Took my 09 f250 6.4L PSD in to the dealership for an oil change and state inspection. Also had them check out my frequent regen issue. They aren't sure what is causing the frequent regen.... I have seen it regen 3x in one day. In cold wet weather (think 40's) it has been known to regen daily, some of the time blowing large amounts of white smoke out the exhaust. It behaves in dry weather and warmer weather. Sometimes it will say drive to clean exhaust. It will continue to give me this message for 20 mi of highway driving before going into regen. I do try to finish a cycle when I can and let it idle if I can't. This is getting harder as a regen cycle has been known to last 20-25 mi for me.

While checking everything out, they said the rear axle seal is leaking. They also said drivers side battery needed replacing. I wasn't about to pay the dealership for a battery. We took it to autozone to check the battery. They said both batteries are fine..... Drivers side was about 93%. He checked the alternator and said the issue is the alternator voltage regulator is bad. My DH was able to still run the truck with both batteries disconnected. Only symptom of any issue here that as been noticed is it takes longer to heat the glow plugs in the morning. It starts just fine. Dh is wondering how else to check this out farther at home?


For those wondering about how it is driven, I drive 27 miles each way to work, most of which is highway. This is 5 days a week. There is some around town driving mostly on weekends. I have put 20,000 mi on it since I bought it a year ago. I have been pretty religious about oil and fuel filter changes. It currently has 52,000 mi on it and I do have the extended 100,000 mi warranty on it.

My question is, are these all minor repairs or a sign of bigger issues coming my way? We have been looking at 5th wheel rv's and some are borderline for this truck. Should we just dump the truck and run with a 1 ton or stick it out and add a leaf spring for the 12000 lb fiver we are looking at? If we trade, I might stay away from ford. I had heard the 6.4 was a good engine, I'm just not so sure now. And I don't want to go as old as the bulletproof 7.3.

 

Don't tow that weight with your truck... I love Ford, but the 6.0s and 6.4 are timebombs. The Turbo 7.3 PowerStroke, and older 6.9 IDI engines are bulletproof, and they'll last you a lifetime pulling anything you want. The turbo 7.3s are especially amazing. I would definitely consider the option. Without a load, you put your foot down, and it's like a damn rocket. From experience, the 7.3 turbo with an automatic tranny and 4.11 gears, you'll get 18+ mpg highway empty.

Can't say a lot for the competitors right now either. If you want a real truck, go for an older 7.3 PSD diesel or an older Cummins. I know you don't want to buy an old truck, but the difference between driving your 6.4 and driving an older 7.3 turbo PSD is crazy. I've had people who drive 6.4s drive a 7.3 and say that the 6.4 was a piece of **** in power comparison.

 

I pull a 40" 15,400K 5er with mine..

I think your issue is one of the DPF sensors. They are pretty inexpensive Try the one in front of the DPF and see if that helps.

Also leaving it idle while in regen does no good. Message may be there but you are just wasting fuel.

If you get a wierd message like check brakes or something then replace your batteries. That is a sure sign.

Mine has been really good. Don't listen to the old long in the tooth 7.3 guys.

 

I love Ford, but I've heard of and seen too many 6.0s and 6.4s go out between 100k and 150k. A family member is driving an 08' F250 that hauls weight regularly. It's now at about 130k and it's got a rod knock that popped up at about 110k and it's been slowly getting worse.

If you guys want a really good opinion, go talk to a few diesel mechanics. They'll tell you what to do.

 

My diesel mechanic told me to buy the 6.4 as soon as got it home do a EGR delete and drive the wheels off of it.

 

Yeah, seems like a good idea.

I'm just speaking from experience, not trying to argue. I've never heard complaints from anyone about a 7.3 PSD. The majority of 6.0s and 6.4s are fine, but I've heard many complaints about them.

 

Yup, I have a 6.0..It lives up to everything you have heard and then some. I promise.... I know nothing about the 6.4s other than what I have heard as well. I have been seeking info on another thread about them..I can tell you a lot about the insides and outsides of a 6.0.

 

Yeah, it's too bad about those engines. Your right, I've heard about more 6.0s with issues than 6.4s. I've still heard about people having issues with the 6.4s though...

 

What exactly have you gone through with your 6.0?

 

New heads, head bolts, head gaskets, water pump, HPOP, (2)IPR, Injectors, (2)FICM , (2)ICP, EGR delete, oil cooler. I am sure I have left something off..

 

Oh, I learned how to take the cab off....Also, replace injector wiring harness and the main wiring harness.

 

I tell ya if I didn't think diesel was the way to go for towing I would suck up the towing fuel mileage of a gasser 1 ton. This has been my first diesel and a learning experience to say the least.

 

Yeah, diesel is the way to go for towing and MPG. The super duty V10 gets like 12-15 mpg. I've got a 1973 460 (7.5L) in my 88' F-350 with a C6 automatic and 4.56 gears. She doesn't do much for fuel mileage, but she sure lays down the torque.

I'm almost always partial to the simplicity of older engines. I would really like to get a diesel for MPG. The old 80's 6.9 IDI diesels can easily reach 22 MPG in an F-250.

 

To the OP, your truck will handle the weight of that 5th wheel fine. As far as a 7.3 having more power than a 6.4, thats funny. Sounds like you are having a sensor issue in the exhaust. Could be other things though. Best thing to do to fix it would be to just delete all the stuff, but since you seem to have need for inspection in your area this may not be an option.

 

Nc requires a yearly state inspection to renew registration. I don't think I could slide by w/ a delete. Also im pretty sure a delete would void my extended warranty.