2003 Ford F350 Diesel Supplement 2nd Printing - Page 28

General maintenance information ENGINE OIL Checking the engine oil level Because it is normal to add some oil between oil changes, check your engine oil level each time you stop for fuel. To check the engine oil level consistently and accurately, the following procedure is recommended: 1. Have engine at normal operating temperature (at least into the NORMAL range on the engine coolant temperature gauge). 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface, then turn off the engine and open the hood. 3. Allow at least 20 minutes after engine shutdown to assure that the oil contained in the upper parts of the engine has returned to the oil pan. 4. Protecting yourself from engine heat, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert fully. 5. Read oil level on both sides of dipstick and use highest level (reading) for the actual engine oil level. 6. Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick by adding oil as required. The distance from ADD to OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick represents 1.9L (2 quarts). Do not overfill. If the oil level exceeds OPERATING RANGE, oil consumption may result. Engine oil specifications To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important that only engine lubricating oils of the proper quality are used in your Diesel engine and that the engine oil is changed no later than the recommended interval. Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination. Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase ventilating system which reduces air pollution. For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil conforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171-D or API Service categories CI-4, CI-4/SL or DHD-1. If CI-4 oil is not available, CH-4 is acceptable. 28