What oil does a 2008 Ford F-450 6.4L Diesel take?
For the 2008 Ford F-450 equipped with the 6.4L 8-cylinder Engine Code [R] R Diesel Turbo, the required oil capacity is 15 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 10W-30 for temperatures between -18 to 10°C, and 5W-40 or 15W-40 for heavy-duty driving and trailer towing. AMSOIL recommends the Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil for superior protection.
AMSOIL product recommendations
The following AMSOIL products are recommended for your 2008 Ford F-450 6.4L diesel engine based on available application data.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 10W-30 / 5W-40 | DTTQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 5W-40 | DEOQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil | 10W-30 | ADNQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil | 5W-40 | ADOQT-EA |
Oil Filter Options
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter [1] | EA15K88-EA |
| WIX XP Oil Filter | 57312XP-EA |
| AMSOIL SDF88 Oil Filter | SDF88-EA |
Other Essential Fluids & Filters
| Component | AMSOIL Product | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | Donaldson P-Series Heavy Duty | P613522-EA |
| Coolant (Pre-mix) | Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant (Concentrate) | Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | ANT1G-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Proper lubrication is vital for the 6.4L Power Stroke engine to manage high-stress duty cycles and heavy hauling requirements.
Oil Viscosity Guide
| Temperature Range | Recommended Viscosity |
|---|---|
| Below 10°C | 0W-30, 0W-40 |
| -18 to 10°C | 10W-30 |
| Above -29°C | 5W-40 (Use 5W-40 or 15W-40 for heavy duty/towing) |
| Above -7°C | 15W-40 (Use 5W-40 or 15W-40 for heavy duty/towing) |
Oil Capacity & Torque Specs
- Capacity: 15 quarts (with filter). Always check oil level after refill.
- Oil Drain Plug Torque: 32 ft/lbs
OEM Specification Notes
The AMSOIL lookup note references Ford Material Engineering Specification WSS-M2C171-F1 for this application. Note that Ford superseded the original recommendation of WSS-M2C171-D with WSS-M2C171-F1. Ford has indicated that testing on some CK-4 type formulations showed inadequate wear protection compared to earlier CJ-4 formulations, leading them to include additional requirements in the WSS-M2C171-F1 specification for engines including the 6.4L.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines operating under heavy loads face unique lubrication challenges. The following table outlines common concerns and how specific AMSOIL products are designed to assist.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-Duty Towing | Increases engine heat and oil stress. | Signature Series 5W-40 | Maintains proper viscosity under high loads. | Requires regular monitoring. |
| Engine Wear | High pressure in diesel systems causes friction. | Signature Series Diesel Oil | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Not a substitute for maintenance. |
| Contaminant Loading | Soot and small particles can degrade oil. | AMSOIL Oil Filter [1] | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Must be changed per interval. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Owners of the 6.4L Power Stroke should prioritize high-pressure common rail system integrity and turbocharger health. Because these trucks are often used for intensive towing or construction, maintaining oil viscosity and filter efficiency is critical to managing soot loading and heat.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA Recall Research: One recall record was found for the 2008 Ford F-450 regarding Trailer Hitches (Campaign 08V344000). Knapheide reported insufficient welds on certain Pro Series truck beds equipped with an ICC bumper, which could result in the hitch being pulled off the vehicle. Owners should contact Knapheide or a dealer to verify if their vehicle is affected.
Note: Official recall/TSB research was limited to the provided data. Always verify open recalls by VIN through the NHTSA website or your local Ford dealership.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Ford F-450 is a high-capacity pickup truck within the Ford Super Duty series. Positioned above the F-250 and F-350 models, it is engineered with dedicated chassis components to handle extreme work requirements, providing significantly higher payload and towing capacities than consumer-oriented trucks.
A defining characteristic of this vehicle is its powertrain: the Ford Power Stroke diesel engine. The 6.4L V8 diesel engine is a staple for those requiring high torque for heavy hauling, agricultural work, or commercial transport. Because these vehicles are often subjected to high-stress duty cycles, maintenance—specifically regarding fuel system integrity and cooling system health—is a critical aspect of ownership.
Owners should note that specific technical details regarding the ‘R’ engine code performance outputs may vary; it is recommended to verify exact sensor tolerances and torque specifications using a dedicated service manual for the 6.4L Power Stroke platform.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2008 F-450 6.4L take?
The engine requires 15 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the oil filter change.
What is the correct oil viscosity for towing with an F-450?
For heavy-duty driving and trailer towing, the AMSOIL lookup recommends using either 5W-40 or 15W-40.
Can I use CK-4 oil in my 2008 Ford diesel?
The AMSOIL lookup notes that Ford recommends motor oils meeting specification WSS-M2C171-F1. Ford has noted that some CK-4 formulations may not provide the same wear protection as previous formulations for these older diesel engines.
What oil filter is designed specifically for the 6.4L engine?
The AMSOIL SDF88 Oil Filter is designed specifically for Ford 6.0/6.4L diesel engines and replaces Ford FL2016.
How often should I change my coolant?
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 32 ft/lbs.
Disclaimer: All information is sourced from provided manufacturer and research data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified professional before performing maintenance.