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Complete 6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule & Parts

6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Guide

Guide to Maintaining a Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel (2008-2010 SuperDuty)

The 6.4L Powerstroke gets a bad reputation for experiencing a lot of problems. Stricter emissions standards from the government required Ford and International Navistar to introduce new devices to lower overall emissions output. While the 6.4L Powerstroke was the cleanest and most eco-friendly Powerstroke to date in 2008-2010, these emission systems seriously impacted reliability. Not all 6.4 Powerstroke problems stem from emissions though. There are also design flaws and poor parts that frequently fail on these trucks. You don’t have to admit defeat to these problems however. Following a strict 6.4L Powerstroke maintenance schedule can dramatically reduce the amount of problems.

Following Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule for the 6.4L Powerstroke isn’t good enough. If you want your 6.4 to hold up better, you need to perform maintenance more frequently. I understand this can be inconvenient, or even expensive. It’ll save you money and frustration in the long run though. You’ll thank me later.

6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals
Lifted 6.4L Powerstroke Gallery Submission

6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule

Below you’ll find 6.4L Powerstroke maintenance intervals for normal operating conditions and severe operating conditions. Normally, severe maintenance schedules only have to be followed if you tow heavy loads, idle, or drive in heavy traffic frequently. USE THE SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE REGARDLESS. If you use the maintenance schedule for normal operating conditions you will experience many more problems down the road. I actually recommend using some service intervals that are more frequent than even the severe operating conditions intervals from Ford.

Normal Operating Conditions Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance/ServiceMilesKilometers
Change Oil10,000 miles16,000 km
Replace Oil
Filter
10,000 miles16,000 km
Change Fuel
Filter(s)
20,000 miles; Replace both
fuel filters
32,000 km
Drain Fuel-Water
Separator
Drain when water in fuel
dash light comes on; when approx.
.13-.16 water accumulates. Also
drain at regular service intervals
See Box
to the left
Replace Air
Filter
Check air filter restriction gauge.
When gauge reads near
“Change Filter”, replace air filter
See Box to
the left
Flush Cooling
System
100,000 miles or 6
years for initial service;
then 50,000 mile intervals
160,000 km;
Km
intervals
Check Coolant
Nitrate Level
20,000 miles or 800 hours32,000 km
or 800 hours
Replace Auto
Transmission
Fluid
30,000 miles48,000 km
Change Manual
Transmission
Fluid
100,000 miles160,000 km
Change
transmission filter
30,000 miles48,000 km
Replace Transfer
Case Fluid
150,000 miles240,000 km
Replace Rear
Differential Fluid
F-450 & F-550: 50,000 miles
F-250 & F-350: 150,000 miles
80,000 km
240,000 km
Replace Front
Differential Fluid
150,000 miles240,000 km

Severe Operating Conditions Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance/ServiceMilesKilometers
Change Oil5,000 miles8,000 km
Change Oil
Filter
5,000 miles8,000 km
Change Fuel
Filter
10,000 miles16,000 km
Drain Fuel-Water
Separator
At least once a
month
See Box to
the left
Replace Air
Filter
Check air filter restriction gauge.
When gauge reads near
“Change Filter”, replace air filter
See Box to
the left
Flush Cooling
System
Every 50-60,000 miles80,000 km
Check Coolant
Nitrate Level
Every 20,000 miles or 800
hours
32,000 km
Replace Transmission
Fluid
30,000 miles48,000 km
Change
transmission filter
30,000 miles48,000 km
Replace Transfer
Case Fluid
60,000 miles96,000 km
Replace Rear
Differential Fluid
50,000 miles80,000 km
Replace Front
Differential Fluid
50,000 miles80,000 km

Things You Should Do & Check Every Time You Service Your 6.4L Powerstroke

Even if you’re only due for an oil change, it’s a good idea to check on some crucial components. By being vigiliant, you can usually catch problems early. It could save you a lot of money down the road!

  • Always drain the Fuel-Water separator.
  • Check Coolant Levels & Nitrate Level. (Add Coolant and Additive if necessary)
  • Keep an eye out for leaks.
  • Take a look at the engine air filter restriction gauge. Change engine air filter if necessary.
  • Keep track of how much oil you are draining during an oil change. (Oil Dilution)
  • Check all Dipsticks and make sure all fluids are topped off.

Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Parts & Fluids

If you want your 6.4L Powerstroke to last, you need to invest in quality OEM maintenance parts and fluids. That means Ford or Motorcraft OEM filters, oil, and coolant/anti-freeze. All the parts you need to maintain your 2008-2010 Ford Superduty with the 6.4L Powerstroke engine is listed below in this chart. If you click on the part numbers, you’ll be taken to the product’s specific page on Amazon.

Part TypePart #
Engine Oil15W40:
Motorcraft 15W-40
Shell Rotella 15W-40 T5
Engine Oil FilterFL-2016
Engine Oil Filler CapEC-743
Fuel FilterComplete Filter Kit: FD-4617
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugFord 8C3Z-6730-A 
Fumoto F-111
Engine Air FilterFA-1886
Serpentine BeltSingle Alternator: JK8872E
Dual HD Alternator: JK6401C
BatteryBXT-65-750
Engine CoolantMotorCraft Gold
Concentrated: Motorcraft VC-7
Prediluted: Motorcraft VC7DILB
Coolant AdditiveMotorcraft VC-8
Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Motorcraft Mercon SP
Manual Transmission FluidMotorcraft Mercon V ATF
External Transmission
Filter
FT-145
Internal Transmission
Filter
Ford 8C3Z-7A098-D
Motorcraft FT-180
Power Steering Fluid Motorcraft Mercon V ATF
Transfer Case FluidMotorcraft Mercon V ATF
Front Differential FluidSAE 80W-90
Rear Differential Fluid10.50″ Axle: SAE 75W-140
Dana M80 Axle: SAE 75W-90
Dana S110 Axle: SAE 75W-140
Dana S130 Axle: SAE 75W-140

More 6.4L Powerstroke Resources

Consider reading some of our other 6.4L Powerstroke resources at one of the links below!

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ABOUT Kamil

Founder of Diesel Resource and a complete diesel head. Has a little bit of problem buying too many trucks. Learn more about him by checking out his truck.