2020 and Newer 6.7 Powerstroke Maintenance: What to Service and When
A 2020 and newer 6.7 Powerstroke will run a long time if you keep up with a short list of items. Most of the expensive failures we see on these trucks start with something simple: a fuel filter left too long, water in the fuel, or a split boost hose nobody caught. Here is what to service, when, and the parts that make each job easier.
Your truck's message center tracks oil life and fuel filter life and will tell you when they are due. Use the intervals below as a guide, and always check your owner's manual, since Ford's schedule changes by model year.
Normal or Severe Schedule?
Every manufacturer publishes two schedules. Towing, hauling heavy, long idling, short trips, dusty roads and very hot or cold weather all count as severe duty, and that describes how most diesel trucks actually get used. If you are not sure which one fits your truck, follow the severe schedule. It costs a little more in filters and fluid and a lot less in parts.
Engine Oil and Filter
Ford's normal schedule allows up to 10,000 miles between changes, or sooner when the message center says so. The severe schedule cuts that to about 5,000 miles. Use a diesel oil that meets Ford's spec for your year.
- Schaeffer's 9000 SynShield OTR Plus 5W-40 full synthetic diesel oil. Whatever oil you run, check that the label meets the spec in your owner's manual.
- SPE magnetic oil drain plug to catch metal before it circulates, and the SPE billet stainless drain plug
- Tired of the mess? The SPE billet oil filter housing takes a spin on CAT filter: 2011 to 2022 or 2023 and newer, plus the CAT replacement filter. More in our oil filter housing guide.
Fuel Filters and Water Separator
This is the most important service on the truck. The high pressure fuel pump depends on clean, water free fuel, and contamination is one of the main ways those pumps fail. The 6.7 has two filters, one on the engine and one on the frame, and they get changed together.
- Interval: when the message center calls for it. Published intervals run from about 15,000 to 22,500 miles depending on year and duty, and sooner on the severe schedule.
- Drain the water separator at every oil change, and right away if you get a water in fuel warning. The SPE billet fuel drain valve makes it a quick job.
- Better filtration: Fleece engine mounted fuel filter assembly, Fleece under bed fuel filter assembly for 2017 to 2024 or the SPE 17+ fuel filter system
- Fuel additive: Schaeffer's Diesel Treat 2000 adds lubricity to ultra low sulfur fuel.
Want insurance for the pump itself? See our 6.7 Powerstroke pump guide and the S&S Gen2.1 CP4 disaster prevention kit. A lift pump adds another layer: lift pump guide.
Cooling System
Check the coolant level cold, at the degas bottle, and use the coolant type listed in your owner's manual or on the cap. Never mix coolant types. Ford's first coolant change on these trucks is a long way out, roughly 100,000 miles on the normal schedule, but hoses and fittings on top of the engine age faster than the coolant does.
- SPE low temp, high flow thermostat: the most popular cooling part we sell. SPE says it lowers oil temps, and transmission temps on 2017 and newer trucks.
- SPE upper radiator hose and the Fleece thermostat housing upgrade
- SPE coolant hose reroute kit to replace the leak prone hoses over the intake
- SPE factory replacement coolant degas hose kit
More in our 6.7 Powerstroke cooling guide.
Air Filter and Boost Leaks
Replace the air filter when the message center or filter indicator calls for it, and look at it every oil change if you run gravel or job sites. While you are under the hood, squeeze the cold side boot between the intercooler and intake. A cracked or soft boot is the most common cause of a sudden power loss on these trucks. The SPE cold side replacement hose is our best selling part for the 6.7. Read the cold side boot guide.
Crankcase Ventilation
Oil in the intake tract and on the cold side boot usually comes from the crankcase ventilation system. Check for it at every air filter change. SPE makes a recirculating CCV kit and an internal catch can. See our 6.7 Powerstroke CCV guide.
Transmission, Transfer Case and Axles
Ford's normal schedule for the 10R140 is 150,000 miles. The severe schedule is much shorter, so if you tow, use the severe interval in your owner's manual. The transfer case and axles follow the same pattern: long normal intervals, much shorter for towing. Watch transmission temps when you tow, and see our cooling guide if they run high.
DEF
Keep the DEF tank topped up with fresh, sealed, API certified fluid. DEF breaks down in heat and age, so do not stockpile it. Never put DEF in the fuel tank. If it happens, do not start the truck.
Quick Reference
| Item | Normal | Towing or severe |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | Up to 10,000 miles or per message center | About 5,000 miles |
| Fuel filters, both | Per message center, about 15,000 to 22,500 miles | Sooner, per manual |
| Water separator | Drain every oil change | Drain every oil change |
| Air filter | Per indicator | Inspect every oil change |
| Coolant | Check level cold; first change roughly 100,000 miles | Per manual |
| 10R140 transmission fluid | 150,000 miles | Much shorter, per manual |
Shop 2020 and newer 6.7 Powerstroke engine parts, fuel system and intake and cooling.
FAQ
How often should I change the oil on a 2020 and newer 6.7 Powerstroke?
Follow the message center. Ford's normal schedule allows up to 10,000 miles, and the severe schedule for towing, idling and dusty use cuts that to about 5,000 miles.
How often do the fuel filters get changed on a 6.7 Powerstroke?
Change both the engine mounted and frame mounted filters together when the message center calls for it. Published intervals run from about 15,000 to 22,500 miles depending on year and duty, so check your owner's manual and drain the water separator at every oil change.
When should the 10R140 transmission fluid be changed?
Ford's normal schedule is 150,000 miles, but the severe schedule for towing and heavy use is much shorter. If you tow, use the severe interval in your owner's manual.
Why does my 6.7 Powerstroke lose power and hiss under load?
The most common cause is a split cold side boot between the intercooler and the intake. A silicone replacement hose or a metal charge tube is the permanent fix.
Not sure what fits your truck? Send us your VIN or call 865 640 2097 and we will help you pick the right parts.
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