How many quarts of oil does a 7.3 powerstroke hold

When your truck holds 15 quarts of oil, you can save a good bit of money changing it yourself. The savings is nice, but the real reason I do it myself, is because I like it done just right. The following instructions show how I do it.

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1) The following photos show the oil filter with the date and mileage written on it. It's a perfect time to do this and assures you will have this information.

2) The following photos show the tools that will be needed to change the oil on a 7.3L Powerstroke.

Note that the oil catch-pan needs to be able to hold at least 15 quarts of oil. I would recommend a 20 quart container.

3) With the oil catch drain pan in place, remove the oil drain plug. Note that in my case I've installed a Fumoto oil drain valve. All I have to do is romove the clip in the photo and open the valve. This gives a great deal of control over the flow of oil.

Note that I am able to drain the oil right into the pan hole with the controlled flow of the Fumoto.

If you are just removing the drain plug (most will be doing this), it is a good idea to put a funnel in the oil pan drain in order to catch the oil. If you don't do this you may get oil all over. Let the oil drain completely, then reinstall the oil drain plug.

4) Before draining the oil filter, it is a good idea to loosen it first with a suitable filter wrench. I prefer a strap wrench. It might even be a good idea to loosen the filter before draining the oil from the pan. That way, if you cannot get the filter off you can drive to get help or tools.

5)  With the filter loose, you can now use a hammer and screwdriver to puncture the bottom of the oil filter. Not everyone punctures the filter, but I find it easier to manage removal of the filter this way. It holds about two quarts, so I like to get the oil out of there.

6) After the filter is done draining, I put a few paper towels in a grocery bag and wraped it around the filter. You can then just spin the filter off without any fuss or mess.

7) Put the new filter in the box it came in. This is a good way to steady the filter while you fill it with oil. It is imperative that the filter be filled with oil prior to installation. If the motor is started with an empty filter, the bearings will be spinning without lubrication until the filter fills.

It holds about 2 quarts.

8) Using your finger, quote the gasket of the new filter with oil. This assures it will seal properly.

This photo shows the filter gasket properly coated with oil.

9) Wipe the filter housing free of any debris prior to screwing on the new filter.

10) Spin on the new filter that you filled with oil. Do not overly tighten it! In the case of the Motorcraft filter, the manufacturer recommended tightening it to contact plus 3/4 turn. Follow your filter manufacturer's instructions.

Now to fill the crank case with oil.

The photo below shows both the oil filler cap and the top of the dipstick.

11) Place a funnel in the fill tube.

12) You will need to fill the crank case with approximately 13 quarts. The 7.3 Powerstroke has a capacity of 15 quarts, 13 in the crank case, and 2 quarts in the filter.

In my case 15 quarts fills the crank case exactly to the top of the hash marks on the dip stick. You probably want to measure in the last quart carefully. It is very important not to overfill!

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