2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Oil Filters

Oil filtration on the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Powerstroke

Oil leaves the pump unfiltered and goes through the oil cooler first, then into the filter base. From the filter, clean oil feeds both oil galleries, the turbo oil supply and the engine oil temperature and pressure sensors. Two bypass valves protect the system. The cooler bypass opens at 25 psi of pressure difference, and the filter bypass opens at 27 psi. If the element loads up enough to open that second valve, oil goes around the filter instead of through it. The filter base also has a drain valve that empties the housing when you loosen the cap, so the element comes out without a housing full of oil behind it.

Why the filter matters more on a 6.4L

Fuel in the oil. The factory regenerates the DPF by injecting fuel late in the stroke so it burns in the exhaust aftertreatment, and some of that fuel washes past the rings into the crankcase. Leaking piezo injector bodies can drain fuel into the crankcase too. Thin, fuel-cut oil is hard on the valvetrain, because the rocker arms get their only oil through the pushrods. Diluted oil chews up rocker tips and bridge balls. That is why the 6.4L gets more frequent changes than Ford's book called for.

Change interval and capacity

Ford's normal interval was 10,000 miles or six months, with 5,000 miles for severe service. The shop consensus on the 6.4L is 5,000 miles because of dilution. Check the dipstick weekly between changes, and if the level climbs past max, change the oil and filter right away. The system holds 15.0 quarts with the filter, and the factory filter is Motorcraft FL-2016.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

The element is a maintenance item, so the choice is simple: run a replacement that is listed for the 6.4L and change it every time. The upgrade on this page is the housing cap. You take that cap off at every change, and a billet cap replaces the factory piece with a machined part for owners who prefer machined hardware on top of the housing.

What we carry

The MAHLE OX783D engine oil filter, listed for 2003-2010 6.0L and 6.4L Powerstroke engines, and the G&R Diesel GRD603002 billet oil filter cap. The G&R cap's title lists 6.0L Powerstroke fitment, so run your VIN through the fitment checker on its product page before you order it for a 6.4L. For the rest of the lineup, browse our Powerstroke parts.

Fitment notes

The 6.4L ran only in 2008-2010 F-250 and F-350 pickups, the F-450 pickup and the F-450/F-550 chassis cabs. Nothing in its long block, heads, injectors or pump interchanges with the 6.0L or the 6.7L, so don't assume a part fits just because it fits a 6.0L. The MAHLE filter happens to be listed for both engines; check every other part by its own fitment line, and verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the oil filter on a 6.4L Powerstroke?

Every oil change. Ford's normal schedule was 10,000 miles or six months, with 5,000 miles for severe service, but the shop consensus on the 6.4L is 5,000 miles because of fuel dilution. If the level on the dipstick rises above max between changes, change the oil and filter right away.

Why does oil drain out of the housing when I loosen the filter cap?

That is by design. The 6.4L filter base has a drain valve that empties the housing when the cap is loosened. Loosen the cap, let the housing drain, then lift the old element out.

What filter did Ford spec for the 6.4L?

Motorcraft FL-2016, with 15.0 quarts of API CJ-4 oil. The MAHLE OX783D on this page is listed as a replacement element for 2003-2010 6.0L and 6.4L engines. If you are unsure, check the fitment checker on the product page against your VIN.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.