I have an '05 F350 with the 6.0 that has 218K miles on it and the the other day it started missing and blowing blue smoke out the pipe. After diagnosis at the local shop we found the rocker arm on the #1 cylinder had fallen off! Push rod is straight, ball bearing was there and plastic retaining cap still appeared to be alright. Got a new retaining cap and put it back together. Fair amount of play/slack in the rocker arm after assembly but assumed that was due to no oil in push rod etc. as I had driven it for around 150 miles since it started missing before we took it apart. Started hard {which I understand is normal after removing the high pressure oil rail} and when it started there was a loud knock coming from the right front of the motor which went away after about 30 seconds or so and again assume that was due to no oil in push rod and it had to get pumped up. Drove truck about two miles or so on city streets with smooth acceleration, running great, no smoke, shifting smooth etc. -- then it all changed! Started shaking again, smoking like a French *****, shifting rough etc.
Any input would be helpful as to why the rocker has come off again {at least I assume that is what has happened} and or how to fix this so I can sell this nightmare of an engine.
Thanks in advance.

 

Moved to 6.0 Power Stroke Diesel forum.

Welcome to FTE, johnking.

 

The lifter for that particular push rod has probably gone bad on you, just hope you haven't got needle bearings pulled through the LPOP.

 

^^ +1. When you go back in pull the lifter and check the roller on the tip where it rides on the camshaft. If it has a flat spot or is worn down it could easily damage the cam lobe. Getting the cam out requires pulling and significant tear down of the engine so hopefully it's ok.

 

flat cam, bad lifter or leaking injector causing hydrolock

 

The latter of the three would be the least expensive repair by far.

 

Welcome to FTE John, or am I talking to myself....

 

My kitties can hear you John.
They just ran off to do some hissing and play fight.

Sean