Complete 6.4L Powerstroke Maintenance Schedule & Parts
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
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/Service | Miles | Kilometers |
| Change Oil | 10,000 miles | 16,000 km |
| Replace Oil Filter | 10,000 miles | 16,000 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 hours | 32,000 km or 800 hours |
| Replace Auto Transmission Fluid | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Change Manual Transmission Fluid | 100,000 miles | 160,000 km |
| Change transmission filter | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Replace Transfer Case Fluid | 150,000 miles | 240,000 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 miles | 240,000 km |
Severe Operating Conditions Maintenance Schedule
| Maintenance/Service | Miles | Kilometers |
| Change Oil | 5,000 miles | 8,000 km |
| Change Oil Filter | 5,000 miles | 8,000 km |
| Change Fuel Filter | 10,000 miles | 16,000 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 miles | 80,000 km |
| Check Coolant Nitrate Level | Every 20,000 miles or 800 hours | 32,000 km |
| Replace Transmission Fluid | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Change transmission filter | 30,000 miles | 48,000 km |
| Replace Transfer Case Fluid | 60,000 miles | 96,000 km |
| Replace Rear Differential Fluid | 50,000 miles | 80,000 km |
| Replace Front Differential Fluid | 50,000 miles | 80,000 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 Type | Part # |
| Engine Oil | 15W40: Motorcraft 15W-40 Shell Rotella 15W-40 T5 |
| Engine Oil Filter | FL-2016 |
| Engine Oil Filler Cap | EC-743 |
| Fuel Filter | Complete Filter Kit: FD-4617 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Ford 8C3Z-6730-A Fumoto F-111 |
| Engine Air Filter | FA-1886 |
| Serpentine Belt | Single Alternator: JK8872E Dual HD Alternator: JK6401C |
| Battery | BXT-65-750 |
| Engine Coolant | MotorCraft Gold Concentrated: Motorcraft VC-7 Prediluted: Motorcraft VC7DILB |
| Coolant Additive | Motorcraft VC-8 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | Motorcraft Mercon SP |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | Motorcraft 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 Fluid | Motorcraft Mercon V ATF |
| Front Differential Fluid | SAE 80W-90 |
| Rear Differential Fluid | 10.50″ 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!
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.