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?

saber707

Excellent engine. Best of all the diesels. I have 14,000 miles on my 2006.

txgreasemonkey

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.

dirtrider

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...

CluelessChick

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.

eddybauer1

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

Bdawg623

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, im sure he maintains it well, doesnt hot rod it, and it is the only truck of my uncles that hasnt had engine probs (all ford diesels) and im convinced its because of his treatment of the engine; also if u have an intake leak, the turbo will run too fast and will wipe it out

Duramax

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.

southbound35w

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 r awesome especially when u hook a programmer to them and add 100 hp.

BigRedneckRob

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, maintainance 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 runnin it til it drops.