Hey guys, I just bought my first 6.0, and I must say I'm a bit nervous. After racking up over 250k each on 6 different 7.3's, I've jumped into a new game here. The truck is a 2007 Crew Cab Dually. I bought it about a month ago with appx 60,000 miles on it, and I've already put over 6,000 miles on it. So far, no problems other than the 11 miles to the gallon. I expected better. The only mod power wise that it has is an SCT tuner which I love so far. Currently it is a personal truck within two years it will be cycled to a work truck. In that two years, it will be (and already has been) hooked to loads grossing up to 40,000 pounds. I want her to last, and be reasonably low maintenance if possible.

My current plans are:

Cold air intake
EGR Delete
EGT Probe
Head Studs
Change tranny fluid
Upgrade brakes

Am I missing anything? What do I need to watch for? What are some potential problems? Is the 6.0 up to what I've been using the 7.3's for?

Thanks!

 

Most would agree to keep the factory air cleaner.
Your list sounds good other then that.
I personally wouldn't worry about headstuds unless the factory gaskets fail and require removal.

 

Cancel the cold air intake.....

can you read live data from the OBD sensors with the SCT? Things that need monitored on the 6.0 is FICM voltage - coolant/oil temps - battery voltage - HPOP or ICP pressure at minimum.

 

Add a monitor and an upgraded STC and you'll be ok

 

Honestly, I haven't played with the SCT much yet. I just got it because I can change to custom tunes down the road, and I can turn off the CEL when I do the EGR delete.

NOW, why not do the head studs now, if I'm going to be towing like that? I've been told (I know most people just run their mouths and don't know) that if I do the studs one at a time now, I'll probably never have gasket trouble.

 

And what's STC?

 

Gauges that monitor live time data is a must for the 6.0L. I use ScanGauge 2, other's like dashboss. They allow you to keep a eye on things and trouble shoot the motor as you drive. A very important thing to do is to keep a good set of batteries in it and a good charging system. Knowledge is the key to this engine and this is the place to find it. Read on my friend and welcome to the forum.

 

The most common reason for headgasket failure is EGR cooler rupture.....if you delete the cooler, you greatly reduce HG failure.

Save that stud $$ and get

blue spring upgrade
Fuel psi gauge
some sort of scantool to read live data and retrieve codes
FICM rebuild with Atlas 40 tune from FICM Repair.com - Your Source for FICM Repair
coolant flush - use CAT EC-1 rated coolant
chmage both fuel filters-use only Racor or Motorcraft filters-install updated HFCM drain plug
upgrade alternator if you have a single 110 amp
new batteries if yours 3+ years old



there's more but I'm watching football....sorry

 

Not sure anyone else caught this, but if you will be towing 40k lbs you will want to use the unlimited tow tune, which is just the stock tune.

I do believe the studs are a good idea if you have the funds, not sure about doing them one at time though.

Gauges, like SanGauge2 is a very good idea, definitely recommend it.

The stock air filter is a good unit, does a great job protecting the turbo.

.

 

Snap To Connect

It's the fitting coming off of the HPOP feeding the injectors. They are prone to failure. There is and updated replacement that's normally trouble free.

You may want to get a warranty history report to see it has been replaced.

.

 

I've known guys go over 200k miles pulling loads up to 35k with no head gasket failures with stock head bolts.

 

Use the correct coolant in it. Change per recommendations. Keep the tuners off of it. Personally i would stud it and egr delete or at least up grade coolers.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I feel a little better about the over all purchase now. I love the truck, and it will scoot for a big dually.

 

If you have the money i would certainly do head studs now instead of when its a work truck towing 40,000lbs. Only makes sense to me but idk...

 

I have a guy that will do the labor for $500 for EGR delete, oil line, and head studs doing them one at a time. I can't beat that...better than being broke down somewhere. For now the truck will be a personal truck, but that can change any day...like friday for instance.....