Keeping the right oil in your F-250 isn’t guesswork—Ford spells out the viscosity and spec for every engine in the owner’s manual and Motorcraft quick-reference charts. Below is a model-year-by-year (grouped where specs match) rundown, starting with the newest trucks and working backward. Use it as a fast reference, then double-check your cap or manual. When you’re ready for service, Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield can handle the swap with the proper Motorcraft oil and filter.

2025–2023 F-250 (Current Generation)

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: Ford’s primary recommendation is SAE 10W-30 meeting spec WSS‑M2C171‑F1. In extreme cold (‑22°F / ‑30°C) you can move to 0W‑40, and for severe duty or biodiesel blends, 5W‑40 (or even 15W‑40) is approved as noted in the manual and Motorcraft chart.

7.3L “Godzilla” Gas V8: Use SAE 5W‑30 meeting Ford spec WSS‑M2C961‑A1.

6.8L Gas V8: The Motorcraft quick-reference chart lists SAE 5W‑20 meeting WSS‑M2C960‑A1 for the new 6.8L.

2022–2020 F-250

Engine lineup is essentially the same diesel, but gas options differ.

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel: Same 10W‑30 (WSS‑M2C171‑F1) baseline with 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 alternatives for cold or severe duty.

6.2L Gas V8 (common on these years): Ford specifies SAE 5W‑20 meeting WSS‑M2C945‑A/B.

2019–2011 F-250

6.7L Power Stroke Diesel (introduced in 2011): Again, SAE 10W‑30 (WSS‑M2C171‑F1) is recommended; 5W‑40 is acceptable above ‑20°F and preferred for severe service, per Ford’s spec table.

6.2L Gas V8: Continue with SAE 5W‑20 meeting WSS‑M2C945‑A.

2010–2008 F-250

6.4L Power Stroke Diesel (2008–2010): Ford’s viscosity chart shows 0W‑40/0W‑30 acceptable in deep cold, 10W‑30 for moderate temps, and heavier 5W‑40 or 15W‑40 required for temps over 50°F (10°C) and for heavy towing.

5.4L Gas V8 (still available): Use SAE 5W‑20 meeting WSS‑M2C930‑A, per the 2010 owner’s guide.

2007–2003 F-250

6.0L Power Stroke Diesel (2003–2007): Ford calls for diesel oil meeting WSS‑M2C171‑D (or API CI‑4/SL) with a viscosity chosen by climate. The manual highlights 15W‑40 for heavy trailer towing above 50°F and shows 10W‑30 as an alternative in cooler ranges.

Gas Engines (5.4L V8, 6.8L V10 in some chassis): Where applicable, Ford moved most gas V8s to 5W‑20 by this era; confirm on the oil cap or manual for your exact engine.

2002–1999 F-250

7.3L Power Stroke Diesel (1999–2003 carryover): Ford lists Motorcraft 15W‑40 “Super Duty” or 10W‑30 “Super Duty” oils meeting WSS‑M2C171‑C (API CG‑4/SH). 15W‑40 is generally preferred in typical ambient temperatures, with 10W‑30 acceptable in cooler ranges.

Gas Engines (5.4L Triton, etc.): Early manuals listed 5W‑30, but Technical Service Bulletins and later guides standardized on 5W‑20 for fuel economy—again, verify against your specific year/engine.

A Few Quick Tips

• Always match both viscosity (e.g., 10W‑30) and the Ford spec code (WSS‑M2C171‑F1, WSS‑M2C961‑A1, etc.). That spec matters as much as the weight.

• Temperature, duty cycle (towing, idling), and biodiesel use can change what’s “preferred” vs. “acceptable.” Ford’s charts show the alternates for those cases.

Conclusion

From 15W‑40 in the early Power Stroke days to today’s 10W‑30 diesel and 5W‑30/5W‑20 gas specs, Ford’s recommendations have evolved with new engines and emissions tech. Use the groupings above to zero in on your truck, then confirm in your manual or give Jim Burke Ford a call—we’ll pour exactly what your F‑250 was engineered to run.