Hi everyone, I finally got registered, they make you jump through hoops. I am in Texas and really confused. I am trying to buy a Ford powerstroke, with the 6.4 I have heard so many ideas and opinions that I need actual owners input. I have friends with an older 7.3 and loved it, but those days are long ago. I am in a Z71 now, and we tow airstream trailers.. plural. I want the ford, can somebody lead me in the right direction? I have heard, the head studs in the 6.0 are bad, cant do this cant do that.. delete dpf and put a down tube on, One guy that I rally tried to buy the 09 truck, kept posting pictures of the mileage computer, swearing it reaally got 28 mpg... sometimes 30, showed on the readout. I cant believe that , so I did not finalize. So, sell me one, or help me find one. I dont need 600 hp, Ineed long life and mpg,pulling power. thanks in advance... richard in Texas

 

Welcome to FTE!

With a little searching on this forum you are bound to find a lot of good info.

I personally have a 2008 F-350. Currently 350K km. (217K mi)

I removed the DPF EGR when I purchased the truck last year. I don't use it to make a whole lot of power. I normally run the tuner on the tow setting and with easy driving mixed town and highway I am getting 7.5 km/L which is about 16-17 mpg. But that's driving very easy on the get-go and keeping it under 110km/hr.

As for power, this truck is hardly comparable to a 7.3L. A 6.4L will put a 7.3L to shame any day of the week or weekend. They are much quieter and smoother...well you already know that.

As for buying from someone claiming to get some insane mpg... They way I see it is "If you're not going to be honest, you're wasting your time."

If you plan on leaving the emissions system intact, that is something I don't know much about but from what I have read it will work best if you drive it long distances and make it work hard regularly.

The fuel system on the 6.4L has very tight tolerances and so you absolutely need to make sure you drain the water separator often and have fuel filters changed regularly as well.

With good maintenance a 6.4L should give you years of good service.

I am certain some more knowledgeable folks will chime in soon.

 

Thanks. I dont want any emission or dpf . I am willing to alter the exhaust also . Hopefully I can find one already done. Looking hard now.

 

There's a few issues the 6.4L has and you'll likely see a number of threads about it if you keep looking around.

One of them seems to be the radiator leaking. But I cannot tell you exactly what years were plagued by that problem.
But it's one of those things when the time comes you suck it up, install a new one and keep driving.

Another is the rocker arms. From what I have read this is largely another tax you pay for the DPF system, because of fuel entering engine oil in an interrupted regen.
Another cause would be lack of timely oil changes and/or poor oil quality.

So if you hear a distinct ticking in your prospective truck dig into the details of repairing that so you're informed what it would take.

But don't be disheartened; a few things to be on the lookout for but over all these 6.4L are a great engine and the Super Duty, without dispute, has long been a respected truck.

 

Thanks..so look for one with new radiator and fresh rocker arms. Hmmm..you just helped me a lot I have seen some of these in ebay.

 

dixie722, I wish you the best of luck. If you can, try to find one with low mileage, not that it won't last a long time but I always try to find low mileage vehicles if I can.
I have an 08 LWB CC 4x4 SRW 6.4 auto...whew, anyway my mileage when driving easy is around 13-15 mpg. Most days I just don't have the patience to just take it easy and if you're not willing to take your time be prepared to pay up. BTW I deleted the exhaust stuff and left the resonator in place...sounds like a bad*** hairdryer Since you live in Texas you may be acquainted wit Toll Road 130 between Georgetown and Seguin. Fun, but a mileage destroyer at 80-85 mph.
I've heard about the leaks, headbolts and rocker arms, so far so good and I'm at 116K +. I bought it two years ago with 51k and I love it. Oh btw I used the DPF R with no horse power add.
Good luck, we're all counting on you

 

Thanks, and I am looking now. Most have 200,000 on them. but there are a few that dont. One thing in your post,, did you use a programmer, and if so, which one. You seem to not be getting a lot of mpg.. just wondering why... thanks for any help. Richard

 

I think it's the heavy right foot, 3:73 axle, 4x4 with it's xtra drag and weight and a reputation for being a diesel hog.

Some folks claim to get 20 or better mpg with a 2wd, maybe they do, but they are keeping an egg with a thin shell under their bunny soft slippers as they push the right foot otherwise it ain't hap'nin.

I think a 3:31 or 3:55 gear ratio would help a lot. IMHO

 

I think you are right.. a taller gear would help a lot, it;s not like they are short of power. I know that I cant keep my foot out of it, so the search goes on.,

 

If you can get by with 2wd you'll be money and mileage ahead. IMHO

 

I wish I could go with 2wd, bbut if you have ever been stuck with a trailer on, it's not fun at all.. so it's gotta be 4wd . Thanks.