The 2018 Lincoln MKT with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine demands premium lubrication to handle its high-output turbocharging and complex operating conditions. Maintaining the correct fluid specifications is critical for preserving engine power, preventing sludge buildup, and ensuring the transmission and transfer case operate smoothly under load. This guide outlines the exact AMSOIL products designed to meet the manufacturer’s requirements while providing superior protection against wear, thermal breakdown, and contamination.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier choice offering up to 25,000 miles of protection and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear caused by turbocharging.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 20,000 miles of protection with 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective option that meets OEM requirements and fights sludge and deposits with 100% synthetic formulation.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and boost engine cleaning.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Offers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns and greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed solution protecting the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for the transfer case to control thermal runaway and reduce operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the rear differential, meeting Ford specifications for enhanced wear protection.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides stable viscosity and excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems.
Engine Oil and Filtration
The heart of the 2018 Lincoln MKT is the 3.5L twin-turbo V6, a high-performance powerplant that places significant stress on engine lubricants. Operating in extreme temperatures or under heavy load, this engine requires an oil that maintains viscosity stability and resists oxidation. The factory recommendation is a 5W-30 viscosity, specifically the 5W-30 (Above -29°C) grade. In climates where ambient temperatures drop to -22°F (-30°C) or lower, a 0W-30 oil meeting the WSS-M2C963-A1 specification is advised for improved cold starts.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is engineered to deliver unmatched protection against the thermal stress of turbocharging. It offers up to 25,000 miles of guaranteed protection, which helps reduce the frequency of maintenance intervals while keeping the engine cleaner for longer. For owners seeking a balance between performance and value, the Extended-Life 5W-30 offers a 20,000-mile service interval and superior cleaning power. If your vehicle has accumulated over 75,000 miles, the High-Mileage 5W-30 version includes enhanced additives to reduce sludge and oil consumption.
The oil change capacity for the 3.5L engine is 6.0 quarts when changing the filter. It is crucial to refill the correct amount and check the level after the refill to ensure proper lubrication. The torque specification for the oil drain plug is 20 ft/lbs. Pairing the oil with a high-quality filter is essential. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO17) provides superior filtration efficiency compared to standard aftermarket options, capturing wear-causing contaminants to keep engine parts lubricated. Alternatively, the WIX XP Oil Filter (57502XP) features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The 2018 Lincoln MKT is equipped with an automatic transmission that requires specific fluid properties to handle shifting dynamics and thermal loads. For the 6-speed 6F50 and 6F55 transmission variants, the total fill capacity varies slightly depending on the specific model, ranging from 10.9 quarts to 11.6 quarts. Regular fluid changes help prevent sludge and wear-related problems that can compromise transmission life.
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures. It provides reserve protection during heavy use, making it an excellent choice for the MKT’s performance-oriented nature. The OE Fuel-Efficient version also meets the necessary specifications for wear protection and is suitable for those adhering to standard service intervals. Ensuring the correct fill level is vital for the longevity of the torque converter and internal components.
For the drivetrain, the transfer case requires a synthetic gear lube to ensure smooth power distribution to the all-wheel-drive system. The recommended fluid is SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant, meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A. The capacity for the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) is 1.1 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 provides advanced protection against wear, rust, and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures. The drain plug torque is 15 ft/lbs. Note that some versions of the transfer case may not have a drain plug, so proper inspection of the specific vehicle configuration is necessary before service.
The rear differential, which requires SAE 80W-90 meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A, benefits from AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90. This gear lube contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications and helps extend the life of the seals and equipment. The capacity for the rear differential is 2.4 pints.
Cooling and Brake Systems
Maintaining proper cooling is essential for the longevity of the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, especially given the heat generated by the turbochargers. The coolant capacity for the 2018 Lincoln MKT is 13.7 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is a 50/50 pre-mix ethylene glycol solution, eliminating the need for mixing at the time of installation. For those who prefer a concentrated antifreeze, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers extended service life and protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars and light trucks.
Brake fluid is another critical safety component. The 2018 Lincoln MKT requires a fluid meeting Motorcraft PM-20 or equivalent specifications (WSS-M6C65-A2 or ISO 4925 class 6). AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking performance in both freezing cold and high-heat conditions.
Vehicle Background
The 2018 Lincoln MKT represents the final iteration of a unique vehicle platform that blended the comfort of a luxury sedan with the utility of an SUV. Introduced in 2009, the MKT was built on the Ford D4 platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Explorer and the Ford Flex. This unique crossover design positioned it as a premium alternative to traditional SUVs, offering a lower center of gravity and a car-like driving experience while maintaining three rows of seating and a spacious cargo area. The vehicle is known for its refined interior, high-quality materials, and a quiet cabin that isolates occupants from road noise.
Under the hood, the 2018 model came equipped with the potent 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, a twin-turbocharged powerplant that delivers robust horsepower and torque figures suitable for hauling heavy loads or towing. This engine is capable of generating substantial power, making the MKT a surprisingly brisk performer for its size. The vehicle features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can vary power distribution to the front and rear axles as needed for traction. While the MKT was primarily marketed for its luxury and versatility, it also appealed to those who wanted a practical vehicle without sacrificing a premium driving feel.
Despite its strengths, the 2018 Lincoln MKT is not without its challenges. Owners often report issues with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on the all-wheel-drive models. The PTU is prone to overheating and lubrication breakdown, which can lead to premature wear of the internal gears and bearings. Using a high-quality synthetic gear lube like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 is a recommended preventative measure to mitigate this risk by maintaining better thermal stability. Another common issue involves the engine’s turbochargers. The high heat generated by the turbos can lead to oil coking if the oil is not changed frequently enough or if the oil quality is insufficient. The AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is specifically tested for resistance to turbo coking, offering a solution to this durability concern.
Additionally, owners of older MKT models may experience increased oil consumption as the engine ages. This is often due to the hardening of piston ring seals or valve stem seals over time. The AMSOIL High-Mileage 5W-30 contains seal conditioners and unique chemistry designed to rejuvenate aging seals, potentially reducing oil consumption and the need for top-offs. Lastly, the automatic transmission in the MKT can sometimes exhibit shudder or delayed shifting if the fluid degrades. Regular fluid changes with a premium synthetic transmission fluid like AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient can help maintain smooth shifts and extend the transmission’s service life. By addressing these specific areas with the right lubricants, owners can keep their 2018 Lincoln MKT running smoothly for years to come.
Additional Maintenance and Care
To ensure the 2018 Lincoln MKT performs at its best, regular maintenance of other vehicle systems is recommended. The air filter plays a vital role in engine efficiency, and the WIX Air Filter (46935) provides premium media to improve airflow and filtration. For fuel system health, the AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help restore fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and remove carbon deposits, potentially restoring lost horsepower and improving fuel economy.
In colder climates, using AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer during storage helps keep fuel fresh and prevents ethanol corrosion, while the Engine Fogging Oil protects internal components during long periods of inactivity. For general vehicle appearance and protection, AMSOIL Engine Degreaser can be used to remove grime from the engine bay, and the Exterior Ceramic Spray provides a durable, UV-resistant finish. The Silicone Spray is ideal for protecting rubber and plastic components from cracking, while the Heavy-Duty Degreaser handles stubborn oil and tar removal.
By selecting the correct lubricants and additives for each system, Lincoln MKT owners can maximize the vehicle’s reliability and performance. Whether you are pushing the vehicle to its limits with towing or simply commuting daily, AMSOIL products provide the protection needed to keep the 2018 Lincoln MKT in peak condition.