5 Best Oils for 6.0 Powerstroke – Guide and Review

Ford introduced the 6.0 Powerstroke back in 2003 as the go-to motor for its Super Duty range of trucks until 2007. Among its many qualities, the 6.0 was pretty advanced for its time, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger and a fairly high compression ratio, all for better throttle response. In our previous guide, we listed our top motor oil recommendations for the current 6.7 Powerstroke engine. Now, it’s the 6.0 Powerstroke’s turn. Here are some of the best motor oils you can get for your 6.0 Powerstroke engine to keep it going efficiently.

The 5 Best Oils for 6.0 Powerstroke:

1. Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – the best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke
2. Delo 400 XSP 5W-40
3. Schaeffer Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic Oil 5W-40
4. Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil
5. Motul 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Best Oil for 6.0 Powerstroke Reviews:

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REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST 

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One for the changing environments: Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil – the best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke

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The one great thing for 6.0 Powerstroke users is that there are so many different brands of oil now that are so good and held to nearly the same quality standard that it’s really is difficult to pick the right one. That being said, a majority of the users swear by one brand and that is Shell. They’re not wrong because Shell’s fully synthetic Rotella T6 has repeatedly proven to be the ideal replacement oil because of its all-round capabilities. Sure, you’re paying a little extra for the brand name but it’s worth it. It does a good job of resisting viscosity loss through shear stress and will maintain the optimal pressure of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine.

Big jump in engine smoothness and gas mileage

If it’s maximum gains in gas mileage that you are after, look no further than this fully synthetic 5W-40 oil. Over the years, users have raved about Rotella T6’s ability to noticeably improve the gas mileage of the 6.0 Powerstroke. The other big advantage of using this oil seems to be the improved engine smoothness in the way that there’s less knocking in cold weather conditions and a more linear power delivery under load. In terms of compatibility, Shell’s Rotella T6 can be used in all Powerstroke applications from the Super Duty range of trucks.

Why do we like it?

There’s an old saying in the world of automotive maintenance: ‘Changing oil regularly is cheap insurance.’  To give your truck the best insurance policy, you’d want to feed your 6.0 Powerstroke the best lubricant there is. Shell’s Rotella T6 fully synthetic oil is exactly what your truck needs to work optimally in changing conditions. The oil responds well to the difference in temperatures and metal-to-metal contact points at different speeds. All in all, it’s the ideal pick for your truck if you are after solid improvements in gas mileage and engine smoothness.

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Bang for your buck: Delo 400 XSP 5W-40  

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Chevron’s Delo 400 XSP 5W-40 synthetic oil has been around for a while although it’s been recently reformulated to work more efficiently with newer engines. That said, it’s fully fit to work with older engines like the 6.0 Powerstroke. According to Chevron, its heavy-duty motor oil is specifically formulated for on-highway vehicles such as pick-ups and vans. It’s also priced quite well considering the quality. So if you intend to go past the more expensive brands listed here and simply go for something that works well with the 6.0 Powerstroke engine, this is probably it. 

Easy on both your wallet and your engine

Chevron’s Delo 400 XSP 5W-40 is known to be a decent soot dispersant (it enhances the separation of particles). It also comes with good wear control to protect the cylinders, pistons, and valve train components against corrosion and general wear. This, in turn, keeps maintenance costs lower. Now even though Chevron says it’s proven consistent at cold startups in sub-zero temperatures, this isn’t fully synthetic. That means it’s not able to hold additives in the solution with the same level of efficiency, making it a little more unstable in really cold weather conditions (anything below freezing point). Nonetheless, Delo 400 XSP 5W-40 is still superior to conventional motor oils. Overall, it’s a great value and works well with Ford’s Super Duty trucks, namely the F-250, F-350, F-450 and the F-550 models built between 2003 and 2007.

Why do we like it?

Chevron’s Delo 400 XSP 5W-40 is one of those few non-premium motor oils which guarantee to keep your 6.0 Powerstroke engine running smoothly. Users swear by it and time and again, most of them have claimed noticeable improvements in engine smoothness and quieter idle. Overall, it’s very effective at lubricating the internals and fairly durable given the low price.

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Easy on the internals: Schaeffer Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic Oil 5W-40

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Schaeffer usually comes across as one of the most recommended motor oils by Powerstroke engine users, and for good reason. Their Supreme 9000 5W-40 fully synthetic oil is a remarkable replacement if your truck has a lot of miles already. The thing with this 5W-40 grade oil is that it uses a combination of quality synthetic base oils and an additive package. This unique blend results in longer-lasting motor oil that can endure a wider heat range than conventional oils. Given that older 6.0 Powerstrokes are notorious for their heat management, especially if the motor is highly worn out, this particular option is highly recommended. 

Favors 6.0 Powerstroke more than any other motor

Let’s be honest, the 6.0 Powerstroke engine isn’t the most reliable diesel V8 by Ford. Naturally, any user would want to keep it out of trouble. So if you’re reading this and you aim to keep your truck for a long time, Schaeffer’s Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic is a safe buy, thanks to its proven wear protection. The additional friction modifiers are the real deal here, creating a slippery shield that avoids metal-to-metal contact. According to Schaeffer, this added layer of protection reduces wear on bearings, rings, and pistons and is what makes this a better lubricant than its rivals. As for compatibility, Schaeffer recommends this grade for 2003-2007 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models.

Why do we like it?

It’s really easy on the engine’s internals and for that reason alone we would highly recommend it for something as temperamental as the 6.0 Powerstroke engine. Schaeffer’s Supreme 9000 5W-40 also has low unpredictability characteristics to control oil consumption. What this means is that there is less oil loss in extremely hot or cold conditions and you ultimately get a cleaner, more efficient combustion. Overall, it is a bit pricier than some of the other oils on here but if you ask us, it’s worth it given all the performance benefits.

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Go-to oil when things heat up: Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil

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Valvoline’s Premium Blue Extreme range of motor oil is officially recommended by Cummins which adds a lot to its credibility. Better still, it responds to the 6.0 Powerstroke just as well and is especially known for its superior base oils when it comes to quicker cold starts and hot weather performance. It’s actually among the highest recommended oils for hot weather applications. High temperatures, as we know, are the Achilles heel of any engine’s valve seals because they deteriorate at a faster rate the hotter they get. So if you happen to live in a place where it’s primarily hot outside, this one’s a no-brainer.  

Boosted thermal properties for hot weather conditions

Valvoline is a respected name in the motor oil business and its Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40 fully synthetic oil covers all the basics and then some more. It has a proven track record for improving the 6.0 Powerstroke’s durability without upsetting the gas mileage. It’s also great at keeping its internals clean with minimal carbon build-up and sludge. That said, it’s highly recommended for its enhanced thermal properties for hot weather usage by being noticeably thicker than other 5W-40 grade motor oils. Because it’s denser, it’s not the ideal lubricant to use for subzero temperatures. But if you live in a warm area, there’s little that beats this because it works well with any of Ford’s Super Duty applications.

Why do we like it?

Your old 6.0 Powerstroke is guaranteed to run smoother and cleaner with Valvoline’s Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40. This fully synthetic oil doesn’t cost as much as other high-end oils from Shell or Schaeffer yet it offers a slightly higher level of viscosity for that warm weather advantage.

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Durable and effective: Motul 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

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When it comes down to it, a lot of 6.0 Powerstroke users opt for Motul’s 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 fully synthetic engine oil. It’s a 100% synthetic lubricant designed for high torque diesel applications. These days it’s pretty common for motor lubricant companies to claim a long list of benefits for their specific oil, however, Motul is one of the few trusted brands that have proven performance for decades. Their 8100 X-CESS comes with strengthened anti-wear protection to extend the life of the engine’s moving parts.

Less burn-off rate than other motor oils

Motul’s 8100 X-CESS 5W-40, among many things, has a remarkably less burn-off rate than other similarly priced motor oils. Many users have specified that their truck’s oil consumption has gone down considerably after using Motul. Additionally, it takes longer for the oil to change to a darker, grimier shade which means that the burn-off rate is, indeed, low and that this oil is long-lasting. The durability factor is certainly a big decision maker for many Powerstroke users and in this regard, Motul’s 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 is tough to beat. So if you own any of the Super Duty trucks be it the F-250 or the F-550 and are looking for longevity, here’s something to seriously consider.

Why do we like it?

If you want to get the most out of your 6.0 Powerstroke engine for a reasonable amount of money, putting in a few liters of Motul’s 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 is the way to go. Besides reducing the friction between the moving parts and cleansing the cylinder block, it also does a great job maintaining a low burn-off rate, something which is often overlooked by the buyers. All in all, it’s a solid replacement option if you’re someone who covers a lot of miles between oil changes.

What is the best oil for 6.0 Powerstroke?

Despite its reliability issues, the 6.0 Powerstroke engine can be turned into a solid, bulletproof motor that racks up the miles effortlessly. All it needs are some replacement parts and regular maintenance — with the most important step being oil changes. 

If you’re seriously looking to follow the latter process but on a budget, Chevron’s Delo 400 XSP 5W-40 synthetic oil is an excellent option that should keep your engine running just fine. Now if you need something that favors the 6.0 Powerstroke more than any other motor oil, it’s got to be the Schaeffer Supreme 9000 Full Synthetic Oil 5W-40. It’s really easy on the internals and for that reason alone we would recommend it for something as delicate as the 6.0. Next up, it’s the Valvoline Premium Blue Extreme SAE 5W-40 for our top pick for warm weather applications. It also has a proven track record for improving the 6.0 Powerstroke’s durability without upsetting the gas mileage. Speaking of efficiency, the Shell Rotella T6 fully synthetic oil promises noticeable improvements in gas mileage and smoothness. It also responds well to the different temperatures and requirements of the metal-to-metal touchpoints. Most importantly, it’s also our overall pick as the recommended oil for 6.0 Powerstroke. Lastly, we have Motul’s 8100 X-CESS 5W-40 fully synthetic engine oil, the one with a surprisingly low burn-off rate. Our longevity champion, it’s something you wouldn’t need to worry about for a few thousand miles. All in all, there’s pretty much everything to suit any specific need you may have for your 6.0 Powerstroke.