.

Manual transmission fluid:

The major role of manual transmission oil is to lubricate the gears, particularly the hypoid gears that a driver uses manually in a vehicle. 3.4 to 5.8 quarts of manual transmission fluid are required for a 7.3 powerstroke engine.

How often should you change the oil on a 7.3 Diesel Powerstroke? 

After 5000 miles on a 7.3 diesel powerstroke, it is advised that the oil be changed. Some people, however, choose to change it after a run of up to 3000-4000 miles.

If you choose to change the oil after it has run for 3000–4000 miles, you should do it every two months.

If it’s every 5000 miles, then the oil should be changed every 2.5–3 months. As a result, the time duration may vary depending on how often you want to change the oil in your 7.3 powerstroke.

What kind of oil does a 7.3 powerstroke take?

Let’s have a look at some of the oil options for a 7.3 Powerstroke:

Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Diesel Motor Oil:

The Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend 15W-40 Diesel Motor Oil is considered the best oil that can be used for your 7.3 powerstroke.

This oil is quite popular for its complete correspondence to the specifications, low-temperature operation capability, and ability to deep clean and seal the engine.

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 120758 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil:

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 120758 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is another preferable option for the 7.3 Powerstroke because of its being the best sub-freezing climate oil, its fuel efficiency, and great engine performance.

Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 10W-30 Diesel Engine Oil:

Due to its excellent lubrication additives, it is specifically recommended by major automotive manufacturers such as Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, and Volvo. It has good fuel efficiency and is particularly resistant to higher temperatures.

Final Thoughts 

A 7.3 powerstroke engine needs 15–17 quarts of oil. This amount will vary based on the weather and other mechanical aspects of your vehicle’s engine. Choose the best oil for your 7.3 Powerstroke from the several alternatives available on the market after discussing it with an experienced mechanic.