New truck question

trev04 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:07 PM

I've been lurking here for a few months, sucking up all the information I could. Ordered a 2008 F350 (PSD, Lariat, 4x4, SC) a while back and took delivery on Thurs. Intend on using it for plowing, light towing, and hauling trees out of the woods.

I've got about 80 miles on it so far and have been taking it easy...I have not pushed the truck at all. I have not made any short trips, whenever I've started it, I've driven it enough to warm it up. Last night I hit the throttle hard on an entrance ramp and got a knocking sound from the engine/drive train. I backed off, brought it up to speed easy and everything seemed fine. I could not reproduce the knocking again.

My question is....Do diesels "load up" if not worked hard? Is this what I was experiencing? Or is it something more sinister...

Thanks in advance, Chris.

trev04 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:17 PM

KingRanch250 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 01:48 PM

You don't have to worry about all that crap. Drive it "normally". Meaning the way a normal driver would. I have owned 5 previous Ford diesels. I have always driven them the way that I plan to always drive. I would avoid any heavy towing until you get @ 2000 miles on her. Treat it good and it will treat you good. Good Luck !!

diesel_dan · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 06:23 PM

I just recommended this in another thread: read the "engine break-in" article in the tech folder. Very worthwhile read on what goes on during break-in of a diesel. I followed it to the letter.

My $.02 worth...

Demolition · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 10:31 AM

Not sure what you mean by loading up but I think you might mean coking or wet stacking? I have heard it called different things but this can occur when you idle your motor for very long periods of time. And no one seems to be able to agree if the 6.4s wet stack or not. Maybe someone else will chime in and set us straight on that.

As for the knocking, I would check my oil level right off. If your truck is like mine in regen, it "raps" a bit when I get on it. Maybe check the driveshaft for play?

SouthTexasDiesel · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 03:26 PM

What Demolition said might be right. These engines produce a different sound while in regen. The first week I had my truck I hauled 4 ATVs 250 miles and back and didn't have any issues.

trev04 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 01:33 PM

Thanks for the responses....checked the things you've suggested, no problems found. Maybe it was a regen.

I read about "wet stacking" when researching diesel generators and thought possibly I was experiencing this because I was driving it too gently. I've been making an effort to vary rpm and loading for break in and haven't had a repeat of the knocking or rapping. (and have been running a diesel generator since Feb at my son's house 7x24 and have had no "wet stacking" issues).

Thanks for your help....great truck.

Chris