Hey all! It's that time of the year again and I've got an itch only a new truck can fix. I had a 6.0 for a couple years then had to switch to a more economy friendly car, but I am ready to get back into a diesel! That being said I know the ins and outs of the 6.0 as far as maintenance and what to look for, but when it comes to the 6.4 I'm a little less educated. Should I take my edge insight to the dealer and see what the running temps are and if everything looks good? Going to check the engine hours too. Just looking for some things I can check easily while I'm there. Feels good to be back!

 

I went from a 6.0 to a 6.4 about a year and a half ago. I went through all the typical 6.0 stuff. Still loved the truck after replacing the head gaskets, oil cooler, egr cooler, and installing head studs. That being said, the 6.4 is awesome! If possible, deleting the dpf and egr system is a must. If not, the downfall is they don't get great mileage but they are 8000lbs trucks so they aren't going to get above 20 mpg anyway. Love the 6.4! Great power and tows our 30' fiver toy hauler very nicely. If you can check for codes and coolant and oil temp delta, that would be a good place to start. Like the 6.0, check the coolant. Also, get an oasis report!!! Make sure they give you the whole report.

 

On average the 6.4 is a far more reliable engine. Just look at the number of recent posts in the forums for each engine. There are a few things to look at on the 6.4, like regular fuel system maintenance. Where the 6.0 was unforgiving when it came to oil changes, the 6.4 is particular to fuel filter changes and clean fuel. They can make crazy power, but as with everything else - you will pay to play. The 6.0 is more home user friendly when it comes to repairs. By the time I got my 6.0 to the 230,000 km I've now got on my 6.4, I had done a whole bunch of work to it. Haven't changed an engine component or accessory yet on my 6.4.
Oddly enough, I miss the sound and feel of my 6.0. Oh, and can someone explain to me what Ford was thinking when they changed the headlights on the 08's and up?

 

I agree. I had a 2003 6.0. I miss it. It sounded great with the cat/muffler delete. Ran an SCT live wire. It was a rocket! I'll have to say though, I wouldn't trade my 2008 6.4 to go back. The 6.4 is pretty reliable and has loads of power. Lol. The headlights take some getting use to. I have blacked out Harley replica headlights. Looks great. They don't have the goofy orange reflector in them.

 

Some getting used to? Sorry, but they are plain painful. The same guy that designed the new headlights must have been in charge of the new dually fenders. I always considered my 06 to be far better looking than my '10.

 

I thought the same thing at first time then swapped them out. I'm not a dually fan but like the Ford the best. I guess for me the headlights weren't the selling point . I don't usually leave things alone. I don't like having a truck that looks like everyone else's so I make some changes.

 

Thanks for replies guys! I guess as it is with all diesels, regular maintenance is king. Thanks for the tips!

 

Maintenance is key. They run great tuned. Only thing I hate about them is that the conversation is never " hey you just need an injector." It's always something major, mostly engine replacement, when something goes wrong.