I have been a half ton guy my entire life. With my current 99' F-150 having 250k on it, its getting time to buy a new truck. I tow a enclosed 7500 lb loaded race trailer every weekend from April to October an average of 250 miles every time.

When i started looking for a new truck i assumed i would get a new F-150 with all the new motors coming out, they look promising. But i wanted to look into a diesel as well.

I dont have much experience around the 6.4l, so i figured id start my own thread to ask some newbie questions.

If i was to get one it would be a Crew Cab, FX4 SRW with less than 40k miles.


1) What/if any are the common issues with the 6.4l? Anything serious that has to be replaced because they simply just fail. I remember the 6.0's burning up injectors all the time.

2) What kind of power/MPG unloaded can you get stock, and tuned with them.

3) Anything else i would/should need to know.

I appreciate any info you can give me.

Thanks.
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My 6.4L was a good truck, but did have its issues. I had a radiator and tstat replaced (the most common issue with this engine), an oil leak from the turbo, and the actuators for the blend doors for the climate control (another common problem, though not engine related). I had an extended warranty and it covered everything but the actuators. I have since traded it in on a 2011. The truck had plenty of power, but mileage wasn't the greatest. If you do a DPF delete and tune, it's supposed to really wake them up, and get better mileage. But this would be at the expense of the warranty (potentially). Otherwise, I liked my '08, and miss it (mainly because it was a Lariat longbed), but the 6.7L is hands down a much better engine (so far...fingers crossed).

 

I have an 09 F250 King Ranch with the 6.4L with 40K miles on it. Biggest drawback I have is the DPF. I hate this thing and will remove it and tune the truck when the warranty expires. I currently get about 18 mpg (hwy). No other issues at all with the truck. I absolutely LOVE IT!
I also tow a 5th wheel and I get about 8 mpg hwy when towing this beast. When towing my open trailer with 4 wheeler (about 2000 lbs), I get about 14 mpg hwy.

 

You do not need a Power Stroke to tow a 7500 pound trailer. I tow a 28 foot enclosed car hauler (2006 Classic Dominator) with my 2007 5.4L with 3.73 gears, without any issues. My normal load in the trailer grosses at about 8000 pounds (with a 1963 Grand Prix or a 1964 Bonneville inside).

I'm not saying do not get one, just saying a gas engine would also work just fine for your load.

 

Thank you for your concern. I tow it ever single weekend with my 99 5.4l. I know it can be done. And the newer generation of F-150 will do an even better job than my 99 would ever think about.

And I may end up towing more int he future. I also maybe want to try a heavier truck just to have it.

Point is im asking for particular pro's/con's to the 6.4l.

 

Well, from a gas engine owner looking in:

The 6.4L suffers from being saddled with early emission control equipment. The DPF is a headache, and causes the engine to be a fuel hog, especially if used around town. The injectors (from what I have seen) tend to be a trouble area, but religious use of a fuel additive that increases lubricity helps keep your injectors happy. Head gasket issues are better than the 6.0L Power Stroke. Most mechanical issues that I have seen, like blown head gaskets, pistons with holes, and the like, can be traced back to an overfuel condition due to a stuck injector.

The transmission (5R110W) that comes with this engine is nothing but awesome. You'll love it.

Keep in mind that with any diesel engine, you will have higher maintenance costs.

You can learn more by visiting the 6.4L Power Stroke engine forum, where members share their problems, repairs and modifications.

 

Go thumb throught he 6.4 section and make your desicion based on what you read. I'd advise against it unless it is totally neccessary, MY OPINION. Look for a nice 6.2 or V10 if you want for more power than the 5.4. The 6.2's are very stout with 4.30's towing from what I've seen. What's the budget?

 

Im looking at 30-40k. Im not interested in a Gasser F-250. If i buy a gasser it will be in a half ton truck.

 

I paid a little over 42K for my 2011 brand new. You should be able to get into a used 2011 (and even 2012) for your price budget. And it would be better than the 6.4L. Way more power and better mileage out of the box. I would look into that if I were you.

 

Just out of curiousity, why?

 

I love my 6.4. It has been an excellent towing platform. I tow twice what the op is indicating. I will tow all day long with nothing but fuel stops.

But there is an increase in maintance costs to consider. While MPG's is also another consideration I am more concerned about getting from point a to b without a tow truck of which I have never needed.

 

Fuel Mileage.

 

Well if anyone can appriciate fuel mileage I can. The math has all been done on the.......... nevermind I wont bother you about it. Good luck with your new truck whatever you pick.

I can attest to Senix's 6.4. That truck is a beast.

 

Check out the thread for some comparisons

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...nd-videos.html

What it won't tell you is MPG's if that is your goal.

I myself get around 13 city and 16-17 hwy unloaded. 7-9 towing my 5th wheel or around 11 if towing smaller stuff.

 

I know you can buy a lot of gas for the extra cost for the diesel. Ive seen some numbers on it.


Thanks for the post on the truck meet up. Im very supprised that the 6.2 pulled the best up the hill.