6.0 rough surging cold start problems.

[Quadzilla]

[1943GPW]

I have a 2003 6.0 with 1300 miles on it, it has started surging or galloping heavily on a cold start. When I say cold start, I keep it in a heated garage and it starts the same way as outside at 10 degrees. It starts up nice, then starts surging almost to the point of stalling then smooths out. I can smooth it out by applying a slight amount of accellerator for about 15 to 30 seconds. If it is slightly warm it will not do it. This last start tonight it really smelled like unburned fuel even after warming up and driving for about 15 minutes. Have not called the garage, but will tomorrow morning. But would like to have some ideas from people I respect before I call.

Anyone have any ideas?

Mark

[The Diesel Dude]

I don't know but I've noticed that they surge a lot in our test cells. I've thought the turbo was surging causing the engine to surge but I'm not really sure if that is the cause. There may be codes in the computer even if the check engine light is not on. The best thing to do is get it into the dealership and have them scan it for codes.
Let us know what they say.

[bluecon1]

I'm having the same problem with a warm engine. It spews the smoke at stoplights, runs rough, and hesitates when I take off again (sometimes stalling). I have the problem on two 6.0's that I picked up before Christmas. Both are in the shop, waiting for parts. The dealer did admit they're guessing on the fix right now, but I'll post an up-date when they get out of the shop.

Matt
Calgary, Alberta

[1943GPW]

Joe, thanks for the ideas. I am almost afraid to take it to the dealer (I have a great dealer), but it runs great 99.9% of the time and I don't want anything changed. Only was concerned about the romp romp or surging on a cold start. Having the dealer plug it in should be non evasive though.

Thanks again.

Mark

[The Diesel Dude]

Mark:
Some of the old 7.3 engines did that as well. It could be a carry-over problem that hasn't been resolved yet. If that is the only complaint you have at this time and it runs fine 99.9% of the time, I think you are wise to leave it alone for now.

[turbopowerstroke]

Yes, some of the newer 7.3 liters will do it as well, on a cold start it idles for a little bit and then it kicks into a kind of choke. When it is started and it romps you give it a little bit of diesel and it will be kicked up to about 1200 rpm. So to sum it up, its nothing bad, its just your engine trying to warm up faster, and easier.

1996 ford F-250 powerstroke

on order, here soon, 2003 F-350 6.0 liter diesel

[venajeff]

I have a 2003 6.0 w/ 1750 miles on it and I have the same problem when it starts up. Mine is ok until I put it into gear then the engine starts to surging.
If anyone knows of this being fixed then I will take mine to the dealer. But until I hear that they can fix it I'm not going to take it in.

[truckfreak69]

I read a very extensive post (12 pages long) on Pickuptruck.com and from what I hear the International/Ford engineers are scratching their heads right now, some say injectors, some say turbo, some say tranny lol........

[bismic]

Originally Posted by venajeff

I have a 2003 6.0 w/ 1750 miles on it and I have the same problem when it starts up. Mine is ok until I put it into gear then the engine starts to surging.
If anyone knows of this being fixed then I will take mine to the dealer. But until I hear that they can fix it I'm not going to take it in.

The first thing to try is to run 5W40 synthetic and get the truck reflashed if these have not been already done).

[MIKE1646]

Mark this post is almost seven years old, I doubt they still got that problem.

[bismic]

Originally Posted by MIKE1646

Mark this post is almost seven years old, I doubt they still got that problem.

wow - I wasn't paying attention was I.