I have a 2004 F250 with 147000 miles on it I had already replaced head gaskets egr cooler and oil cooler, very expensive. I am trying to avoid this from happening again. What are some must to do to this truck to ensure I get the life out of this truck. I have a super chips flashpaq programmer and a 4" turbo back exhaust. Any input would be great. Thank you

 

Did you have ARP head studs installed when the head gaskets were done?

 

No I don't think so they were the ones from the ford dealership.

 

I would say the best preventative purchase you could make is an OBDII monitor. Knowing what's happening under the hood is very important. The factory instrument panel is deceiving.

 

I have also heard that an egr delete will be best. And if I have to go woth fuel injectors what would be best

 

Yeah I have been looking into something like that. Thanks for the advice.

 

Egr isnt the devil its always made out to be, more just a problem child.

 

Yep a problem child that will cost you a ton of $ and heartache when they decide to have some fun just because or gets mad at you.


To the OP pick a monitoring system of your choice. Scan Gauge 2 seems to be the one of choice here. You have to program the X codes, but it is amazing the amount of data you can get from it. The down side is it isn't a pretty looking thing, as one member pointed out in another thread it looks like a display from cash register at a taco joint! It also will not monitor EGT's and with a HOT tune or towing you should monitor EGT's.

EGR delete is also a thing of choice for most if they are doing am oil cooler and there is no local emission testing. You will need a tuner and a program that takes care of the EGR parameters so you do not get a CEL and have running issues.

Also it is a known issue that if you run to HOT of a tune without studs it will only be time before you have to pull the heads and do gaskets.

The MUST DO'S as you asked are make sure you do the PM on the 6.0L! If you have one that was PM'd well you have a head start! If not try to get it PM'd and keep up on it! The 6.0L is a needy problem child! But it will work its butt off for you and let you have fun too if it is PM'd!

 

Can't believe no one's mentioned to ditch the Flashpaq programmer and either run stock or use an SCT programmer to protect the tranny. Plus, if money is available put some ARP studs in. Open up the exhaust...if possible pull the kitty cat.

 

Ya what he said. Ditch the programmer. Those things are power adders not Long Life adders.. Delete egr system. If you have failed injectors id recommend FORD OEM. Everybody always wants to upgrade upgrade upgrade. Bigger injectors (more fuel) are gunna call for bigger turbo (more air) which all calls for upgraded head gaskets and head studs. Clean up your cooling system and keep an eye on your boost and fuel system and you should be good.

 

Went back to stock truck runs a bit slower but not to much. You mentioned PM my truck what exactly do you mean by that.

 

All OEM filters, oil every 5,000 miles and tranny service and ext. filter every 30,000 iles. The secret to a heathy egr/oil coolers is regular maint. on the cooling system. I personally also believe in a coolant filter. Voltage is very important to the health of the ficm. Low voltage kills it. Do not use any tranny fluid except Mercon SP or LV. Injectors like the 5w40 synthetic oil. A little more expensive but cheaper the an injector. Go to the tech folder with a 30 pack and enjoy the reading.