Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
13 mm Socket
Ratchet
Engine Oil
Filter
Filter Wrench
We will be changing the oil and filter on this 2001 F250 7.3 liter, and procedures will be similar on most F250s from 1999 to 2007, but be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Drain the Old Oil
Make sure the engine has recently reached operating temperature, or warm enough for the cooling fans to come on. Park on a flat surface and lift and support the front end of the truck, if needed. Turn the truck off, open the hood, and place a drain pan under the drain plug.
Loosen the oil drain plug with a 13 mm socket. Then remove it and allow the oil to drain completely.
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Do It Right: Your motor oil may be hot, so be careful while draining it to prevent burns. |
Clean the oil drain plug and the surrounding area and reinstall it, tightening to 27 ft. lbs.
Step 2: Remove the Old Oil Filter
Now you can move the oil drain pan underneath the oil filter, which is located next to the oil pan. By hand, remove the oil filter. If the oil filter won’t turn by hand, it may be necessary to use an oil filter wrench. The oil filter on the 7.3L Powerstroke can hold up to 2 quarts of oil, so keep in mind the filter will be heavy and possibly messy to remove.
Once the oil filter has been removed, allow it to drain fully into your drain pan.
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Do It Right: Ensure the rubber gasket came off with the filter, and clean the oil filter sealing surface on the engine block with a shop towel or rag. |
Step 3: Install the New Oil Filter
Fill the oil filter with 2 quarts of synthetic 15W-40 oil.
Thread the new filter back onto the engine block and tighten it by hand until it is snug.
Use clean motor oil to lubricate the sealing ring on the oil filter.
Step 4: Refill the Engine with Oil
Now you can refill the engine with oil by removing the oil fill cap. In total, an oil change on the 7.3L Powerstroke takes 15 quarts of 15W-40 oil, so you will likely need to add around 13 quarts at this stage.
Check your dipstick to ensure the oil is at the appropriate level, and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes, then check the oil level again. Check under the truck for any leaks.
Once you’ve ensured there are no leaks and you have plenty of oil, remove the stands, lower the truck, and close the hood.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.