I have a 04 F-250 6.0L diesel 4X4 CC LB. I have had many of the typical problems inherent to the 6.0L, FICM, EGR cooler, new turbo, sensor issues and tomorrow it is going to the dealer for another unkown problem (lunging while pulling a hill with loss of power and heavy black smoke from the exhaust, not pulling a trailer). The truck has 84K miles and I will need to put anywhere from $5500 to $8000 into it to hopefully solve the problems with the 6.0L. I am either going to fix it or trade it in as my extended warrenty is almost expired. I am out of state a lot and need to know that it is going to run when I turn the key.

I would like to know what others have done who have been in my shoes?

Have you used "bullet Proof Diesel" aftermarket parts?

Can anyone reccomend a good Ford diesel mechanic? I live in Whittier.

Thanks,
Brian

 

I would unload it. Not a good year for the 6.0l and the truck is getting up in years and will more than likely need things replaced/repaired in areas other than the engine soon. Besides since you have the extended warrenty the dealer is just going to fix exactly whats wrong with it and more than likely not replace other parts that are part of the reason it failed in the first place. In my experience for extended warrenty work the dealer tries to get as much money out of the deal for themselves. For example they would tear apart a trans and "rebuild" it themselves rather than putting in a Ford reman. Often their "rebuild" is done shotty and causes future issues.

 

Thanks for you opinion! I am leaning your way but hopeing someone will have some good news as far as the fix goes? If I end up trading it in it will be for a 1/2 ton as I am not pulling a trailer anymore, may be a GMC as I'm not real happy with Ford right now. Buy the way, I just spent $1000 on two new front hubs and brakes.

Thanks,
Brian

 

sell it....quickly

I speak from direct experience

 

1/2 ton okay, they are nice trucks too.

Going with GMC..............good luck.

 

Moved to the 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel forum.

 

Why sell it?

Its easier to drop it off at the junk yard.

 

You guys are killin' me but I appreciate the honesty. Has anyone tried the aftermarket fixes for the EGR cooler, oil cooler glogging issues, coolant filtration, head bolt and valve seat problems etc? Was it worth it or a waste of money in the long run? My truck is at Peck Road Ford right now for a possible turbo problem (they told me they are thinking turbo problem when I dropped it off there this morning). I agree with dkf that there is 84k on the truck and other issues may arise in the near future? I would like an opinion on "Bullet Proof Diesel" parts if anyone has used them.

I hear what you guys are saying, I will most likely trade it in but a new truck payment is no fun and I like the truck when it's running, LOL.

Thanks,
Brian

 

I heard the ford's 6.7 diesel was a beast and reliable. Also this is a Ford made, ford designed, ford produced engine. Not International. All I have heard is good things.

 

Firerider 48 I have an 03 with 150000 on it. Mine has never left me on the side of the road or failed to start, is a great truck. I have made a few changes to it but almost stock. If i were you i would fix the problems and keep it.

 

From what I have read, 03's and early '04's had some issues. There were design changes and upgrades in '05. 06 and up most problem were with the learning curve for owners and techs. And we're still learning! Of course there is still the issue of "turds" that seem to be destined to be a problem for whoever owned 'em or worked on 'em. I think every model has a few of these. You have a nice truck, I would fix it. If you have the round EGR cooler I would leave it. Get the current issue cleared up, get the turbo oil drain tube update if it needs it, and get some gauges to keep an eye on the charging system and oil cooler, put a coolant filter on, and drive!

 

I have an 04 early build and love the truck. It had 165000 on it when I bought it and now has 176000. I had a stiction problem with it so I decided to do it right. 8 new injectors, head studs, all new gaskets, complete rebuild of the heads: valves, seats, etc we even o-ringed them. I installed a bulletproof oil cooler at the same time with a BD diesel egr delete. I have no worries it will start ever. I will be driving this excursion for a long long time. Keep the truck give it what it needs and enjoy it. As far as the GMC I work at a Chevy dealer and look what I drive, enough said about that!

 

My 04 hasnt been to bad.egr cooler,oil cooler,turbo cleaned,and a radiator.what are you spending 5500-8000 on?.8000 would make your 04 the most reliable truck around,and bullet proof.think I would give fords " new " 6.7 a year or to before you dive into buying one.

 

x2..........

 

How long has Ford used International diesels in light duty trucks ?
How long has Ford made diesels for light duty trucks ?

Urea tanks [Ford,Cummins] ... Complex egr systems [Navistar] ..... Cat ...RIP
The EPA don't like DIESEL !

Chuck