Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Running Rough

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 09:55 AM
  #1  
Rob400's Avatar
Rob400
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Running Rough

Over the last few days, my 6.0 has been running rough, especially at idle. It seems to smooth out above 2000 rpms. No loss of power and it might be using a little more fuel (hard to tell with the intermittant plowing and 4 wheel drive use), but no codes. I have checked the air cleaner and EGR and both seem fine. I drained some oil and it was normal as well.

Had something similar a couple years ago, but it was much worse with lots of smoke. With all your help, I replaced the ICP sensor and been good until now. I might try that again because it is about the same cost as one hour of diagnostic at the dealer.

Recently, I had some fuel gel in the -10 degree weather and the truck went to the garage for a couple days along with some anti-gelling additive. That was a few weeks ago and it has been fine until now. Also, just had the dealer do a trans flush. Fuel filters were changed a couple thousand miles earlier.

Seems like something semi-common. Hoping it is not injectors/HPOP. Thanks for your input.

Rob
2004 F350
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 10:33 AM
  #2  
bismic's Avatar
bismic
Fleet Owner
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,923
Likes: 3,641
Club FTE Gold Member
Could be a number of things. Can you see if Autozone can pull up any codes?

Will it run rough at these lower RPM's even when the engine is fully heated up?
Is it worse when cold?

What oil are you using in the cold weather (and how long since a change)?
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 12:26 PM
  #3  
Rob400's Avatar
Rob400
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Went to Autozone, no codes. It is smoothest when it is first started, whether that is warm or cold, worst under load. Also, the trans doesn't seem to downshift as quickly even when in tow mode. Not sure it is trans because it is rough in nuetral and park, but...

I have been using rotella 5-40 for 70,000 miles. Been 4500 miles since a change so it is not new oil, but should still have plenty of life. Might change it anyway.

I haven't been able to find a vaccuum leak, but my ears aren't that great, especially with all the noise under the hood.

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 12:38 PM
  #4  
bismic's Avatar
bismic
Fleet Owner
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,923
Likes: 3,641
Club FTE Gold Member
Why are you looking for a vacuum leak?

Pull the secondary fuel filter and empty the bowl. Watch how the fuel flows on KOEO.

I still donlt understand the order of occurrences regarding the fuel gelling. Were the filters replaced AFTER the fuel gelling incident?
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #5  
Rob400's Avatar
Rob400
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
One thing I read said to look for a vaccuum leak. Might have been from the Haynes manual that has not proven to be very useful.

Gelling was after the filters were changed. I figured that gelling would't do anything to the filters because the fuel would just melt once it warmed up enough. Maybe I don't really understand the gelling. Going to look that up now.

Will check fuel flow. I am assuming I don't have to worry about the fuel splashing too much? Will I need a helper to shut off the key or will it stop before that is necessary?
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 01:22 PM
  #6  
Rob400's Avatar
Rob400
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
After reading about gelling, I am going to change the fuel filters ASAP. I should have learned more about it before. Sorry for the ignorance on my part.

Thanks for the help.
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2011 | 01:39 PM
  #7  
bismic's Avatar
bismic
Fleet Owner
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,923
Likes: 3,641
Club FTE Gold Member
Your filters could be the issue, glad you read up on it.

If the system is free flowing, yes fuel can splash, but have a towel and some carboard (and you don't have the key on for long). You NEED a helper.

Our diesel engines do not use vacuum. It is used for 4x4 hubs and certain model year heater valves.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mahd776
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Feb 1, 2014 08:53 AM
youngie22
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
20
Feb 16, 2013 08:04 PM
518landscape
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
14
Dec 22, 2010 07:25 PM
Halfbad
Bronco II
2
May 4, 2010 11:47 AM
dawson2381
Escape & Escape Hybrid
14
Mar 26, 2007 07:46 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:35 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE