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I'm looking for a 3/4 ton pick-up and noticed there are a lot of Ford F-250's for sale that have the "Power Stroke" 6L diesel engine. A friend of mine told me to stay away from them because they have problems, but couldn't be more specific. Anybody know the history on these engines?:confused:
Excellent engine. Best of all the diesels. I have 14,000 miles on my 2006.Quote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
Most ranchers in Texas use the F-350 4x4, with 7.3L PSD. The reputation is that the 7.3L engine is the one to get. I've heard, like you, that there have been problems with the other PSDs. Sorry, I can't remember the specifics but they weren't complimentary. PSDs are International diesel engines, reconfigured for Ford. Parts are slightly less beefy than Cummins. In my opinion, if you could get a Cummins diesel in a Ford truck, you'd have the best combination. Still, Ford's engine is more than adequate.
I've worked on the transmission and brakes on my buddy's 1999 F-350 4x4, with the 7.3L engine--just preventive maintenance. We dropped and cleaned the pan, changed the filter, drained the torque converter, and switched to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. Now, it's really ready for work. We also replaced all of the brake fluid with Valvoline SynPower. I love the fact that you usually don't have to jack the truck up to service it--interesting experience.
It's the best truck I've ever seen. Previously, I had only worked on GM and Dodge trucks. Hauls 13 head of cattle (6.5 tons) to market in 100 degree weather with no problem. Has 125,000 miles on it and it's just getting broken in. I love that truck and wish I had a need to buy one. Two weeks ago, we finally replaced the shocks with a set of Monroe Gas Magnums, after the front left shock wore out while hauling drywall, compressors, and other gear across Texas to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Unloaded, it gets 18 to 21 mpg on the road.
Look into what chip comes with your engine--it can make a big difference in gas mileage. Similarly, try and get the large 26 plate ATX cooler, if you are really going to use it like a truck. Ford PSDs, after August 2001, don't have drain plugs in the torque converter--unfortunate in my opinion. With the large oil sumps (15 qts.), they are prime candidates for installing by-pass oil filters, using synthetic diesel oil, and greatly extending oil change intervals--many go 60,000 miles with regular used oil analysis. Because of cavitation problems, particularly on the rear two cylinders, stay on top of the cooling system. Use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze, regularly enhanced with Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA). Completely drain the cooling system (32 qts.) every 3 years, making sure to remove the 2 engine drain plugs. If you fail to do this, you will get pin holes through your cylinder walls--happens frequently. Rigs like this cost over $50,000 new, so maintenance is very important.
I had a 2004 F250 diesel for a bit less than 3 years it was to say the least a big head ache. I traded it in after it was on its 4th turbo and started leaking oil. This thing was a gutLESS wonder. It was my first diesel truck and I bought it to haul a 10k fith wheel. I now have a 2006 Dodge with a cummins diesel, I cannot believe how much better fuel mileage and power it has. This cummins has some serious torque I had no idea how much of a dog the 6.0L was until I started pulling the same trailer with the Dodge.
I would avoid the 6.0L like the Plague. This was by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned and I have had many...
In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with 6.0 liters Ford trucks. The biggest problems are almost ALWAYS caused by lack of maintenance – such as REGULAR oil changes.
The two most common problems with the 6.0’s are the injectors, and the turbo. Unlike most trucks, the 6.0’s have oil fired injectors.
Therefore, not changing the oil as scheduled, or letting it get low, will cause problems by clogging the three little “micro-screens” that are in each of your injectors.
In addition, dirty oil will cause a build-up in the “veins” of the turbo causing them to stick, and then the turbo issues will begin.
Generally the root or culprit of almost all of the turbo & injector issues has been the lack of proper, (recommended) oil changes.
I also believe that these trucks are not “grocery getter” type trucks, or used for short trips – they need to be opened up, so they can “breathe” so to speak. RUN these trucks! But keep the fuel filter and oil CHANGED and they’re fine trucks.
Pertaining to pulling – they pull fine & do even better at higher rpms, and have ample ability (or horsepower) to do so.
The 6.0 is actually a poorly designed engine, and because of this, this engine is being phased out, Ford was offering rebates to current 6.0 customers in order to get them back as customers. You can read more about this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navistar_VT_engine
I no a guy that drives a 97 ford power stroke for work, so it gets drove quite a bit, and a lot of long distances, and he lets it warm up before he ever moves the truck, I'm sure he maintains it well, doesn't hot rod it, and it is the only truck of my uncles that hasn't had engine probs (all ford diesels) and I'm convinced its because of his treatment of the engine; also if you have an intake leak, the turbo will run too fast and will wipe it out
Stay away from the 2003 to 2005 models. They are real problem motors and even Ford admitted it themselves. Try to find a 7.3 Powersrtoke. It's a proven motor and is very reliable.
I have a 2006 powerstroke with fx4 package, this is the toughest truck I have ever owned, I can hook on to a 12000 lb trailer and go 75mph up very steep hills loaded. This 6.0 is a good engine, I have only had one minor problem with it and ford fixed it under warranty, these trucks are awesome especially when you hook a programmer to them and add 100 hp.Quote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
I have an '04 F250 4X4 with the 6.0 and just under 43,000 miles. All of the problems I have heard about have not surfaced in my truck at all. It is very dependable and averages between 21-23 MPG. It is not stock. It has a free flowing AiRaid air filter, banks 4" stainless exhaust and the Diablosport Predator programmer. I am very happy with it's performance. I service my truck myself regularly, and taken it in for each computer program change as they have become available. The majority of the problems I have heard about stems from the early '04 models made in the latter half of '03. As someone said earlier, maintenance is the key. I can tell by how my truck idles when it's ready for an oil change. All the Ford techs and reps I've spoken with say that the most important thing is for the engine not to run lean. In fact, one of our local dealers actually recommends a computer reprogrammer to help remedy the situation. I don't remember the brand. I do have some agreement though about the turbocharger. Although mine has not even burped, I think it is a poor design to design turbo veins that can actually change position. Turbocharger speeds can see 150,000 RPM regularly, so why ask for trouble? I may eventually replace my turbocharger with one from ATS, but until the stock one croaks, I'm running it until it drops.Quote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
Nothing wrong with the 6's, just cut the dang catalytic converter out.
I pull a 30 foot goose neck tri-axle with my F-350 4X4, only licensed for 14,000 lbs of hay:) , so it gets a regular workout.
Change oil every 5 thous miles, fuel filter every 10 thous and don't forget the air filter as needed dependent on dust conditions.
Also, northern Alberta winters can be brutal, winter fuel is dryer than summer fuel, so don't forget the conditioner every other tank.
Mine is a 2004 crewcab long box with the auto tranny, my brothers is the same but a standard shift, he halls his backhoe around with his.
We know lots of folks that were blowing seals and cooking engines with the cat still in, motor can't breathe right, all problems went away with the cat out.
Us old truckers know what a diesel can and can't do, as well as how to look after them.
So stroke them right, rest your foot on the injector pump, take the back roads to avoid the scales and she'll take you home;)
The 6.0L powerstroke has been a large mistake for both Ford and International the maker of the motor. There is a long battle between the two over warranty issues and it is far from over. They have phased out the 6.0L in favor of the new (unproven) 6.4L for the 2007/2008 year models.Quote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
I have had the 7.3 and 6.0 Powerstroke as well as a 5.9 Cummins and two 6.6 Duramax's. The 6.0 Powerstroke has been the most troublesome of them all. The biggest problems revolve around turbos and fuel issues. The ERG valve on these motors gets plugged up very easy and causes a great deal of coughing and sputtering under power. Once it has been cleaned it seems to clog up even more often until you finally buy a new (very expensive) replacement.The fuel filter on the top of the intake is easy to change however the one on the frame is a real pain to change especially if its 4wd, you will not want to attempt this in your driveway due to the amount of fuel that runs out down the frame staining your drive.
If you ever want to chip it or perform any real power modifications the 6.0 can't handle most of the aftermarket performance parts without breaking. This has been proven time and again at every diesel showdown in the U.S.
My advise is avoid the 6.0L and buy a dodge with the Cummins or a Chevy/GMC with a Duramax you will be very happy with your choice.
I had a 2000 model f-250 with the 7.3 and had no problems. I purchased a new 03 f-250 and had nothing but problems. It ran fine just riding around but when I tried to pull my 5th wheel camper it would start missing and blowing white smoke after about 10 miles. This was not due to poor maintenance as I saw someone post. This truck was brand new fresh off the lot. After about 9 months of taking to the dealership, they could not solve the problem, I decided to trade it in. I fiqured it was the first year for the new diesel and mabe they had worked the bugs out. Brought a identical 04 model. Within a week of purchaseing the truck I left on a camping trip. Same thing, after 10 miles or so it started missing and blowing black smoke.Quote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
My local dealer was no help!! Also Ford was no help. I went round and round with them for probably 8 or 9 months and finally they sent someone down from Atlanta. They completely dissassemled the motor, finally told me the turbo was cracked. They got it fixed and it ran pretty good but gets horrible gas mileage, around 16 unloaded.
Now it has 63k miles on it and its messing up again. I'm taking it back to the dealer later today.
I would suggest you avoid these trucks!!
Some of them seem to be OK but why take the chance.
I will never own another ford product!
QUOTE= J T's Auto] I had a 2007 F350 6.0, dirtrider said it well avoid like the Plague, I had that F350 six mo. 4,000 mi. No power, no mileage, had it to the Ford Dealer, NO help, they said yes we know they are junk. If you want a Truck that will Pull Your Trailer, get a Dodge Cummings. I went back to the Dodge, had a 2001, 2004, and now a 2007 and I am happy again.Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtrider
I have an 03 and half with the 6.0 with 130k on it and runs great. The main thing is maintaince I am a ASE certifed tech if you keep on your services it will be a good truck.
I recommend all fluids every 30k its expensive but break downs are too.and they have good power you JUST don't floor the pedal off the line the VV turbo is meant to spool before it gets max boost.50% of the people I have talk to say its been good and others bad .
Good luck buy wisely, get service records with the truck to check for maintiance
Turbo... the vanes around the turbo move... not the turbine wheel that is spinning. They designed this so they get more power through the whole power band. Very good design
New to this site, new to the 6L problems. I have an 05 F350 with the 6.0, and at 67K it is nothing but problems! The dealership calls the loss of power/black/blue smoke a intermitten problem which makes it hard to diagnose. Today, after the 6th trip to the dealership, 14+ days in the service, 3 egr valves, 1 pcm, they still have not fixed the problem. This is NOT a lack of maintenance issue as suggested by a ASE mechanic, as I had the service contracted maint. For the first 55k, and have done extra maintenance and kept up with the routine maint as the vehicle has b to b warranty for 100k. THANK GOD! Who can afford the cost of FORD'S experimentation? THe answer, I am told today is a totally re-designed EGR valve that is on "emergency backorder", boxed and ready to ship. We will see, but that Cummins is looking better every day! Talk about terrible mileage, 13.6-14 is it! HORRIBLE! :mad:
Just to clarify,
The 6.0 liter navistar diesel engine is very strong. It will out pull a stock 7.3 any day of the week. I have owned a 2002 Ford 7.3 f-350 and now own a 2006 6.0 f-250. Both are great trucks. You will most likely have more issues with the 7.3 liter. I had to change the IDM sensor, injectors and a number of other things multiple times. The 6.0 has 36,000 miles on it an only had the hydroboost system go out on it(nothing to do with the motor). I have had friends involved in the class action lawsuit with for over the head gasket blowing due to the head studs stretching, also egr cooler valves getting stuck open. None of which happen to mine yet. If you want to be on the safe side and buy a used 6.0, take it into a diesel mechanic and change the head studs to arp and block off the egr valve. After that you will have a very reliable truck foor many years. Just my .02 cents.
Go to Entrance post your issue and I bet you will get the answer you are looking for. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by F350 Boomtruck
Don't ever buy a 6.0 ford, you WILL regret it period, I owned a 2005 f-350 for 2 rotten years, got to know service manger to well, you name these engines are junk,the truck is junk, you name it , it broke, even the trailer brake control went insane.. Don't buy one, stick with dodge or duramax, I'm back in dodge and loving the 18 miles per gallon instead of 12-13 in fordQuote:
Originally Posted by shoopdj
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