What oil does a 2008 Ford E350 Van 6.0L Diesel take?
The 2008 Ford E350 Van with the 6.0L 8-cylinder Engine Code [P] P Diesel Turbo requires an oil capacity of 14.9 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 15W-40 for temperatures above -1°C, or 10W-30 for operating temperatures between -23°C and 32°C. AMSOIL recommends Signature Series 15W-40 or Heavy-Duty 15W-40 for optimal protection.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your Ford E350, here are the recommended fluids and filters to maintain your diesel engine and drivetrain.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series 15W-40 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil | DMEQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 15W-40 Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | ADPQT-EA |
Oil Filter Options
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter [1] | EA15K88-EA |
| AMSOIL SDF88 Oil Filter | SDF88-EA |
Coolant & Transmission Fluids
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Proper lubrication is critical for the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine to manage high thermal loads and pressure requirements.
Oil Viscosity Guide
| Temperature Range | Viscosity |
|---|---|
| Below -18°C | 0W-30 |
| Below -1°C | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| -23°C to 32°C | 10W-30 (Preferred if operating between -20°C and -1°C) |
| Above -12°C | 15W-40 (Preferred if operating above -1°C) |
Note: Ford TSB 05-16-6 states these viscosities are acceptable in the indicated ranges.
Oil Capacity & Torque Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity (with filter) | 14.9 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 32 ft/lbs |
Important OEM Note: The AMSOIL lookup note references Ford Material Engineering Specification WSS-M2C171-F1. Ford recommends this specification over CK-4 for older diesel engines like the 6.0L to provide additional wear protection.
Transmission Fluid Requirements
The 2008 E350 uses a Torqshift automatic transmission requiring specific fluid types for proper operation and longevity.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 5R110W |
| Required Fluid | Mercon LV |
| Total Fill Capacity | 18.7 quarts |
| Initial Fill Capacity | 7.4 quarts |
Note: Per Ford Special Service Message 21114, all 2004-2008 E-series vehicles with Torqshift transmissions should be serviced with Mercon LV fluid in place of Mercon SP. Mixing Mercon LV and Mercon SP is acceptable.
Coolant Specifications
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for diesel engines to prevent overheating during heavy hauling.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| With RR Heater | 26 quarts |
| Without RR Heater | 24.4 quarts |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Check: Always check the oil level after refilling following an oil change.
- Filter Fitment: The AMSOIL SDF88 filter is designed specifically for Ford 6.0/6.4L diesel engines and replaces Ford FL2016, Donaldson P550528, and WIX 57312.
- Air Filter: No specific air filter recommendations are available from the source data.
- Oil Vapor Filter: No specific oil vapor filter recommendations are available from the source data.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | Diesel engines face high pressure and friction. | DMEQT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Requires proper service intervals. |
| Contaminants | Soot and small particles can cause abrasion. | EA15K88-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced regularly. |
| Extreme Temperatures | Cold starts or high heat can stress components. | ADPQT-EA | Excels in extreme temperatures. | Viscosity must match ambient temp. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel often focus on several key areas to ensure longevity:
- High-Pressure Oil Systems: Maintaining proper oil quality is essential for hydraulic components.
- EGR Components: Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems can be prone to carbon buildup.
- Turbocharger Health: Ensuring adequate lubrication and cooling for the turbocharger.
- Cooling Management: Robust cooling management is necessary due to the high-stress nature of diesel turbo engines in van configurations.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 2008 Ford E350 Van returned no recall records at the time of this report. However, owners should always verify open recalls by VIN as applicability depends on production date and specific equipment. Regarding transmission service, Ford Special Service Message 21114 provides critical guidance on using Mercon LV fluid for Torqshift transmissions.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Ford E350 is a member of the Ford E-Series family, also known as the Econoline or Club Wagon. This model year features the 6.0L diesel turbo variant, which falls under the Power Stroke diesel category. The E-Series has historically been a staple in both retail and commercial markets due to its versatility in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.
This specific powertrain is distinct from the Ford Modular gasoline engine family (such as the Triton V8 or V10) commonly found in other E-Series vehicles. Because diesel engines have unique thermal and filtration needs, maintenance should focus on fuel system integrity, turbocharger health, and robust cooling management. Typical use cases for this vehicle include heavy-duty commercial hauling, towing, or specialized utility work.
Note: Owners should verify exact engine specifications and cooling system requirements through official service manuals, as diesel engines have distinct needs compared to gasoline counterparts.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 6.0L Ford E350 take?
It takes 14.9 quarts of engine oil when performing a service that includes the oil filter.
What is the preferred viscosity for summer driving?
For operating temperatures above -1°C (31°F), SAE 15W-40 is the preferred viscosity according to Ford TSB 05-16-6.
Can I use Mercon SP in my transmission?
The AMSOIL lookup note references Ford Special Service Message 21114, which states that Torqshift automatic transmissions should be serviced with Mercon LV fluid instead of Mercon SP. Mixing the two is acceptable.
Does AMSOIL offer a filter specifically for the 6.0L diesel?
Yes, the AMSOIL SDF88 oil filter (SDF88-EA) is designed specifically for Ford 6.0/6.4L diesel engines.
What should I do if I am towing heavy loads?
For high-stress applications like heavy towing, AMSOIL recommends using high-quality synthetic oils like the Signature Series to provide extreme-pressure protection and maintain viscosity.
How can I check for open recalls on my van?
Owners should verify open recalls by checking their specific VIN through official Ford or NHTSA channels, as recall applicability depends on production date and trim.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on available source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified mechanic to confirm specifications before performing maintenance.