Did everyone notice that the oil capacity is now 15 quarts? That's up 2 quarts from the previous generation. What do you suppose the thinking is for upping the oil volume when Ford made a pretty big deal that the 6.7L needed only 13 quarts when it was developed? That's 3.5 lbs of more weight that was re-invested.

And 50 quarts of cooling fluid between the two primary and secondary systems. Wow.

 

50 quarts of cooling fluid? Wow, that's 100 lbs of water circulating through the system.

 

Only because some enjoy scientific precision, 50 quarts of 50/50 weighs about 108 lbs. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

Cooling systems seem to have changed quite a bit as well.

2011 Primary capacity = 29.4 qts
2017 Primary capacity = 35.1 qts

2011 Secondary capacity = 11.7 qts
2017 Secondary capacity = 15.1 qts

Clearly Ford is not trying to sneak by with the fluid capacities anymore. Oil and cooling us up 15%, 18% and 24% respectively (if my mental math is correct). Frankly, I think this is a great thing. I'm just curious as to how the engineers made these decisions.

9 more quarts equals 19ish more pounds. That's 22 lbs in increased fluids alone. All the weight reinvestment wasn't in just frame and suspension.

 

22 lbs is diddly compared to the weight of the truck. All I care about is will the son-of-a-gun tow heavy in the heat and mountains and not overheat or go into limp mode.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the cooling capacity the same as the 2015 engine?

 

13 quarts more for the 17 model I think

 

I didn't check the 2015 specs, only the 2011 vs the 2017. And yes, 22 lbs is inconsequential on the individual truck. I know some people who can eat 22 lbs for dinner...

Not really but that's kind of the point. Why did Ford up the capacities? Was it a compromise they made in the prior generations in an effort to keep every pound off the truck that they could? Would three decimal places make a difference when you're talking about the entire portfolio of vehicles when trying to make CAFE standards? Maybe the 2017 capacities is something the engineers always wanted but couldn't have until the aluminum body gave them enough weight margin. Just thinking. Regardless, I'm glad to see it.

 

I would speculate it has to do with heat dispersal. The increased power will produce more heat and heat removal via the intercooler should help under full power situation. Probably the same for the oil capacity. Damn, I was looking for cheaper oil changes. My 7.3 uses 15.5 quarts which is a almost a full case of 2-2.5 gal jugs. Every 4th oil change is free! (except filter).

 

By the looks of the Owner's Manual it says to expect to see the "intelligent oil life monitor" tell you to change the oil anywhere from 3000 to 10000 miles depending on how you drive the truck.


At least that's better than the 15000 miles that it said to change the oil at on the 6.4L. No way I'd run it that far with the regen cycle happening thru the cylinder heads. I guess my old fashioned seat of the pants 5000 mile oil changes weren't such a bad idea after all.

 

There you are. The simplest theory is usually correct. I'm looking for the hidden compromise, the human drama, the political conspiracy. But yes, the oil change cost just went up $10. We'll just have to make sure we're having enough fun doing it to make it worthwhile.

 

The cost of a diesel oil change is ridiculous. Change a 5 quart car: $19.95. Change a 15 quart truck: $80-$120. Plus upcharge for full synthetic. That's why I do it myself.

 

I would agree with Rasalas. I believe it is to future proof it now. When they hit the 475hp and 1000lbs they will need the more heat dispersion. So, may as well add it now instead of a year or so.

 

BINGO!

 

No idea where you guys are getting the cooling specs. The 2017 Fleet dimensions guide states the same exact 38.85 quarts as the previous generations.

My understanding was that the torque upgrade was basically software.

For what its worth, my dealer charges me $157 for an oil and filter change on my 2016, and that's just the syn-blend stuff.