Last week I picked up a 2007 F250 Lariat 6.0l with 90 000kms on it. We traveled a couple hours to get the truck but we will be taking it to the local dealer to be serviced. This is my first diesel, so i'm new to all this.
Anyways, i'm most likely going to be running this truck to the ground. I am also going to be running this truck like I stole it, and I need to know some regular maintnence tips. I know these 6.0ls will run like a top if they're constantly maintnanced, and i'm okay with that. I will be changing the oil every 5000kms, however i'm unaware about what else needs to be done.
I would like to take it to the local dealer and have them do a complete once over, because who knows what kind of maintenance, or any maintenance for that matter, was done with the previous owner. Oil + filter change, fuel filter change, air filter change, coolant flushed, brake fluid flushed (please add to the list). Basically, i want a fresh start, knowing that i can run the truck hard w/o running into problems.
In the near future, i will be doing some mods (exhaust, tuner ect.). What kind of mods am i looking to do if lets say i went for an SCT with custom tunes? I keep reading about an EGR delete, and an oil filter bypass, and i would like to know exactly what this means and why you do this. Also, am i safe to tune this truck if im going to be running it to the ground, or am i going to run into major problems (head studs or gaskets or tanny....)?
As far as maintance goes change the oil every 5,000 miles with 5w40 synthic (your injectors will like this), change fule filters every 10-12,000 miles, flush the trans every 30,000 miles, flush the coolant system every 50,000 miles, flush brake fluid every couple of years, change the air filter when the minder tells you to, and use only oem filters after market ones tend to cause big problems. As far as mods go do the preventive mods first. Coolant filter bypass to get the casting sand out of the block (deiselsite make a good one), egr delete (this is one of the big issues with the truck), run some sort of fuel additive in the tank (a lot of people run diesel klean in every tank), ccv reroute (keep the oil out of the turbo), arp head studs (anouther big issue with these trucks the factory TTY bolts just aren't good enough), gauges (probably should be at the top of the list for obious reasons), and a regulated return system (to keep good fuel pressure though all injectors). Then when it comes to the fun mods sct with custom tunes, 4" turbo back exhaust, and the rest depends on what you want to get for power, stock with the factory air intake (it flows as good or better than anything out there up too 500+ wrhp), then you can get bigger injectors, bigger turbo, ect... All so stick with the factory intercooler, it can handle a lot of boost.
__________________
2006 F-250 Lariat C.C, 18" rockstars w/285/65 nittos, SCT w/custom tunes, Banks Ram-Air Intake, 5" MRBP exhaust w/o kitty, 2.5" levealing kit, readylift air bags, fumoto drain valve, Viper alarm with remote start, 2-10" MTX Subs, drilled and sloted front rotors, ARP studs sitting in shop waiting on other parts. come Join the Texas Chapter!!
Scotty
As far as maintance goes change the oil every 5,000 miles with 5w40 synthic (your injectors will like this), change fule filters every 10-12,000 miles, flush the trans every 30,000 miles, flush the coolant system every 50,000 miles, flush brake fluid every couple of years, change the air filter when the minder tells you to, and use only oem filters after market ones tend to cause big problems. As far as mods go do the preventive mods first. Coolant filter bypass to get the casting sand out of the block (deiselsite make a good one), egr delete (this is one of the big issues with the truck), run some sort of fuel additive in the tank (a lot of people run diesel klean in every tank), ccv reroute (keep the oil out of the turbo), arp head studs (anouther big issue with these trucks the factory TTY bolts just aren't good enough), gauges (probably should be at the top of the list for obious reasons), and a regulated return system (to keep good fuel pressure though all injectors). Then when it comes to the fun mods sct with custom tunes, 4" turbo back exhaust, and the rest depends on what you want to get for power, stock with the factory air intake (it flows as good or better than anything out there up too 500+ wrhp), then you can get bigger injectors, bigger turbo, ect... All so stick with the factory intercooler, it can handle a lot of boost.
I too am new to 6.0 LT, my first truck for the last 8 years was F-250 ,7.3 Turbo Diesel,2WD,4.10 Ratio,stock and it pulled my 5W 9000Lbs all over North America with no major problems.
I serviced it on time ,put gas and that's it, after reading your post(not that I understood all the technical terms,but I got the main idea) I am almost sorry I traded it for 6.0LT ,F-350 2006,completely stock with only 53K..actually you are saying that this engine stock is not up to do the work.
I will start pulling with it only next spring and now it seems (and I take your word for it) I have to invest more $$$ before I start pulling, and I really do not know where to start with.
Any practical advise(what ,where,how much$)?
Thanks
__________________ F-350,2006,6.0 lT,EC,2WD,LB,3.73 Ratio,SRW. pulling a 2006 5w Cruiser from Crossroads.
I too am new to 6.0 LT, my first truck for the last 8 years was F-250 ,7.3 Turbo Diesel,2WD,4.10 Ratio,stock and it pulled my 5W 9000Lbs all over North America with no major problems.
I serviced it on time ,put gas and that's it, after reading your post(not that I understood all the technical terms,but I got the main idea) I am almost sorry I traded it for 6.0LT ,F-350 2006,completely stock with only 53K..actually you are saying that this engine stock is not up to do the work.
I will start pulling with it only next spring and now it seems (and I take your word for it) I have to invest more $$$ before I start pulling, and I really do not know where to start with.
Any practical advise(what ,where,how much$)?
Thanks
I was not saying this is not a strong motor at all. The 6.0 is a very strong motor. What I'm saying is keep up with the maintance and shouldn't have many problems. The op was wanting to know about moding the truck. There is a list a preventive mods that I recomend before putting tunners on. They are not nessary but the op talked about wanting to run the truck like he stole it all the time so that is why I would spend the money up front to have a solid platform for moding. And 7.3 had there problems too. Basicly if you want to play you have to pay.
__________________
2006 F-250 Lariat C.C, 18" rockstars w/285/65 nittos, SCT w/custom tunes, Banks Ram-Air Intake, 5" MRBP exhaust w/o kitty, 2.5" levealing kit, readylift air bags, fumoto drain valve, Viper alarm with remote start, 2-10" MTX Subs, drilled and sloted front rotors, ARP studs sitting in shop waiting on other parts. come Join the Texas Chapter!!
Scotty
I was not saying this is not a strong motor at all. The 6.0 is a very strong motor. What I'm saying is keep up with the maintance and shouldn't have many problems. The op was wanting to know about moding the truck. There is a list a preventive mods that I recomend before putting tunners on. They are not nessary but the op talked about wanting to run the truck like he stole it all the time so that is why I would spend the money up front to have a solid platform for moding. And 7.3 had there problems too. Basicly if you want to play you have to pay.
Well said texans. While the large majority of 6.0L trucks run quite well (the forums are just a small sampling of owners), when buying a used one you do not know how it was treated ....... you do take some risk. You are well advised to become fully informed. As the original owner of my truck, I am not worried about these things at this point in time.
I would recommend the gauges AND the coolant filter to be done very soon! The engine is fine to do your towing, but failures can get expensive AND you can minimize the impact SIGNIFICANTLY w/ gauges and the coolant filter.
danshula and motor-man -
You both bought a truck still under warranty. Are you planning on keeping the warranty intact or voiding it w/ major mods? Big question to answer for sure - some people decide to do tuners right away and take the warranty risk. Buying used, you should have gotten a great deal. Spend a SMALL amount extra and turn your investment into a highly reliable truck. You will still have a GREAT investment.
If you start out being hacked that you have to spend $100 on a coolant filter and $300-$500 on gauges, then you probably didn't get a good deal on the truck in the first place. Properly operated and maintained, these will be a fantastic and enjoyable work-horse of a truck. The gauges will help keep you from being stranded or from doing more damage when a small issue develops.
Take for example a fuel pressure gauge. The fuel needs to be at 45 psig MINIMUM. If it dips below that, you risk expensive injector damage. If it is due to bad fuel, Ford will not pay. Catch it early w/ a gauge, and it gets fixed on warranty.
Also, a coolant filter and good coolant maintenance will keep your oil cooler from plugging. If it plugs, it eventually takes out your EGR cooler which can fail and let coolant get into cylinders. It usually fails slowly, at first so you do more damage slowly and without knowing it. Coolant and Oil Temp gauges will identify this early. You can then get it fixed on warranty and be happy (only out $100).
danshula -
If these things bother you, then you probably should sell it. If you consider it a small price to pay for a truck that runs and tows incredibly well, then you should be quite happy.
hope this helps.
__________________ Mark
06 F250 CC SB ESOF FX4 Lariat 3.73LS 275/65R20; DieselSite Coolant Filter; High Idle Mod; HFCM Plug; Zoodad/Air Fury grill; Accufab Elbow; RACCCV6000 filter; JimmiJammers; Ravelco; SynchroMax in Transfer Case; Fumoto Valve; Harpooned fuel tank; Line-X; CPOhighway Products tool box; tracrac; Fox Weatherboots; Wet Okole Seat Covers; Stanadyne Performance & B2 for lubricity; PIE adapter (thanks Sarge); PIAA 24" wiper blades; updated EGR valve; BriteBox; Re-flashed; Fuel Pressure gauge; DashDaq on deck
Thank you texans&bismic for your input.
I am pulling a 5W every summer for 4-5 months all over N.America while at winters the rig is stored and I am away back home (Israel)with no access to it and no one to start/run it.
I take care and pride of my toys and want to do exactly what is needed to maintain the truck and that is why I joined this forum and started to read.
I do not want any special mods,I do not want to play with it I only want to do what is required to prevent later damages and not violate the warranty.
The truck I bought was a good deal,one owner that took good care of it ,only 53K with all the towing equipment needed to pull a 5W and I want to keep it for a long time.
I do not have a place /tools to do things myself so I must relay on someone to do it right.
After saying all this :
A.How to prepare the truck for sitting from now till May 2010?(I understand that it does not like to sit but I have no alternative,had no problems with my 7.3Lt for 8years doing exactly the same).
B.What exactly to do first (please spell it out for me so I can tell the shop)and where to do it around Toronto Canada),should I buy the parts and get it to the shop?if yes where?
I am sure that I will need more help in the future so I can make the right decisions and keep the truck in good shape for my purpose.
Thank you again.
__________________ F-350,2006,6.0 lT,EC,2WD,LB,3.73 Ratio,SRW. pulling a 2006 5w Cruiser from Crossroads.
Well said texans. While the large majority of 6.0L trucks run quite well (the forums are just a small sampling of owners), when buying a used one you do not know how it was treated ....... you do take some risk. You are well advised to become fully informed. As the original owner of my truck, I am not worried about these things at this point in time.
I would recommend the gauges AND the coolant filter to be done very soon! The engine is fine to do your towing, but failures can get expensive AND you can minimize the impact SIGNIFICANTLY w/ gauges and the coolant filter.
danshula and motor-man -
You both bought a truck still under warranty. Are you planning on keeping the warranty intact or voiding it w/ major mods? Big question to answer for sure - some people decide to do tuners right away and take the warranty risk. Buying used, you should have gotten a great deal. Spend a SMALL amount extra and turn your investment into a highly reliable truck. You will still have a GREAT investment.
If you start out being hacked that you have to spend $100 on a coolant filter and $300-$500 on gauges, then you probably didn't get a good deal on the truck in the first place. Properly operated and maintained, these will be a fantastic and enjoyable work-horse of a truck. The gauges will help keep you from being stranded or from doing more damage when a small issue develops.
Take for example a fuel pressure gauge. The fuel needs to be at 45 psig MINIMUM. If it dips below that, you risk expensive injector damage. If it is due to bad fuel, Ford will not pay. Catch it early w/ a gauge, and it gets fixed on warranty.
Also, a coolant filter and good coolant maintenance will keep your oil cooler from plugging. If it plugs, it eventually takes out your EGR cooler which can fail and let coolant get into cylinders. It usually fails slowly, at first so you do more damage slowly and without knowing it. Coolant and Oil Temp gauges will identify this early. You can then get it fixed on warranty and be happy (only out $100).
danshula -
If these things bother you, then you probably should sell it. If you consider it a small price to pay for a truck that runs and tows incredibly well, then you should be quite happy.
hope this helps.
Well thanks for the reply.
I imagine tuning the truck is going to void the warranty right? Most likely when my warranty is up, i will not be extending it.
And I'm definatly going to invest in a set of gauges. I also plan on straight piping the truck, followed by a tuner in the near future. Like i said i am willing to spend time and money in order for this truck to perform and last. Thhanks for the help so far.
Glad to help. I really like the 06's and 07's! Not saying the earlier trucks are bad - in fact they have a few definite advantages, but I just like the suspension, the brakes, the ICP relocation, the fix of the STC fitting (either the bracket or the one piece connector), the water pump upgrade, AND the fact that there is quite a bit of warranty left.
A tuner will almost certainly void the warranty. It is probably wise to hold off on that until you have proven the truck's reliability (since you bought a used truck).
Late model used 6.0L trucks can be a great deal IMO. Hopefully you guys get many miles of reliability from them. BUT - be just a little understanding of the mods that will greatly help the longevity / reliability.
__________________ Mark
06 F250 CC SB ESOF FX4 Lariat 3.73LS 275/65R20; DieselSite Coolant Filter; High Idle Mod; HFCM Plug; Zoodad/Air Fury grill; Accufab Elbow; RACCCV6000 filter; JimmiJammers; Ravelco; SynchroMax in Transfer Case; Fumoto Valve; Harpooned fuel tank; Line-X; CPOhighway Products tool box; tracrac; Fox Weatherboots; Wet Okole Seat Covers; Stanadyne Performance & B2 for lubricity; PIE adapter (thanks Sarge); PIAA 24" wiper blades; updated EGR valve; BriteBox; Re-flashed; Fuel Pressure gauge; DashDaq on deck
Thank you texans&bismic for your input.
I am pulling a 5W every summer for 4-5 months all over N.America while at winters the rig is stored and I am away back home (Israel)with no access to it and no one to start/run it.
I take care and pride of my toys and want to do exactly what is needed to maintain the truck and that is why I joined this forum and started to read.
I do not want any special mods,I do not want to play with it I only want to do what is required to prevent later damages and not violate the warranty.
The truck I bought was a good deal,one owner that took good care of it ,only 53K with all the towing equipment needed to pull a 5W and I want to keep it for a long time.
I do not have a place /tools to do things myself so I must relay on someone to do it right.
After saying all this :
A.How to prepare the truck for sitting from now till May 2010?(I understand that it does not like to sit but I have no alternative,had no problems with my 7.3Lt for 8years doing exactly the same).
B.What exactly to do first (please spell it out for me so I can tell the shop)and where to do it around Toronto Canada),should I buy the parts and get it to the shop?if yes where?
I am sure that I will need more help in the future so I can make the right decisions and keep the truck in good shape for my purpose.
Thank you again.
A must is a couple of battery tenders to keep your batteries in top shape. Battery tender is the brand name. They will make your batteries last a very long time. Even with extended storage time. And change your oil when you get back to driving it. Oil is time rated too. Not just miles put on it.
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