6.7 Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule – 2021 Guide

| Last Updated: April 2, 2021

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A well-maintained 6.7 Powerstroke will pay you back by being a powerful and reliable workhorse.

However, maintenance can get confusing, especially on the 6.7L Powerstroke and it's differing model years.

But not to worry, we're here to help you understand the subtle changes Ford made to the 6.7 Powerstroke and figure out the correct maintenance schedule.

Photo credit: dieseltechmag.com

6.7 Powerstroke Routine Maintenance Intervals

An oil change interval varies greatly depending on four main factors: fuel, operating temperature, driving conditions, and abuse of the truck. Once an oil change is due, there's an extra step that needs to be taken care of on the 6.7 Powerstroke; resetting the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. 

After that, an inspection of key truck components is crucial. A regular oil change isn't the only thing that will keep your truck running well. Once you reach a milestone, we invite you to come back to the article and replace the advised parts.

6.7 Powerstroke Oil Change Intervals

Driving conditions

Explanation

Change Every...

Normal

Normal commuting with highway driving

No, or moderate, load or towing

Flat to moderately hilly roads

No extended idling

7500-10000mi

Severe

Moderate to heavy load or towing

Mountainous or off-road conditions

Extended idling, 200-300 hours

Extended hot or cold operation

5000-7500mi

Extreme

Maximum load or towing

Extreme hot or cold operation

Use of high sulfur diesel fuel

2500-5000mi

6.7 Powerstroke Oil Change Reset 

Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes with the following steps: 

'11-15 Powerstroke Steps

  1. Turn the key to the 'on' position and allow the computer to stabilize.

  2. Use the keypad and navigate to the settings.

  3. Scroll down through the settings options to 'vehicle' and click the 'Ok' button.

  4. Scroll down until you find the 'Oil Life Reset' option and click 'Ok'.

  5. Hold down the 'Ok' button to reset the oil life to 100%.

If you need visual instructions, check out the video below!

'17+ Powerstroke Steps

  1. Turn your Powerstroke to the 'on' position and go to the main menu.

  2. Using the buttons located on the keypad go to the 'Settings' and then to the 'Advanced Settings'.

  3. Go into the 'Vehicle' option and look for 'Oil Life Reset'.

  4. Enter the 'Oil Life Reset' option and hold down the 'Ok' button on the keypad to reset the oil life back to 100%.

Check out the video below if you need visual help!

To Be Done At Every Oil Change Interval

  • Change the engine oil and filter.

  • Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary or if indicated by the information display.

  • Refill the diesel exhaust fluid tank.

  • Rotate the tires, inspect the tires for wear, and measure tread depth.

  • Inspect the air filter restriction gauge. Replace the filter if necessary.

  • Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level.

  • Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses, and parking brake.

  • Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant concentration freeze-point protection, level, and hoses.

  • Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.

  • Inspect the front axle and U-joints. Lubricate any grease fittings.

  • Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft, and U-joints. Lubricate any grease fittings.

6.7 Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule Milestones

Every 20,000mi


  • Replace the cabin air filter.

Every 30,000mi


  • Replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

  • Inspect the engine and secondary cooling system coolant concentration freeze-point protection, additive corrosion inhibitor strength, coolant level, and hoses. Add coolant additive if necessary.

Every 45,000mi


  • Replace the air inlet foam filter.

Every 60,000mi


  • Replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seal if using non-sealed bearings.

Every 90,000mi


  • Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.

Every 100,000mi

  • Change the crankcase ventilation filter element if equipped. (Dual rear wheel and incomplete chassis configurations only.)

  • Change the engine and secondary cooling system coolant.

Every 150,000mi

  • Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.

  • Replace the accessory drive belt or belts if not replaced within the last 100,000 mi

  • Replace the front wheel bearings and seals if using non-sealed bearings.

  • Change axle(s) fluid.

  • Change transfer case fluid.

6.7 Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule Milestones: Special Use Cases

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier

Inspect tires frequently for wear and tear, and also measure tread depth. It's advisable to rotate the tires. You can swap front and back tires if the back tires are more worn out than the front ones. 

Follow the "Severe" driving conditions oil change intervals chart above. Change the diff/transfer case fluids if you've towed a trailer with an outside temperature above 70F or in case you suspect a leak.

Every 15,000 miles, replace the frame-mounted and engine-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 miles, you should replace the front wheel bearing grease and grease seals if your truck uses non-sealed bearings. Inspect the engine and the secondary cooling system coolant concentration and additive strength. Top off the coolant additive if it's necessary.

Every 60,000 miles, you should flush the entire cooling system and refill the coolant.

Frequent or Extended Idling (Over 10 Minutes Per Hour of Normal Driving) or Frequent Low-speed Operation if your Vehicle is Used for Stationary Operation

Change the engine oil and the oil filter by following the oil change interval chart for 'Severe' driving conditions.

Every 15,000 miles, replace the frame-mounted and the engine-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 miles, inspect the engine and the secondary cooling system coolant concentration and the additive's strength. Fill up the coolant additive as necessary, but make sure not to exceed the maximum of 50 fl. oz. for the engine and the 20 fl. oz. for the secondary system.

Every 60,000 miles, flush the entire cooling system and refill it with a new coolant mixture. After the initial coolant flush, it's advised to repeat the entire process every 45,000 miles.

Frequent Low-speed Operation, Consistent Heavy Traffic Under 25 mph (40 km/h) or Long Rush-hour Traffic

Change the engine oil and the filter every 5000-7500 miles. Perform the services we advised to be done at every oil change interval.

Every 15,000 miles, replace the fuel filters mounted on the engine and the frame.

Every 30,000 miles, inspect the coolant concentration and the additive strength of the engine, as well as the secondary cooling system. As necessary, fill up on the coolant but do not exceed the maximum (50 fl. oz. for the engine, 20 fl. oz. for the secondary cooling system).

Every 60,000 miles, flush the coolant and refill it with a new coolant. After the first flush, repeat the same process every 45,000 miles.

Sustained High-speed Driving at Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Maximum Loaded Weight for Vehicle Operation)

Change the oil and the filter every 2500-5000 miles, following the oil change interval for extreme conditions.

Every 15,000 miles, it is advised to replace the engine and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 miles, replace the grease in the wheel bearings and the non-sealed bearings. Inspect the coolant in the cooling systems for concentration and strength. Fill up the systems with an additive as necessary, but do not exceed the maximum.

Every 60,000 miles, flush the coolants from the cooling systems and refill the engine, as well as the secondary system. After the initial flush, repeat the same process every 45,000 miles.

Operating in Sustained Ambient Temperatures Below -9°F (-23°C) or Above 100°F (38°C)

Every 2500-5000 miles, you should change your oil and the oil filter because high and low ambient temperatures are considered extreme driving conditions.

Every 15,000 miles, you should replace the fuel filters mounted on the engine and the frame.

Every 30,000 miles, replace the grease in the wheel and the grease seals on non-sealed bearings.

For the rest of the milestones follow the chart above.

Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions (Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads)

Every 7,500 miles, rotate the tires and inspect them for wear while measuring tread depth. Inspect the brake pads and the rotors. In dusty conditions, it's important to inspect the air filter restriction gauge and replace the filter as soon as it's necessary.

Lubricate grease fittings and check the steering and the suspension ball joints, as well as the tie rods. Inspect and lubricate the U-joints if it's necessary. Lastly, replace the engine oil and the oil filter. Once that's done, reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor.

Every 15,000 miles, check and replace the engine-mounted and frame-mounted fuel filters.

Every 30,000 miles, replace the wheel bearing grease, as well as the grease seals.

Off-Road Operation

It's important to check the holes on the exhaust tips and holes under the shield inboard of the right tire. Clean the holes and rid them of dirt, debris, etc. Other than that, lubricate grease fittings and check tie rods, as well as steering ball joints and suspension ball joints.

Every 7,000 miles, inspect the tires and rotate them if necessary. Inspect the brake system, especially the brake pads and rotors. Replace the air filter if it's necessary, and lastly, change the oil. After the oil change, reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor.

Every 15,000 miles, check the fuel filters mounted on the frame and the engine and replace them.

Every 30,000 miles, replace the air inlet foam filter and replace the grease in wheel bearings and non-sealed bearings.

Every 50,000 miles, change the fluid in the rear axle. For four-wheel-drive trucks, change the transfer case fluid and inspect the front axle fluid.

Using Biodiesel, up to and Including 20% Biodiesel (B20)

Every 7,500 miles, change the oil, as well as the oil filter. Follow the regular milestones listed in the chart above and service your truck as necessary.

Every 15,000 miles, you should change the fuel filters mounted on the frame and the engine.

Conclusion

The 6.7 Powerstroke might take a bit more maintenance than a regular vehicle, but considering the utility that the truck provides, that shouldn't be an issue. It's essential to follow the maintenance schedule regularly if you want your truck to run well for a long time. If you ever need help with your 6.7 Powerstroke maintenance schedule, refer back here!

People Also Ask

These are the most common questions we get about 6.7 Powerstroke’s maintenance schedule; Hopefully, you find them useful!

What is a Normal Oil Temp For 6.7 Powerstroke?

The regular oil temperature for the 6.7 Powerstroke is 199F. The oil temperature will be higher under different conditions, such as off-roading or towing. Your 6.7 Powerstroke engine oil temperature should not be higher than 240F.

How Often to Change Fuel Filter on 6.7 Powerstroke?

The fuel filter should be changed every 15,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. That is advised by Ford.

How Many Gallons of Coolant Does a 6.7 Powerstroke Hold?

The 6.7 Powerstroke can hold up to 35 quarts. The 2011-2016 models require less coolant mixture, up to 30.3 quarts, while the 2017+ models hold a few more quarts of coolant, 30-35 quarts.

How to Prime Fuel Filter On 6.7 Powerstroke?

To prime the fuel filter, fill the reservoir with diesel fuel before you begin.

Turn the ignition key to the 'run' position, the position just before cranking the starter. You should be able to hear the fuel pump engage and shut off. Once it shuts off, turn the key into the 'off' position. Repeat the process 4-5 times and turn on the truck. 

Note: Do not crank the truck for more than 10 seconds.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.