What oil does a 2008 Ford F-550 6.4L Power Stroke take?
The 2008 Ford F-550 with the 6.4L 8-cylinder Engine Code R Diesel Turbo requires an oil capacity of 15 quarts (including the filter). Recommended viscosities depend on ambient temperature: 0W-30 or 0W-40 for temperatures below 10°C; 10W-30 for -18 to 10°C; and 5W-40 or 15W-40 for temperatures above -29°C. For heavy-duty driving and trailer towing, 5W-40 or 15W-40 must be used.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your 2008 Ford F-550 6.4L diesel engine to support performance and longevity.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 10W-30 | 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 | Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | Donaldson P-Series Heavy Duty | P613522-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | ANT1G-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications and Details
Proper lubrication is critical for the 6.4L Power Stroke engine, especially under heavy loads. Always verify your specific operating temperature to select the correct viscosity.
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) |
Maintenance Specifications
- Oil Capacity: 15 quarts with filter. Check oil level after refill.
- Oil Drain Plug Torque: 32 ft/lbs.
- OEM Specification Note: The AMSOIL lookup note references Ford Material Engineering Specification WSS-M2C171-F1. Ford recommends this specification over CK-4 for the 6.4L engine to provide additional wear protection.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines operating in commercial or heavy-duty capacities face unique lubrication challenges.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-Duty Towing | Increases engine heat and stress. | Signature Series 5W-40 DEOQT-EA | Maintains proper viscosity under high heat. | Requires regular monitoring. |
| Engine Wear | Soot and contaminants can cause abrasion. | Signature Series 10W-30 DTTQT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Not a repair for existing damage. |
| Contamination | Small particles can bypass standard filters. | AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K88-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Must be changed per interval. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
For the 6.4L Power Stroke, maintaining strict service intervals is critical due to high-stress duty cycles. Owners should focus on fuel system integrity, turbocharger health, and heavy-duty cooling requirements. Always check oil levels after every refill to ensure no consumption issues are present.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA Recall Information: One recall record was identified for the 2008 Ford F-550 regarding trailer hitches (Campaign 08V344000). Knapheide recalled certain Pro Series truck beds with ICC bumpers due to insufficient welds on the hitch channel, which could lead to the hitch being pulled off. Owners should contact Knapheide at 1-877-473-5763 or verify their specific VIN through official Ford channels.
Note: Official TSB research was not included in this draft; please verify current recalls by VIN with a certified dealer.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Ford F-550 is a prominent member of the Ford Super Duty series, engineered as a medium-duty chassis cab rather than an adaptation of lighter consumer models like the F-150. This distinction makes it a specialized tool for high-capacity vocational work, including use with flatbeds, service bodies, or towing equipment.
This specific configuration is powered by the 6.4L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine, part of the broader Ford Power Stroke family known for delivering the high torque necessary for heavy-duty operations. Because these vehicles are often utilized in commercial applications with significant payload and towing requirements, they are subject to high-stress duty cycles. Maintenance focus for owners typically centers on managing the demands of a diesel powertrain, including cooling system maintenance and turbocharger protection. As a medium-duty variant, maintaining strict service intervals is essential for ensuring long-term reliability under heavy loads.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2008 F-550 6.4L take?
It takes 15 quarts of engine oil when performing a service that includes the filter replacement.
What is the correct oil viscosity for towing?
For heavy-duty driving and trailer towing, the AMSOIL lookup recommends using either 5W-40 or 15W-40.
Does my Ford F-550 require a specific oil specification?
The AMSOIL lookup note references Ford Material Engineering Specification WSS-M2C171-F1 for this application, which Ford recommends for the 6.4L engine.
What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 32 ft/lbs.
Can I use standard CK-4 oil in my 2008 F-550?
The AMSOIL lookup notes that Ford recommends meeting the WSS-M2C171-F1 specification, noting that some CK-4 formulations may have shown inadequate wear protection compared to earlier CJ-4 formulations.
How often should I change my coolant?
While specific intervals vary by use, AMSOIL products like the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offer protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in light trucks, and up to 8 years or 1,000,000 miles in heavy-duty applications.
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from manufacturer technical data and AMSOIL lookup tools. Always consult your owner’s manual and verify all maintenance procedures with a certified professional.