A neighbor is selling his 2003 F-350 6.0L shortbed. It has 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on it, and he says he has never had any major issues with it. The body is in excellent condition, he used it as a 2nd truck for personal use.
I've heard differing opinions on this engine, some say run, some say the majority of these vehicles are just fine with regular maintenance.
I would have the vehicle inspected by a diesel mechanic, specifically looking for evidence of any issues with the head gaskets, bolts, the oil cooler and EGR. If I went ahead and bought it, I was planning to install a monitor on it (like the bulletproofdiesel scangauge II)) - If I see evidence of coolant leak or anything else, I would go ahead with possibly replacement of the cooler and EGR.
Main application for this truck will be towing a 6,000 lb travel trailer, with the possibility of moving up to a small to mid-range 5th wheel in a few years. Truck would also be a daily driver for me or my wife, depending on the fuel economy we see.
So, I think I've found the right place to ask for opinions - be gentle on me, I'm new to trucks, coming from a 2005 Suburban!

 

Sounds like you have done some work and that's good. I wouldn't be afraid of it esp if you have some mechanical skills.

 

Mechanical skills are not my strong suit. Pretty much limited to changing fluids and brakes, but I'm willing to learn!
I've heard that doing a full coolant flush would be a good idea as well. Any opinions on deleting the EGR off the bat?

 

You could if you want. But if it is in good health I would leave it. It has basically a bullet proof egr cooler in it already being a 03. Coolant flush and change to elc coolant would be a good idea.

 

Buy it, maintain it well and enjoy.

 

What he said! Although sometimes a pain, you'll love it! Nothing like a diesel.

Great amount of miles on it to! However, with that few of miles, I would be concerned about how long or often it has been sitting. Being your neighbor, you would probably know. The turbos can start to stick if they don't get used. IIRC, the injectors don't like it either.

Edit: Sorry, I should note, pulling and cleaning the turbo, if the vanes are stuck, is a pretty easy job, especially if you have a nice platform to get into the engine compartment.

 

Fluids and filters are Key to a good running 6.0.

Mostly stock, mine has 90K, primarily towing a 16K, 38' fifth-wheel trailer. Not suited for short, 15 minute trips - best doing 70 MPH on the Interstate.

ScanGauge imperative. I don't pull out of drive until EOT/ECT reaches 120 degrees. No WOT until at least 160.

Pay close attention to maintenance intervals - It Is Not a Gas Engine.

I plan on keeping mine for years, expect 500K miles !!!

The truck you've described sounds like worth $12-15K, depending on model, etc.

 

Thanks for the feedback - he is asking 11-12K for it, so it looks like a good deal. Would an OBD II scanner with an app like DashCommand be an equivalent to the ScanGauge? I ordered the scanner for other reasons, but I could leave it installed in the truck if it does the job.
I plan to learn how to do the regular maintenance on fluids myself, and it would be a daily driver for me, highway driving at 100 km/hr for 50 km each way.

"No WOT until at least 160." =- what is WOT, I'm not up to speed on the acronyms yet

 

Wide open throttle

 

Sounds like you are Mechanicaly inclined somewhat so I would say go for it

But be prepared there Not cheap to Fix
And theres a Fair amount of Mechanics out there that Don't know what there Doing so they Just throw parts at them .
And the Other half of them Use the Complexity of the 6.0L to Rip people off when there is a Breakdown cause they know Dam well the Vehicle owners don't Understand what there talking about so they get Feed a Line of BS just to rack up a High Bill

Check it out with a Gauge before you Buy it
DO NOT Use Dashcommand IDK if it will do all what you need

Best to Use the Following for gauges
ScanGaugeII
Auto Enginuty
DashBoss
Torq App Pro

 

ACRONYMS FORD

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/821641-acronyms.html

 

Well, I did a thorough inspection yesterday, using checklist cobbled together from the tech folder here (great resource) - everything checks out. Truck started up easily, no white or black smoke, tranny fluid is good, etc. 1 small patch of rust that should be easily fixed, bringing it to a certified diesel mechanic on Wednesday for a full inspection. Looking good! Thanks for all the great advice - already planning a few small projects, including ScanGuage II, oil drain plug (Fumoto), double DIN radio with rear camera. It`s going to keep me busy.

 

Update - took the 2003 to the garage, 2 hr inspection, which revealed a whole list of issues (dozen engine codes, broken or missing mounts, rust, etc), so I took a pass. Turns out the weekend after we went to a BBQ where my brother in law mentioned he was selling his F-250. It's a 2006 V10, low mileage and in fantastic shape. Bought it on the spot. It's not a diesel, which is what I wanted, but in trade I get a truck I know is in great shape.

 

Good decision. So many people buy ill maintained trucks and then say ford built a piece of crap.