So I am thinking about upgrading my truck from the old 7.3 to a 6.4l F450. I've been reading the forums learning about the truck. To this point, the only thing of concern for me is the HPFP. So here are my questions and opinions being requested. First, how common is a HPFP failure? I've gotten water in my fuel in both my 7.3's and formerly 6.0. It isn't horribly uncommon in some of the places I get forced to fill up at. Second, is there a way to protect against this? Can a secondary water separator be added to protect against this or is the only way to do it to swap the lpfp with and after market with better filtration?

To be honest, i sold my 6.0 due to the constant repair costs and I don't wAnt to get into that again. I want a newer truck and need a dually, but to be honest am Leary of a cab off repair requiring replacement of the entire fuel system.

Opinions and additional information is appreciated. If I can protect myself from this (given people report losing a HPFP without ever getting a water in fuel light) happening, I'd be more open to it.

Jeremy

 

In my honest opinion, if you know you are going to have to run crappy diesel, steer clear of any common rail diesel whether it be a Ford, GM, or Ram.

 

Ditto that last post. Go with a gas engine. The 6.4 like any other modern diesel is hyper sensitive to poor fuel. The new high pressure injection systems will not tolerate it. Don't matter if its a Dodge, Chevy or Ford.

 

Agree with the former replies. Ford has 2 fuel filters on the 6.4. The first one is a water separator fuel filter and has a drain which the book says drain monthly and check for water and dirt and drain if the water in fuel light comes on. Change both at 5k intervals but like they said if you have fuel that is that bad don't buy any brand! It could be a 8-10 thousand dollar fix!

 

Thanks for the opinions. 95% of the time, the fuel won't be an issue. However, I take the truck to weird spots and get sketchy diesel when I'm out snowmobiling or wheeling. Sounds like there is no way to prevent these issues. Guess ill need to think a bit about the truck I want to run with.

 

If you want to diesel and there is a chance of water and dirt in fuel invest in one of air dog units. AirDog 2008-2009 Ford 6.4L AirDog II DF-100

 

Just turned 175k on my '09--just had to have the LPFP replaced. Shop said all was fine with the HPFP and filter. It was throwing the P0087 code and when using the cruise with the street mode, the cruise would cut off and the code would show. Kind of odd, but everytime the cruise quit, the code was there. Clear the code, take off in street mode and in 10-20 miles, it would cut off. No problem with stock or tow modes. Just happy it wasn't the HPFP...
Joe

 

Regular filter changes and draining the water off, daily if needed helps a lot.

A ran some questionable fuel more than once and never had a problem. I'd drain daily.

Never had the water in fuel light come on. That I would depend upon. Carry or get a spare fuel tank.

 

Thanks for the help. I pulled to trigger and picked up an 08 450 king ranch with 60k on the clock. Sure beats that old noisy 99 7.3, though I feel some regret in letting my old baby go. Onward and upward! Thanks everyone!

 

Are we deleting the 6.4?

 

Sounds like the best answer is to carry extra fuel for those off the beaten path trips.