After a lengthy list of modifications to my 2005 F250 6.0 Lariat King Cab, SB FX4, 76K miles, I have a few questions about a couple of issues. Here is the list of things that I did:

1) Turbo Recondition
2) Blue spring upgrade
3) Turbo Oil Pipe upgrades
4) EGR clean
5) STC replacement
6) Dummy Tubes/Plugs
7) 6.4 Banjo Bolts
8) IPR Gen II EGR delete and up-pipe
9) Changed to Mobile 1 full synthetic
10) Re-soldered FICM
11) New air filter, oil filter and upper fuel filter (didn't have time to replace HFCM filter)

This is the thread that I started while doing the mods: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...he-engine.html

So this is my dilemma. I am still having longer than usual, but better/improved crank/start times. I also purchased a SCT ITSX 4015 Tuner to program, monitor PID’s and turn off EGR CEL. While driving after a 20 minute warm up and a 1hr trip my ECT never gets above 175 deg. It is 24 deg outside. I have not loaded any programs. Also, my CEL never came on after EGR delete. I still have the EGR in place and plugged in.

Secondly, I have noticed my FICM voltage drop to 36V while driving. KOEO and during cranking, it is never below 45V. It didn't drop today on my 20 minute drive to work. When I re-soldered, I didn't see any obvious connection issues. The only thing that stood out, was one of the resistors wasn't attached at all. It fell off during removal of the yellow jelly. I was very careful during removal not to overheat or pry on anything.

Thirdly, my exhaust has a very strong smell. I know it’s a diesel and have been around them my entire life. I am unable to determine if it is a rich smell or what, just much stronger than prior to the mods. Maybe just burning all the crud out from the EGR cleaning, oil I used on reassembly… I don’t have any smell in the cab. I have done extensive searching about the strong smells. Almost all have some reference to smelling it in the cab. That is not my issue. No smoke either.

Any suggestions, help or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

FICM repair and a thermostat.
Sounds like the hard stuff is done.

 

Read this thread about thermostat issues: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-t-sat.html

How many miles have you driven since the work? I understand your current weather/road situation but the truck needs about 3 good medium to hard throttle runs to get air purged from the HPO system to help with the starts.

The FICM needs repaired again. Anything below 45V at any times indicates a failing or failed FICM.

The "rich" smell might be due to temps and colder engine temps. Get the thermostat changed out or add a winter front to get the engine up to temp and see if the smell persists.

 

And replace the HFCM filter. It only takes a minute.

 

Probably less than 100 miles since putting it all back together. I was afraid of having to redo the FICM. I have seriously contemplated just getting a replacement from Ed. I hope your right about the thermostat. I have a new one, but didn't install it yet as I plan on doing a flush very soon. I just re-installed the original during reassembly.

 

My suggestion is to stop thinking about the FICM and pull the trigger on getting yours fixed. Probably the single best thing I did to my new-to-me Excursion.

 

Thanks guys. With Xmas here money is a bit tight. Think I'll give Ed a call. He has an exchange program so I can keep driving. Anybody here got tips on which version to go with? This is my DD, with no hot tunes.

 

Atlas 40 is good for a non-studded DD truck.

 

I'm not ARP studded. But, when I first bought the truck, took it back to the dealer and they replaced the head gaskets and upgraded the bolts. Is there any word on better factory bolts or a TSB?

 

In another thread I saw Ed post that with the Atlas 40 you just needed to watch your EGTs as they can spike really quick with that tune, so you should plan on an EGT gauge install. I might talk to Ed about the economy tune when (not if) I do mine...

Sorry forgot to answer your Q: there are no upgraded bolts, that's just an urban legend...

 

 

Is coolant temp really 230+?

 

No. My lower range setting was 150. Temp was actually 140. I had to look at that twice too.

 

Ordered FICM today from Ed. Had to do the $50 exchange, Atlas 40 and Premium service. $525 total. Hope it's worth it! Everybody says Ed's THE FICM guy.

 

I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised in how much better your truck starts and runs. Ed IS the FICM guy for sure