Hi guys... I currently have a 2011 F150. I am considering moving to an F250 for various reason - like the fact that I was an idiot and got a 4x2 which stuck me on the beach a few times. I've found a pretty good deal on a 2005 6.0L with 120K miles. Over the past few weeks I've been reading up on all of the issues with the engine and just need some feedback.

I won't be hauling anything terribly large... jet ski or small boat and maybe a few yards of dirt or whatnot once in a while. So I don't really *need* the F250, but since I can get one at the same price as a used F150, I figured bigger is better, right?

Anyway, so it seems that the most important thing to get fixed is the oil cooler. I'd prefer not to spend the $1500 on the BPD one just yet. I've seen mention of the coolant filter... so if a filter is put on with a new/cleaned stock oil cooler... that should mitigate the problem, correct?

I'm not a mechanic, but I have a lot of experience in electronics (formerly electrician on the B-2 bomber). My father, however, was a diesel mechanic for MACs for about 30 years. So I ask, are the common fixes needed to get this thing in tip-tip shape relatively simple? I've also read that some engine work requires the cab be taken off... Is that the case with any of these items?

So far, the list of things I've found include:
new EGR (BPD)
new oil cooler
coolant filter
new coolant pressure cap
stand pipes
dummy plugs
stc fitting

Though, I have no idea what stand pipes, dummy plugs or STC fittings are...

Also, what's the time table for most of these things? Should I expect to replace a lot of this soon or can I take some time to pay for it more slowly?

Thanks a lot for any responses!

Sam.

 

<p>If you don't need the diesel for pulling heavy you're better off going with a F-150 with the ecoboost or a 250 with the V-10, the main reason is the cost of maintaining the 6.0L is cost prohibitive if you don't need the pulling power it provides and repairs are ungodly expensive and worse if you are not able to do the repairs yourself. Also almost every repair including the ones you mentioned can be done with the cab on. </p>

 

I personally wouldn't do it. As much as I love diesels and how much I love my 6.0, if I didn't need the pulling power or I was unwilling to adjust my driving habits to handle a vehicle such as this, I more then likely wouldn't have bothered with getting it.

Pulling wise, your 150 should be able to handle that. If getting stuck at the beach is the worst thing that it's done to you and it doesn't happen that often or your not at the beach that often, I would stick with what you have. It just depends on how much value you place on that though.

If you want to make sure you don't every have a problem with getting stuck, then either get a 150 with 4x4 or a 250 with it, but I would get a gasser version unless you are willing to be more cognizant of what is going on with the truck. A lot of people believe in just having a turn key vehicle and when it comes to diesels from 2003.5 on, it really isn't the case.

 

Get a 4x4 f150 if you're just pulling a boat. Diesels are harder to upkeep and I'm learning it the hard way.

 

An F150 is a fun alternative to a car with 4WD, a bed and a nice comfy quiet ride. An F250 with a PSD is a work tool, takes 200% more upkeep $, rides like a truck and handles like a truck due to solid axle in front. If you don't need one, don't buy one. Unless of course you want one... That trumps everything.

My advice anyway.

Brian

 

Couldn't agree more, I have absolutely no need for a diesel, but man I love mine.