When it comes to maintaining your 1997 Ford F150, one of the most important things you can do is regularly change the oil.
Doing so ensures your engine is running smoothly and efficiently, and can even prolong its lifespan.
But with so many different engines available for the 1997 Ford F150, it can be confusing to know which oil type and filter to use.
In this article, we’ll break down the oil type, capacity, and filter for each engine, making it easy for you to keep your truck in top condition.
1997 Ford F150 Oil Type, Capacity, and Filters (All Engines)
| Engine | Oil Capacity, incl. Filter | Oil Type | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V6 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-400-S |
| 4.6L V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-820-S |
| 5.4L V8 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-820-S |
It’s important to note that these capacities include the filter as well. Be sure not to overfill your engine with too much oil, as this can cause damage.
Engine Oil Types
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
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Oil Filters
Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter
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The need for this guide, specifically for the 1997 F150 engine oil, is because this truck is available in many different configurations, trims, and engine options.
Read on for more information and engine oil specifications by each 1997 F150 engine type. After reading this guide, you’ll get everything you need to change your 1997 F150 engine oil and filter.
All this information is researched and put together from the official Ford resources, including the 1997 Ford F-150 Owner’s Manual and Ford.com.
Table of Contents
1997 Ford F150 Engine Options
The 1997 Ford F150 offers 3 engine options:
- 4.2L V6
- 4.6L V8
- 5.4L V8
Each engine requires specific oil and filter specifications for optimal performance.
4.2L V6 Engine
If your 1997 Ford F150 is equipped with the 4.2L V6 engine, you’ll need 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil for an oil change, including the filter. The recommended oil filter for this engine is the FL-400-S.
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
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SAE 5W-20 is a synthetic blend oil that is recommended for use in most Ford vehicles built after 1997, including the 4.2L V6.
It provides excellent protection against engine wear and tear, and can even help improve fuel economy.
The FL-400-S oil filter is a high-quality filter that is specifically designed for Ford engines, ensuring maximum filtration and protection.
4.6L V8 Engine
If your 1997 Ford F150 is equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine, you’ll need 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil for an oil change, including the filter. The recommended oil filter for this engine is the FL-820-S.
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
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Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter
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Like the 4.2L V6, the 4.6L V8 also requires SAE 5W-20 oil. This oil type provides excellent protection against engine wear and tear and can help improve fuel economy.
The FL-820-S oil filter is designed to provide maximum filtration and protection for your engine.
5.4L V8 Engine
For the 5.4L V8 engine in your 1997 Ford F150, you’ll need 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil for an oil change, including the filter. The recommended oil filter for this engine is also the FL-820-S.
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
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Motorcraft FL-820-S Oil Filter
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The SAE 5W-20 oil type is once again recommended for this engine, providing excellent protection and fuel economy benefits.
The FL-820-S oil filter is designed to provide optimal filtration for your engine, ensuring it stays clean and protected.
It is important to avoid using SUPPLEMENTAL ENGINE OILS additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Why Using the Right Oil and Filter Matters?
Using the right oil and filter is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of your engine.
When selecting engine oil, it’s important to choose an oil that meets the specific standards and requirements of your engine.
For Ford F150 trucks, it’s recommended to use only SAE 5W-20 engine oil that meets the Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G or an equivalent oil certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
This oil provides optimum fuel economy and performance while meeting all requirements for your engine.
Additionally, it’s important to use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or an equivalent filter that meets Ford’s material and design specifications.
| Engine | Oil Capacity, incl. Filter | Oil Type | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L V6 | 6.0 qt (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-400-S |
| 4.6L V8 | 6.0 qt (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-820-S |
| 5.4L V8 | 6.0 qt (5.7L) | SAE 5W-20 | FL-820-S |
Use API-Certified Oils:
To ensure proper engine performance and protection, only use engine oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricants Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), which is comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
Useful Resources
1997 Ford F-150 Owner’s Manual
1997 Ford F-150 Oil & Filter Change Video
FAQs
How many liters of oil do you need for a 1997 Ford F150?
The 1997 Ford F150 requires 5.7 liters (6.0 quarts) of oil for all engines, including the 4.2L V6, 4.6L V8, and 5.4L V8.
How much oil does a 1997 4.2L Ford F150 take?
What oil does a 1997 4.2L Ford F150 take?
The 1997 Ford F150 with a 4.2L V6 engine requires SAE 5W-20 oil. It is recommended to use 6.0 quarts of oil, including the filter. Additionally, it is recommended to use an FL-400-S filter for this engine.
