While the Ford 3.0L Powerstroke's 250 hp may seem a little weak, truck drivers will certainly appreciate its strong 440 lb-ft of torque and 11,440 lbs of towing capacity. Speaking of which, today we're going to explore the specs of Ford's 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine and its real-world performance.
Whether you're looking for powerful workhorses or a fuel-efficient SUV, Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke vehicles are sure to impress.
First introduced to the 2018 Ford F-150 lineup, the 3.0 Power Stroke engine is an incredible feat of engineering that delivers efficiency, performance and reliability in the wire.
Competing directly with the Ram EcoDiesel, this Ford engine offers relatively better fuel economy of up to 25 mpg (combined).
But that's not all - Ford has carefully designed the engine for much more!
With our full engine review, you can decide if you want a Ford with a 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine.
Let's start!
Key conclusions:
- The engine block is made of compacted graphite iron (CGI) to save weight
- Common rail fuel system with high-pressure Bosch fuel pump
- Forged crankshaft and pistons made of reinforced aluminum alloy
- Honeyball VGT turbocharger with electronically activated waste gate
- A system of glow plugs in each cylinder to aid in starting the engine in cold weather
- Twin overhead cams with belt drive and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters
- Cooling nozzles spray oil under the pistons to reduce operating temperature
Ford 3.0-litre Powerstroke diesel engine specifications - Overview
Here is a tabular overview of the technical features of Ford's 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine.
| Features | Technical data |
|---|---|
| Motor | Ford 3.0L Power Stroke (diesel powered) |
| Exception | 3.0 liters (2993 cubic meters) |
| Horsepower | 250 KS at 3250 rpm |
| Torque | 440 lb/ft. @ 1750 rpm (towing capacity up to 11,440 lbs.) |
| Transfer | 10R80; 10-speed automatic transmission (including manual gearshift mode) |
| boring | 84 mm (3.31 in) |
| Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Engine blocking | Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) |
| Cylinder head | Cast aluminum alloy |
| Aspiration | Honeywell variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with air-to-air intercooler |
| Configuration | V6, 60 degrees |
| Valve assembly | Engine with two cams (DOHC), 4 valves/cylinder, Hydraulic lifters |
| Fuel injection | Bosch Common Rail high pressure, Bosch CP4.2 Injection pump, Piezoelectric injectors |
| Firing order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Cold start assistance | Heater in each cylinder |
| Fuel | Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) to B20 Biodiesel |
| Fuel consumption | F-150 2×4:22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined F-150 4×4:20 mpg city, 25 mph highway, 22 mpg combined |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.15 liters (6.5 quarts) |
| Emission equipment | Selective catalytic reduction (SCR), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Diesel particulate filter (DPF) |
| Years of production | 2018-present |
An introduction to Ford's 3.0-litre powertrain
Until 2018, the 'Power Stroke' moniker was only used for Ford engines with a larger than average displacement (up to a whopping 7.3 litres!). They are usually standard equipment in high-end Ford Super-duty trucks.
Although Ford had excellent 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter engines with good fuel economy, they fell behind the competition in the 3.0-liter class.
For example, the Ram's 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine offered relatively lower MPG and higher towing capacity.
As a solution, engineers at Ford created a 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine with the same design language they used for their 6.7-liter Power Stroke Super-duty engine.
It was first introduced with the 2018 Ford F-150 line of trucks. Around mid-2021, Ford discontinued the F-Series trucks with the 3.0-liter Power Stroke engine.
The engine now comes in other Ford light truck models, such as the '23 Ford Ranger.
Ford 3.0L Powerstroke Key Components and Features
It can be said that the Ford 3.0L Power Stroke is a custom built version of the existing V6 engine known as the 'Lion Engine'.
The Lion engine can be found in several luxury vehicles abroad, eg Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover.
Ford added special components to make the engine more durable and suitable for heavy hauling. We will discuss them below -
#1 – Honeywell turbopunjač
The Ford 3.0L engine comes with a Honeywell VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) turbo that is specifically designed for the 2018 Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke model.
This turbo features a ball bearing design and an electronically activated wastegate. It helps the engine by increasing power delivery at lower revs, while also increasing fuel efficiency.
#2 – Bosch fuel injection system
For the 3.0L Power Stroke engine, Ford engineers used a common rail fuel system driven by piezoelectric injectors and a Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump.
Speaking of which, the Bosch fuel pump creates extreme injection pressures of up to 2000 bar (29000 PSI).
The advantage of the common rail system is that the engine offers improved power and fuel efficiency while reducing vibration and noise.
#3 – Forged and reinforced internal parts
The Ford 3.0L Power Stroke engine block is made from Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) – this weight saving technique allowed the engine to have a dry weight within 500 lbs.
For internals, the engine uses a forged steel crankshaft, high-strength cylinder liners and lightweight aluminum alloy pistons.
As a result, the engine offers impeccable durability and power.
At the bottom of the engine block is a die-cast structural oil pan that is quite rigid and reduces operating noise.
The 3.0L Power Stroke engine comes with a mechanical fan and dual radiator shutters – unlike electronically controlled fans, this mechanical fan can draw significantly more air through the intercooler and radiator.
Moreover, it also helps the engine withstand the strain and pressure of towing heavy loads by lowering temperatures.
#4 – 10-speed gearbox
The transmission on the Ford 3.0L Power Stroke comes with a lightweight housing made of aluminum.
Its 10-speed 10R80 automatic transmission can be operated in 5 modes; Normal, Eco, Off-road, Haul/Tow and Sport modes. The last 3 gears of this transmission are the increase ratios.
Although there are many gears, there is not much difference between their ratios. On the other hand, it ensures incredibly smooth and quiet rides.
| Number of gears | Transmission ratio |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4.696 |
| 2 | 2.985 |
| 3 | 2.146 |
| 4 | 1.769 |
| 5 | 1.520 |
| 6 | 1.275 |
| 7 | 1.000 |
| 8 | 0,854 |
| 9 | 0,869 |
| 10 | 0,636 |
| Vice versa | 4.866 |
In addition, short steps between gears increase fuel economy while maintaining maximum engine torque. But you will miss the excitement of the red line.
Shifting the transmission into 'manual' mode allows you to select the gear that is optimal for a particular scenario. However, it lacks an exhaust brake.
#5 – Equipment for shows
Ford engineers take emission standards seriously. And it shows with the exhaust devices of the Ford 3.0L Power Stroke.
It comes with advanced emission control technologies such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
These devices work together to reduce harmful emissions and ensure that the engine is as environmentally friendly as possible.
#6 – Other notable features
Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke engine features a dual overhead camshaft design with hydraulic lifters – these offer precise valve timing and significantly improved performance.
Along with all these performance-enhancing components, the engine also comes with some basic perks. For example, each cylinder has a glow plug to preheat the cylinders, which is very useful for starting the engine in cold weather.
On the underside of each piston is a cooling jet that lowers the operating temperature of the piston and promotes longevity.
Ford 3.0L Power Stroke Performance
Regardless of all the arguments for or against the Ford 3.0L Power Stroke, you'd actually be hard-pressed to find anything more suitable for regular delivery.
With all 440 lb-ft. of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, the truck can roll from a standstill without breaking a sweat (even with a heavy load!).
Ford F-150s powered by the 3.0L Power Stroke engine have an average 0-60 MPH time of 7.7 seconds, which is certainly fast enough for a heavy-duty truck.
Ford 3.0L Power Stroke Towing capacity
The Ford 3.0 Power Stroke engine is available in a variety of options, including 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive variants. Here is a tabular overview of their towing capacity-
● Crew cabin with short bed
| Transmission ratio | Gross combined weight rating | Crew cab 2×4 | Crew cab 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.31 | 15.800 lbs. | 10 200 lbs. | N/A |
| 3,31/3,55 | 16.000 lbs. | N/A | 10.100 lbs. |
| 3,31/3,55 | 16.100 lbs. | N/A | N/A |
| 3.55 | 17.100 lbs. | 11.100 lbs. | 10.700 lbs. |
● Crew cabin with long bed
| Transmission ratio | Gross combined weight rating | Crew cab 2×4 | Crew cab 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.31 | 15.800 lbs. | 10.100 lbs. | N/A |
| 3,31/3,55 | 16.000 lbs. | N/A | N/A |
| 3,31/3,55 | 16.100 lbs. | N/A | 10.100 lbs. |
| 3.55 | 17.100 lbs. | 11 400 lbs. | 11.000 lbs. |
● SuperCab
| Transmission ratio | Gross combined weight rating | SuperCab 2×4 | SuperCab 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.31 | 15.700-15.900 lbs. | 10.100 lbs. | N/A |
| 3.31 | 16.000-16.100 lbs. | N/A | 10.100 lbs. |
| 3.55 | 16.000-16.100 lbs. | N/A | 10.100 lbs. |
| 3.55 | 17.100 lbs. | 11 500 lbs. | 10.100 lbs. |
Ford 3.0L Power Stroke Fuel consumption
Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke engine offers pretty good fuel economy – in fact, it's slightly better in certain scenarios than the Ram EcoDiesel.
With a 2×4 Ford F-150, you'll get about 30 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city, and a respectable 25 mpg combined.
On the other hand, the 4×4 F-150 is a bit more fuel-hungry; you can get 25 mpg highway, 20 mph city and 22 mpg combined. The numbers are still pretty impressive for a full-size truck.
| Vehicle configuration | Grad | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2×4 | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg |
| 4×4 | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg |
Just in case you were wondering, the engine hasn't had any major revisions or changes - so the 2023 Ford 3.0L Power Stroke is more or less the same as the 2018 3.0L Power Stroke engine.
All in all, the 3.0-litre diesel engine has a drama-free and effortless character that makes it a driving charm for all truck drivers.
FAQ
What is the fuel economy of the 3.0 Power Stroke in L/100 km?
The 2×4 (two-wheel drive) variant of the Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke has an estimated EPA rating of: 10.7 liters/100 km (22 mpg) city, 7.8 liters/100 km (30 mph) highways. By comparison, the 4×4 variant of the F-150 has EPA ratings of: 8.5 liters/100 km (20 mpg) city, 10.6 liters (25 mpg) highway.
Why did Ford stop producing the 3.0 powerstroke engine?
Ford has stopped equipping its trucks with the Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke engine. Company representatives said that consumer demand for their Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 (petrol) variants is 'incredibly' higher than demand for 3.0L Power Stroke F-150s.
What is the latest Power Stroke?
On October 27, 2022, Ford announced a high-output version of the 6.7L Power Stroke engine. Apparently, the engine can produce a colossal 1,200 lb-ft of torque – that's significantly more than the previous Ram's class-leading engine, which had 1,075 lb-ft of torque.
Conclusion
The Ford 3.0L Power Stroke is a great engine for what it is. It can easily tow ATVs, utility trailers, snowmobiles – just about anything within its towing capacity (11,440 lbs.)
If you're tickled by the idea of having an SUV that's relatively quiet, powerful, and offers good fuel economy, you won't be disappointed with Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke-equipped vehicle!
That said, we hope we've helped you with our insight into the specs of Ford's 3.0-litre stroke engine.
FAQs
What are the specs of the 3l Power Stroke? ›
2021 Ford F-150 3.0L Powerstroke Performance
The new 2021 F-150 with the 3.0L Powerstroke engine offers owners 250 horsepower at 3,250 rpm and 440 ft-lb of torque at 1,750 rpm. A max payload of 1,840 is available on Supercab models, while the Supercrew has a max payload of 1,805 lbs.
Where the EcoDiesel puts out 240hp at 3,600 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, the 3.0L Power Stroke V6 bests it with 250hp at 3,250 rpm and 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm.
Who makes the best 3.0 diesel engine? ›1. Chrysler 3.0L EcoDiesel I-6. Diesel goes light-duty, but this small-but-mighty EcoDiesel is the industry's lone light-duty diesel engine: Power — 160hp – 215hp at 2,500 rpm.
What happened to the Ford 3.0 Power Stroke? ›Ford has confirmed that the Power Stroke 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel will no longer be offered in America's bestselling pickup truck, with orders closing July 16.
How much towing capacity does a 3L Power Stroke have? ›The 3.0L Power Stroke can tow up to 12,100 pounds when properly equipped. Pair this engine with the 2021 F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, or Platinum trim levels.
Who makes the longest lasting diesel engine? ›- Cummins B-Series. Cummins has been producing diesel engines for many years, and the B-series is probably the best engine that Cummins serves up. ...
- Caterpillar C-12. ...
- International Power Stroke. ...
- Dodge Ram HD. ...
- Dodge W250. ...
- 1999 Ford Super Duty. ...
- 2008 Ford F-250.
In reality, the best fuel economy can be found in Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines. Which engines have the best fuel economy depends on the year of the engine, the model of vehicle, as well as any modifications that have been made. In general, older diesel engines have the best fuel economy.
How long will a 3.0 diesel last? ›Some owners report driving between 200,000 to 300,000 miles on their EcoDiesel engine. That's significantly longer than many gas-powered engines built to last at least 100,000 miles and up to 200,000 with proper care.
Which Ford Powerstroke to avoid? ›- 2003-2007: 6.0L Power Stroke. ...
- 2008-2010: 6.4L Power Stroke. ...
- Early Model Years: Navistar-Sourced Diesels (Ford F-Series) ...
- 2011-2016: 6.7L Power Stroke (First Generation) ...
- Ford Transit Diesel Engines (Pre-Euro 5) ...
- 1994-1997: 7.3L Power Stroke. ...
- 2008-2010: 6.4L Power Stroke.
Ford Diesel Engine Facts
Yes, even though it's an older model, the 7.3l power stroke is still a powerful and reliable diesel engine. However, it's best to avoid the years 2001-2003 because the PSMs and camshaft position sensors often fail.
What problems does the Ford 3.0 diesel have? ›
While the Ford 3.0 Power Stroke diesel engine is new and has no major issues, there are some common equipment issues such as: Loose screws in the EGR by-pass valve flap. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) clogging and/or overheating. Diesel particular filters (DPF) clogging.
What is the fuel mileage for the 3.0 Power Stroke diesel? ›The best years for the Powerstroke engine would be from 1998 to 2000. 1999 was when the engine underwent one of the most substantial performance improvements, but even the 1998 option was still great. From 1999 to 2000, the best 7.3L Powerstrokes were released.
How big is the tank on a 3.0 Power Stroke? ›That's why Titan Tanks developed this 48-gallon mid-ship fuel tank for the 3.0L Powerstroke F150s.
How much can a Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel 3.0 L tow? ›Torque moves the vehicle from a stop and helps it get up steep hills. As such, more torque is required to start a heavier vehicle than a lighter one. That's why torque is useful when towing -- torque is what allows you to pull heavy loads.
How much can a 3.0 L turbo diesel tow? ›3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel: 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque with 9,300-pound towing capacity.
What is the most efficient 4 stroke engine? ›Wärtsilä 31 is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine.
What kind of oil does a 3.0 Power Stroke take? ›Engine Oil
10W-30 (Above -18) - For Normal Service the OEM Recommends the use of FA-4 SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30. For severe duty service or for when bio-diesel fuel blends (B20 Max) are used, the OEM recommends the use of API CK-4 SAE 5W-40. For Extremely cold climates the OEM recommends API CK-4 0W-40.
5.5 seconds later Charlie Fish broke the record for the. fastest 6.0 Powerstroke in the world!
Which is better Cummins or Powerstroke? ›
The Power Stroke has more horsepower but slightly less torque, while the Cummins has the opposite. However, as noted by AutoWise, the Power Stroke ultimately produces more horsepower, which is a better indicator of engine strength in real driving situations.
What is the most reliable diesel of all time? ›- 1999-2003 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty (7.3-Liter Power Stroke) ...
- 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500/3500 (6.6-Liter Duramax LB7) ...
- 2006-2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (6.6-Liter Duramax LBZ) ...
- 1994-1998 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 (5.9-Liter, 12-Valve Cummins)
At 13.5 meters tall, 26.59 meters long and weighing in at over 2300tons, the Finnish-made Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C is the largest internal-combustion engine ever produced and pumps out a whopping 80.1MW (107,390hp).
Does premium diesel give more MPG? ›Does premium petrol or diesel increase MPG? Whilst premium petrol won't have any impact on MPG, the cleaning properties of premium diesel could potentially help your engine to run more smoothly, and this could have an impact on your MPG. However, any impact will be a very small one.
Which engine will last longer diesel or gas? ›Digital Trends reports that diesel engines tend to be more durable and last longer than gas engines, with reliable operation and minimal required maintenance. While diesel cars once weighed much more than comparably sized gas vehicles, this is no longer an issue, thanks to modern manufacturing methods.
What is the best speed for diesel fuel economy? ›Typically, cars are most efficient at 45-50mph. As well as fuel economy differing from vehicle to vehicle, it is also dependent on a number of other factors such as tyre pressure, presence of roof racks, and driving style – all of which are covered in this guide.
Is the 3.0 diesel worth it? ›Yes, the 3.0 l Duramax turbo diesel i6 engine is good. It is a reliable engine that is known for its durability. It is a popular choice for many truck and SUV owners.
Can diesel engines last 500k miles? ›That said, while most gas engines are intended to last at least 200,000 miles on average, a diesel truck that is well-maintained can potentially last 350,000 to 500,000 miles.
Is the 3.0 L diesel reliable? ›Common 3.0L Duramax Engine Problems
Although the engine seems faultless upon release, the 3.0L Duramax has had its fair share of problems. However, it has remained dependable and one of GM's most popular diesel engines. Below are some of the most common issues drivers have encountered with the 3.0L Duramax engines.
It is a 3.0 L (2,967 cc) naturally aspirated non variable timing engines producing between 350 and 400 hp (261 and 298 kW) with a redline of around 8700 rpm.
What is the size of a 3L engine? ›
3L. The 3L is a 2.8 L (2,779 cc) four-cylinder diesel engine. The bore and stroke of this engine is 96 mm × 96 mm (3.78 in × 3.78 in), and the compression ratio of 22.2:1.
How much horsepower does a 3.0 L turbo diesel Chevy have? ›The 3.0 Duramax comes in at 277 horsepower and 460 pound feet of torque.
What is the strongest 3.0 engine? ›- 1 Koenigsegg Gemera - 600 HP.
- 2 1990–1996 Mazda Eunos Cosmo - 300-HP Triple-Rotor Engine. ...
- 3 Toyota GR Corolla - 300 HP. ...
- 4 Toyota GR Yaris - 268 HP. ...
- 5 BMW i8 Roadster/BMW i8 - 231 HP. ...
- 6 Range Rover Evoque P300e - 200 HP. ...
- 7 Ford Fiesta ST200 - 200 HP. ...
240 Horsepower. 420 lb-ft of torque.
How much horsepower does a Ford 3 liter V6 have? ›| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Max power @ RPM | 494 hp @ TBA |
| Max torque @ RPM | 630 lb-ft @ TBA |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum |
The (absurdly) large version used in GMC's 6500-series trucks measured a record 478 cubic inches (7.8 liters). The 478 touted a 5.125-inch bore and 3.86-inch stroke, which factored into the tree-stump-annihilating 442 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm. The Big Block six was, and remains, the largest production V-6 ever made.
Why is it called a 3 liter engine? ›The more litres it has, the bigger the engine is. Litres, in this case, refers to the capacity an engine has, with the figure referring to the total volume of all cylinders it has.
How many cylinders is a 3.0 liter engine? ›Engine Terms
For example: A car with a 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 makes 200 hp from a 3.0-liter engine with six cylinders. The 3.0-liter portion refers to the total size of the cylinders. If you're comparing that to, say, a car with a 220-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the second vehicle has more power but a smaller engine.
The GM Duramax 3.0L I-6 LM2 is a turbo-diesel engine produced by General Motors for use in various vehicles, primarily full-size half-ton pickup trucks and full-size SUVs. Colloquially known as “baby Duramax”, the engine is an all-new design from the ground up.
Who makes the Ford 3.0 PowerStroke? ›Power Stroke, also known as Powerstroke or PowerStroke, is the name used by a family of diesel engines for trucks produced by Ford Motor Company and Navistar International (until 2010) for Ford products since 1994.
Is the 3.0 Turbo Diesel good? ›
Yes, the 3.0 l Duramax turbo diesel i6 engine is good. It is a reliable engine that is known for its durability. It is a popular choice for many truck and SUV owners.
How much torque does a 3.0 Turbo Diesel have? ›3.0L Duramax Diesel Engine Performance Specs:
277 horsepower. 460 lb-ft of torque. 9,500 pounds of towing capacity.
At 13.5 meters tall, 26.59 meters long and weighing in at over 2300tons, the Finnish-made Wärtsilä-Sulzer RTA96-C is the largest internal-combustion engine ever produced and pumps out a whopping 80.1MW (107,390hp). This colossal creation is responsible for powering one of the biggest container ships ever made.
What is the smallest powerful engine? ›1) Mercedes AMG GLA45/Mercedes AMG CLA45
With its 375 horsepower, the 2.0-liter Mercedes-Benz engine is by far the most powerful small engine on our list, and can shame motors more than twice its size. It also produces more than four times the torque of the Aprilia's engine, despite being less than twice its size.
This jaw-dropper is the Wärtsilä RT-flex96C, the world's largest and most powerful diesel engine. Built in Finland, the RT-flex96C's fourteen cylinders can generate 107,389HP with more than 7,000,000Nm of torque — that's enough to power an entire suburban town.