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Best Oil for 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel Engines

August 15, 2025

Motor oil is one of many vital fluids necessary for gasoline and diesel power plants to function properly. 

The guide below introduces five options for the best oil for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines to educate Ford diesel truck owners on high-quality lubricants they can use to protect engine performance and longevity. 

Why Is Oil Vital to 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel Engines?

Passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and commercial vehicles alike rely on motor oil to lubricate and cool key internal engine components, remove contaminants, protect against corrosion, and support expected fuel efficiency ratings. 

Ford’s 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines must have high-quality oil to function properly, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads. 

Improper lubrication can lead to catastrophic engine component failure, and using a different type of oil than the one recommended by the manufacturer can void the warranty. 

Key Features of Oil for 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel Engines

The best oil for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines must be compatible with the manufacturer’s recommendations, exhibit the proper viscosity given the operating conditions, and contain key additives to support engine health. 

Synthetic motor oils, especially those approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API), also help support key diesel engine functionality and longevity. Below, explore the characteristics common among the best oils for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines. 

Viscosity

Standard viscosity ratings for the best motor oils used in 6.7 Powerstroke engines include 10W-30 and 15W-40. The latter is slightly thicker, so it can lubricate the Ford diesel engine in slightly colder temperatures than the 10W-30. However, 5W-40 and 0W-40 excel at promoting quicker cold starts in severe cold weather conditions. 

Compatibility

Ford recommends using engine oil that meets or exceeds the WSS-M2C171-F1 specification. The brand’s Motorcraft lineup meets these specifications for use in all Ford vehicles. Note that all the oils listed below meet this industry specification. 

Additives

The additives found in diesel engine oil prevent oxidation, sludge formation, and corrosion. They also feature higher detergent levels, foam inhibitors, and dispersants. 

Carbon soot is a common problem among diesel engines, so the additive packages are formulated accordingly. For example, detergents and dispersants both help fight soot. 

Formulation

Given the work most diesel-powered vehicles perform, opting for synthetic or even a synthetic blend oil over a conventional variant can help extend longevity and increase performance. A higher-quality oil helps reduce engine wear and can even improve fuel economy. 

Classification

The API sets the performance standards for motor oils classified as CJ-4 or CK-4 for use in diesel power plants. 

CJ-4 classified engine oils meet 2010 emissions standards, while those classified under CK-4 meet emissions standards as updated in 2017. CJ-4 and CK-4 are the API’s two most recent classifications for diesel motor oils. 

Top 5 Best 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel Engine Oil

Many industry leaders produce the best oil for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines, including Valvoline, Chevron, and Shell. Explore the top choices in oil for these workhorse power plants below. 

1. Ford Motorcraft SAE 15W-40

Ford developed the Motorcraft oil product line to serve its many power plants, including the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine. Sold at a lower price point than full synthetic, this all-season engine oil is produced in the USA. 

With a proprietary additive package that offers improved fuel economy and exhaust system protection, it’s an OEM-approved choice that supports the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine’s performance. 

2. Shell Rotella T6 5W-40

Appearing on the list of Ford-approved motor oils for the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine is the Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 variant. 

Ideal for colder conditions where engine oil must remain fluid to function properly, the fully synthetic 5W-40 variant contains an additive package complete with oxidation inhibitors and detergents. It’s also approved to enhance fuel economy and function with modern exhaust control systems. 

3. Ford Motorcraft SAE 5W-40

If you prefer to stick with the manufacturer-recommended engine oil, Ford also produces a Motorcraft oil in 5W-40. 

Again, this oil performs well in colder climates, offering full protection with its fully synthetic formulation. It contains the same properties as the previous Motorcraft oil we discussed, just paired with a different viscosity. 

4. Chevron Delo 400 SDE SAE 15W-40

Chevron Delo 400 SDE SAE 15W-40 is another standard option for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine drivers. This semi-synthetic blend works to reduce engine wear and improve fuel economy in both modern and older diesel engines. 

In addition to reducing engine wear, this professional-grade motor meets API’s CJ-4 standards. 

5. Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40

If you demand more from your 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine, the Valvoline Premium Blue SAE 15W-40 is uniquely suited to high-performance engines. 

This motor oil features an extended oil change period, oxidation inhibitors, and detergents to remove contaminants before they can wreak havoc on internal diesel engine components. It, too, is also made in the United States. 

How To Extend the Oil Life of Your 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel Engine

The best oil for 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines contributes significantly to the vehicle’s continued performance. 

In addition, upgrading the engine oil cooler can also help extend the life of your diesel engine by regulating the oil temperature for optimal function. Trucks that often see extreme conditions or tow heavy loads typically benefit the most from an upgraded engine oil cooler, especially as it prevents overheating and loss of additive efficacy. 

Quality Matters in Essential Vehicle Protection

Diesel power plants, especially the 6.7 Powerstroke engines found in Ford’s F-Series lineup, demand more of the lubricants necessary to protect critical internal engine components from wear. 

Source superior motor oil from reliable suppliers like Cadence to ensure your diesel engines run for thousands more miles to come. Call us at 336-629-2061 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members about your diesel motor oil needs. 

Sources:

DIESEL MOTOR OILS MEETING FORD WSS-M2C171-F1

Oil Categories | API

WHICH OIL IS RIGHT FOR YOU? | American Petroleum Institute

Petroleum Oils | US EPA

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