A Complete Overview of Ford's Power Stroke® Diesel Engine

It’s no secret that Ford trucks like the F-250, F-350, and F-550 are “Built Ford Tough”. While Ford offers various engine options for drivers with different needs, there’s little doubt that the Ford Power Stroke® diesel engine is one of the toughest and most durable engines equipped in any pickup today, let alone the Ford lineup of trucks.

Sometimes referred to as the “Ford powerstroke diesel”, this engine offers unmatched capability and performance. It also offers a rich history.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Ford’s legendary Power Stroke® diesel now so you can decide if this is the right engine choice for you.

Ford Super Duty® trucks from the F-250 up to and including the Ford F-550 offer Ford Power Stroke® diesel engines as either standard or available equipment, depending on the model.

The third-generation 6.7L Ford Power Stroke ® V8 Turbo Diesel engine, which comes equipped on select 2023 model-year Ford trucks, provides up to an available 1,050 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 475 horsepower at 2,600 rpm.

The Ford Power Stroke® Diesel is an engine that’s been continually developed and refined over a period of around thirty years! It was first released in model year 1994. 

In the words of MotorTrend, this first-gen 7.3L Power Stroke® powerplant was nothing short of revolutionary in its day:

“In 1994, Power Strokes effectively revolutionized the diesel market in terms of power with 210 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, as opposed to the previous IDI turbo numbers of 190/390. To further put the mid-'90s turbodiesel scene into perspective, the '94 Cummins (Dodge RAM) put out 175 hp and 420 lb-ft and the GM 6.5L (Chevy Silverado) put out 180 hp and 360 lb-ft.” [emphasis added]

The second-generation Ford Power Stroke® engine, the 6.0L, was released in 2003, and “delivered an all-new variable-geometry turbocharger to help maximize responsiveness, an exhaust-gas recirculation system, and an advanced second-generation fuel-injection system.”

Today’s Power Stroke® diesel engines are more closely related to the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke®, which was initially introduced in model year 2011.

Model-year 2023 Ford Super Duty® trucks offer a 6.7L Power Stroke ® Diesel engine. People often wonder if the Power Stroke 6.7 is a good engine, and the answer is yes, thanks in large part to some of the following state-of-the-art features and specifications:

• Piston-cooling jets for long engine life
• Single-sequential Honeywell Turbocharger
• Glow plugs for quick cold weather starts
• High-pressure common-rail fuel injection
• 475 HP and 1,050 lb-ft. of torque

Follow the Ford F-250-F-550 Power Stroke® Diesel Maintenance Intervals Datasheet, which outlines both service intervals for normal or routine maintenance and service as well as “special service”.

Using Ford Genuine OEM parts is always a good idea. Some people balk at the cost associated with buying OEM parts compared to aftermarket parts, but the truth is that there’s no guarantee that aftermarket parts will fit your vehicle well, and that’s true not just for Ford trucks, but for all vehicles. 

As Benjamin Hunting for CapitalOne Auto Navigator notes, “OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process.”

What’s more, Individual owners and businesses alike often rely on Ford Super Duty® trucks for tough jobs. When Ford trucks are used commercially, getting the longest life out of parts and repairs is important. This is an application where using OEM parts can be especially helpful – not to mention financially lucrative in the long run.

Ready to feel the raw power and capability of the Ford Power Stroke ® Diesel engine for yourself? Put a little gravel in your travel and experience the difference here at Seth Wadley Ford! Check out our selection of Ford trucks now.