I have an 2007 6.0 stock (as far as I can tell) and everything is checking out OK with it but I keep hearing (or reading) about swaping out the STC fitting and I am curious as to why this keeps popping up? If it ain't broke why do people keep fixing it? Is it something that is a sure bet to fail or is it something that fanatics dwell on when the can't find something else wrong to occupy their minds? Thanks for any input.

 

Not a matter of if, its a matter of when with the original stc.

 

Just a common failer, not a for sure issue. I don't think Many people tear into a good running truck to change it without having a big trip planned or something. Normally, it's a "while the turbo is off" kind of job. The replacement part is somthing like $65. There have been two type of failures also. Suddenly blowing out the sliding "snap" section of the tube, which can leave you on the side of the road, or working loose where it bolts to the branch tube. That's a slower process with increasingly worse symptoms of a high pressure oil leak and it can wiggle around enough to crack the back cover of the engine, an expensive, engine pulling (or transmission dropping) repair. Lots of potential expense either way for such an inexpensive part.

 

Wouldn't an 07 already have the updated STC fitting?

 

Nope.

These are the humble words of MisterCMK sent on the go...

 

I think the '08 and '09 E-Series were the only production installs.

 

In my case the STC was the prime reason for doing other things while I was in that deep. Two different 6.0 specialists I talked to said, of all the things I was considering as to-do's for eliminating some of the truck's problems in advance of them happening (aka: bullet proofing), said on an '05+ that is the #1 thing they would change out immediately.

When I had my work done at a shop about 120 miles from me, the Tech that did most of the work on my truck said (I'm paraphrasing): The rear cast aluminum engine covers are on back-order right now with no estimated date of being available, in other words if your truck was in here with a blown-off STC and a damaged rear cover, it'd be staying an indefinite period of time.

They have fixed the cover both ways: pulling the trans or pulling the motor. I paid $29 for my STC fitting replacement kit (includes updated IPR screen) and at the time I think they were $5 more at Tousley. the labor to fix it prior to failure versus pulling the motor or trans is not trivial (for my wallet).

So it was two factors: (1) mechanics telling me you usually could tell the dummy plug/standpipe o-rings were starting to leak, but you often had no warning on an STC failure and would be dead on the spot, and (2) we go camping with our horses well off the paved roads, sometimes my wife goes with just her gal-friends. Getting the truck/camper/trailer/horses out of the backwoods, at a minimum would be a hassle, if you have a sick horse emergency (has happened to us more than once), you could lose your trail pal.

Not worth the worry for me. And if they weren't failing in the "catastrophic way" that often, how come the rear engine covers were on a 6+ week backorder? (this was back in May)

You have to answer the question yourself whether to do things proactively or as they happen as it's different for everyone, some of the problems can have a cascading effect and cause other things to go south (STC/rear cover is one example). On my list of BP items I stopped short of doing headstuds, why? because I have an '07 and at the end of '05 ('06 MY engines) they had a head-slap moment at Navistar when they figured out the robots torquing the heads on the 6.0s were well out of calibration. Unless you plan to tune your motor it's unlikely you'll need headstuds in a late '06 or '07 truck.

My $.02 on the subject but happy to share my list of items I went after...

 

Good advice from everyone. I'll look into getting that bad boy outta my engine asap. What are the other things to consider upgrading while I'm at it? It might just be time to sit down and write Santa Claus a letter, or at the very least check interest rates on a home equity loan

 

Do you have a live data monitor? A ScanGauge or similar? Any mods yet?

 

Rusty's on it (as usual)... There are things like the bluespring I'd just do, but one of the very 1st things (this truck is new to you, right?) is to get something to gather data about what is currently going on under the hood.

If you have a smartphone: for Droids get Torque Pro app and a blue tooth adapter to plug into your ODBII port; if an iphone or tablet buy DashBoss, and if you don't have a smartphone it could be a good reason to get one or: lots of folks use Scan Gauge II, but it is a bit of work to program it.

Based on data, you might say need an oil cooler, which is in the vicinity of your STC. That's just an example tho.

So tell us more on your truck, esp. if you have records of maintenance!

 

I would definately make time to change out the STC fitting, however, I would monitor the ECT/EOT before to verify a good oil cooler before tearing things down for the swap.

Josh

 

Yes I have a scangaugeII and I have been monitoring most of my vitals but I have ECT/EOT/ FICM and battery voltage at all times.

 

ok, so assuming we're good on delta temp btwn ECT and EOT, are you in a smog "friendly" place? i.e.: do you need or have a moral compass that points you to being smog legal? The EGR coolers are not the most robust in our years, so if you need to run EGR, consider a bullet proof style one. If I could get away with it I'd delete my EGR and re-route my CCV in a heartbeat.

Depending on miles and maintenance history:
Coolant Flush (adding a filter is not a bad idea and is cheap these days).
Turbo, EGR valve and EBP tube cleaning.
Bluespring (it's easy) is a no-brainer.
trans fluid/filter change (I went to the '08 system - also easy and cheap).
brake fluid and power steering fluid.
updated Degas cap ($6) and how full you run degas tank is important.
I'm running a fuel additive and some folks do that and oil additives on top of really good oil and frequent (at least 5k) OCIs.

Data should tell you if your Alt is up to snuff and keeping up with cold start and batt charging needs.

and make sure you let it warm up before hopping on it, but you also should exercise the motor too (tromp on it now and again).

All I can think of now because my mind is following my nose to whatever yummy thing is coming out of the kitchen...

 

Ok guys here's the deal, I have a ScangaugeII and have been watching my ECT/EOT deltas and they stay at or under 10*, The FICM runs from 47.5 to 48.5 and the battery volts are around 12.0 KOEO and 14.0 with the engine running. I have installed a Sinister water filter and will soon be doing a coolant flush and replace with the same thing that the truck has always had as far as I know which is Ford Gold. I also have a Blue spring upgrade kit that will be going in and a new thermostat. And I have upgraded the HFCM drain plug. I received a oasis report and a carfax when I bought the truck in July, the oasis told me the truck was basically stock and serviced at Ford its entire life at 7500 mile intervals the only mention about the engine was a vacuum line changed at 17,000 and a break caliper at around 93,000 other than that it was routine services. The truck had 103,000mi. when I got it and has 108,500mi. now. Thanks for all of the input.