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3.0L Powerstroke Specs

Up until 2018, the Powerstroke engine was only found on heavy duty Ford F-series pickup trucks. That all changed in 2018, however, when the 3.0L Powerstroke diesel engine joined the F-150 line-up. While Ford already had their 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines that provided decent fuel economy, they still couldn’t match the mpgs of Ram’s EcoDiesel. This engine leveled the playing field, offering F-150 owners up to 30 miles per gallon in fuel economy and a max tow capacity of 11,400 pounds. The 3.0L Powerstroke diesel engine also offers the robustness and durability of a diesel engine, allowing it to provide impressive performance specs for longer durations of time.

The 3.0L Powerstroke engine is similar to the Ford Lion engine found on many SUVs overseas like the Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery. While they are similar, numerous changes were made to meet the needs of F-150 owners in the United States. Examples include a new CGI, or compacted graphite iron block for strength and weight reduction. This F-150 powertrain option also has a unique intake system, emissions systems, and even the fuel system is different. Some of the same internal components are used, however, many of them were strengthened to provide the durability Ford engineers were looking for.

3.0L Powerstroke Performance

There are many components that are responsible for the F-150’s 3.0L Powerstroke performance specs. At 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, this new Powerstroke engine definitely impresses from a mere numbers standpoint, but how about reliability? Despite being a smaller engine built for lighter loads, Ford assured that the 3.0L Powerstroke was designed in the same manner as the bigger 6.7L Engine used in the Superduty trucks. The same Ford powertrain team responsible for building the robust 6.7L Powerstroke, built and engineered this 3.0L Powerstroke engine. Durability wasn’t their only concern though, NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness is also something that consumers are interested in, and engineers had to deliver on this aspect too if they wanted the 3.0L Powerstroke to be a hit.

Engine Design

The 3 liter Powerstroke is a six-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that uses direct fuel injection from a high pressure common rail fuel system supplied by Bosch. The engine block is CGI or compacted graphite iron that is tougher and lighter than most other materials. Cast aluminum cylinder heads and pistons are used, along with a forged steel crankshaft. This engine also uses a DOHC, or Dual Overhead Camshaft design.

Key Components

Key components of this “mini” Powerstroke engine include a Honeywell variable geometry turbocharger and Bosch high-pressure common rail fuel injection. The Honeywell VGT turbo is electronically actuated, and was built specifically for the F-150 3.0L Powerstroke. The Bosch high-pressure common rail fuel system is powered by a Bosch CP4.2 injection pump and piezoelectric injectors. These injectors are precisely calibrated to be quiet, emissions-friendly, and fuel efficient. A 10-speed automatic transmission, known as the 10R80, comes standard on F-150s with the 3.0L Powerstroke. Other key components include a mechanical driven fan, a two-stage oil pump, cast-aluminum oil pan, and dual fuel filters.

2018+ Ford F-150 Diesel Specifications

10R80 10-Speed Automatic Transmission Specs

The 3.0L Powerstroke diesel is mated to Ford’s 10-speed 10R80 Selectshift automatic transmission. For optimal performance, it selects the right gear according to demand. This is done to maximize fuel economy, extend the torque curve, and improve overall efficiency.

3.0L Powerstroke Towing

Ford’s engineers wanted to make sure the diesel F-150 didn’t just provide impressive fuel economy. After being out for a couple of years, it’s obvious the trucks are built to haul. Peak torque is reached at only 1,750 rpm and is largely maintained throughout the rpm range, making this engine perfect for towing long distances. To assist in towing in extreme conditions or high altitudes, the 3.0L Powerstroke engine uses a mechanical engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters. Unlike electrically controlled fans that have to dial down power in extreme conditions, this mechanical fan can pull significantly more air across the radiator and intercooler. When the dual radiator shutters aren’t needed, and moderate conditions are encountered, they close shut. This helps reduce parasitic engine loss and makes the F-150 more aerodynamic.

3.0L Powerstroke Tow Capacity

SuperCab Models

Crew Cab Short Bed Models

Crew Cab Long Bed Models

3.0L Powerstroke Fuel Economy

The new F-150s have a lot going for them when it comes to fuel economy. Their aluminum bodies alone offer a 700 pound weight reduction over the previous steel body paneling. A compacted graphite iron block further reduces weight. The result of these weight reductions result is greater fuel efficiency. There is a lot more that contributes to the 3.0L Powerstroke’s fuel economy numbers than just weight savings though. They utilize a highly efficient variable geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure common rail fuel injection precisely tuned for performance and fuel efficiency. Other small fuel efficiency upgrades include a dual stage oil pump and cast-aluminum oil pan. So what does the F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke offer in terms of fuel economy? In 2018, Ford estimated a whopping 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Here are EPA estimates according to the configurations listed below.

Learn More About Ford F-150 Diesel Trucks

Want to learn more about the 3.0L Powerstroke than just specs? Click on one of the links below!

• Comprehensive 3.0L Powerstroke Maintenance Guide
• Best 3.0L Powerstroke Performance Upgrades
• Common 3.0L Powerstroke Problems