I tried searching the topic and could not get any results on it so hopefully you guys can help me out.

In a year or two I am going to be upgrading my 2007 F150 STX to a Diesel Pickup. I work out of town a lot and I am going to be buying a decent sized trailer, so I want a diesel to haul it around. (Plus they are just bad ***.) However, I have a few concerns.

When I get my truck, maybe not right away but sometime in the future, I would like to chip it. Now, I have heard this causes problems in the 6.0Ls. Also, the 6.0Ls are prone to blowing turbos. What are my options around this. The reason I bring this up is I am told the 6.4L can handle a chip with no problem. But is it worth the extra cash for a newer 6.4L or should i just upgrade a 6.0L?

A diesel is said to just be breaking in around 100,000kms or 60,000mi correct? This is what I have grown up hearing so this bit of info might help me in my used truck search.

Are their any other concerns I should be worrying about or asking before buying?

 

I think the 6.0 gets made out to be worse than it really is. Many people here are very happy with theirs. A "bulletproofed" and well maintained 6.0 can be just as reliable as any other diesel out there. The later models had many of the issues worked out from the factory. The 6.4 isn't without issues either, and will also need some work for maximum performance and reliability. The 6.4 tends to not have very good fuel economy, but from what I understand doing a DPF delete can help with that.

"Just getting broke in" is really just a figure of speech to say that diesel engines last a long time. However, these newer diesel engines are a different animal than they used to be. Properly maintained, they can be very reliable, but if you don't keep up on the maintenance you will have problems.

 

oh ok thank you for that. As far as chipping at 6.0, what should I do to keep it from "blowing up"?

 

The 6.0L doesn't blow out turbos, but they can pop head gaskets if tuned improperly (and sometimes stock). The 6.4L stands up to tuning a lot better, but requires a much more expensive setup (DPF delete and tuner). Take care of either and you should be very happy. I've grown to love the 6.0L, but it does test me at times...

 

I like both, but I would never own a 6.4 without a warranty/extended warranty. Keep all of your service receipts and records if you do get a 6.4 Again, 6.0's do not "blow turbos".

 

Thanks for the info guys. Thats good to know that a 6L is still an awesome choice.

 

Like stated before, the 6.0 engine does not have any common turbo problems.

They do have weak 'torque to yield' (aka stretching, one time usable) head studs, and only 4 per cylinder, so they ARE prone to blowing head gaskets.

If you are going to get one and EXPECT it without question it to be reliable and dependable, It will need to be torn down and those stock head studs replaced with ARP studs.
This is especially true if you are going to chip it/mod it.

Just do your self a favor, and start researching 6.0 head gaskets, 6.0 EGR cooler, 6.0 EGR DELETE.

 

I really wish people would get off the whole EGR delete kick

EGR is a symptom of the problem. It isn't the problem. The problem is clogged Oil coolers. Monitor your EOT vs. ECT and you'll be fine.

Besides, newer flashed PCM's will throw CEL's when the EGR is deleted or disconnected. AND is causes issues with the fan drive clutch



6.4 didn't have a long enough run to get all the kinks out. They make amazing power, but you have to DPF delete and tune. Even then, I wouldn't do it without a warranty.

As mentioned, 6.0 has her issues, but overall is a good motor. Many more people never have problems vs. those who do. Motor was only replaced because Ford had to increase cubic inches so they could get within EPA standards.