I found a 2004 F-350 4x4 with a 6.0 has right around 200k miles. what should I look for with this having the 6.0? Ive never had a 6.0 but a buddy has a 06 6.0 and has had a ton of problems with it. Any advise would be great so I dont buy a headache. Thanks

 

Post reply (6.0 problems)

What are the problems with the 6.0 and what should I look for when shopping for one?

Pretty broad question but I'll give it a shot. First thing to know is the factory gauges are really idiot lights (engine temp, trans temp, and oil pressure) so don't rely on them. A ScanGauge ($150) or other device that plugs into the OBD port is your best bet to assess the condition of the truck. The first order of business would be to look at the oil temp vs the coolant temp. If there is more than 15deg difference the oil cooler may be plugging up. This is the beginning of a cascade of failures that can cost several thousand dollars to repair. When the oil cooler plugs, coolant flow to the EGR cooler is restricted enough to eventually cause it to fail (and/or the oil cooler can fail, allowing oil to enter the cooling system). Coolant from the EGR cooler enters the intake manifold and the combustion chamber causing extreme pressure that can stretch the head bolts and allow the head gaskets to leak. Without accurate info (gauges) all this (or just part of it) can happen with little to no warning.*
Many people have used aftermarket parts to remedy some of these problems and you may find a used truck with head studs instead of the factory bolts, EGR cooler deletes or EGR coolers replaced with stronger units.
I'm backing up a little here but the beginning of these problem is thought to be a coolant issue. Good maintenance is the key to getting long service out of a 6.0 and ignoring the coolant can kill it. There is some debate about wether the coolant type is the problem or casting sand left in the coolant passages during manufacture is the problem. There is much reading you can do here on FTE on that issue. Look for white residue around the coolant overflow tank on any truck you are thinking of buying. That would indicate it has been overheated.
The turbo on these trucks is a variable vane design with no pressure relief valve. They have been a little prone to sticking if the truck sits a lot, spends a lot of time idling, or is driven easy all the time. It seems to help to "blow it out" every once in a while.
Fuel injector "stiction" can be an issue on a higher mileage truck. Arrange to crank the truck cold and listen for very rough idle compared to a hot start. There are other causes for this but be aware the fuel injectors are expensive (a whole set dealer installed can be $2k) and negotiate the price accordingly.*So, oil cooler, EGR cooler, head bolt, head gaskets, turbo, and fuel injectors, just to name the biggies.
The good news is - under all these issues is a very good engine in a great truck. Many, if not all, of the thing I listed can be avoided by keeping up with services, so you're looking for a truck that has been kept-up very well. Lots of folks have lots of miles on their 6.0 without any of these issues. Some important things to know are; Use Ford/Motorcraft/Racor oil filters, many aftermarket filters don't fit correctly and allow oil to bypass the element. As a matter of fact, it's better to stick with Ford filters for the whole truck, an aftermarket oil filter would be a red flag on one I was looking to buy.*
An Oasis report is a list of dealer maintenance and repairs. You'll have to go to the dealer for one and some have gotten picky the last couple of years, requiring you to own the vehicle before giving you a report.
I hope this info helps. It's pretty general. Hang around here on FTE and get into the Tech Folders and learn the "search" function for more complete info. There are many knowledge folks here and even a few Ford Techs that can help with specific questions you may have.*

 

Look at it first thing in the morning and see how it cold starts. Make sure they haven't warmed it up first, that'll give you an idea on the condition of the injectors.

 

Thanks for the info. Is there any easy way to tell if its had new headstuds,egr delete, or cooler installed?

 

If it has headstuds, you will see the stud and nut rather than a bolt head. Best place to look is below the front of the passenger side valve cover.

 

See if there is any white residue around the degas bottle cap, or should I say the coolant reservoir. Good indication of egr or head gasket problems. If there is a egr delete you will see a cap where the egr valve goes. Right in front of the fuel filter housing. Opps just seen rusty covered that one.

 

Well I went and checked out the truck and it is all stock no delete no new cooler,ect. the coolant reserve was empty but didnt see any residue any where. Truck is real clean other than a few stains in the seats. He is asking $8850 for it and it has 198k miles. If I buy it what should I do to prevent any major problems or failures and what kind of money are we talking to do it? Sorry for all the questions.

 

Gauges, and change fluids and filters. Great way to get to know your way around the truck. @ 200k miles you are likely to see a couple of things that need to be fixed. Come back here and ask questions and we'll try to help .

 

Get that Oasis report done at the nearest Ford dealership with the VIN. If it runs good at 200K and you dont notice any major problems, this may be a "good one", like I got. Ask the guy about work thats been done, routine stuff, or any major issues. Who is selling this truck, private seller or car lot? Also if it does run rough or idles rough ask the guy when the last oil change was. My truck sounds, runs, and idles like garbage when cold when I go too long with out changing the oil, currently at 7K miles since my last oil change, doing mine this weekend. IF they tell you its been recently and runs or idles terrible then there might be problems. Sorry if I repeated what anyone else may have already said.

 

This needs further investigation, unless you are already planning to spend an extra few thousand on repairs and upgrades.

If there is no white residue around the degas cap, low coolant could be caused by a ruptured EGR cooler.

 

its at a used carlot, I have bought several vehicles from him and never had a problem with any of them. It starts up fine and idles smooth. He said he hasnt changed the oil put he hasnt drove it much. The coolant reserve did scare me but there was no white residue. I wasnt sure if all 6.0s had to have erg cooler and delete and studs done to them or if there was good ones out there. Maybe I should just keep looking for a 7.3.

 

If you dont want to spend the time educating yourself about the 6.0 or put the time into researching each specific 6.0 you look at, then roll the dice on the 6.0 or keep looking for a 7.3.

 

If you add fluid to the overflow container, add only distilled water at this point since you don't know what's in there. Mixing coolants is a no-no. You could ask him to top it off with water and go for a test drive to see if its eating coolant.