I am new to deisel trucks, I am thinking about buying an o5 excursion, the one I test drove is ver slugest on driving from a complet stop, is this normal please.

 

Only when the engine is cold, after it warm up it will take off normal but still slower than the gas engine.

 

the truck I am looking at has 85k miles, in really good conditon, it has a 6.0L
desiel, no known mods except tires and wheels, leveling kit, the dealer owner seems to be very knowlegeable on them, I have read the horrow stories on the EGR Cooler or EGR Delete thing. The truck seems to run fine, very slugest when taking off, thought I was going to get run over getting on the interstate. Do people just gun it when first starting off everytime and get used to that and what maintance problems should I expect in the next 50 k miles, I am worried I am getting over my head, I am a gm person and know pretty much what to expent with gm half ton motors, and what to check for, but I am out of my comfort zone with the truck and motor. I am looking at it to pull my 6600 lb camper. I test drove my half ton gmc 5.3 L truck and it was fine with taking off and stopping, but really slow on hills. I want to take my camper into the mountains and wanted something to store everything enclosed including my wife, large dog and lots of fishin tackel. The dealer told me if I keep up with normal maintance I should be fine with the truck, with no large expences, what do you all think please.

 

From what I have read. Cooling the trans is most important for those towing. But they will tow what ever u hook up to it.

 

That truck sounds like it has issues, I'd stay away from that one. Mine hass 122,000 miles, all stock performance wise, and it has no trouble accelerating.

What state are you in, maybe someone could help check it out?

 

I Live in ala, I am going to drive another one close by and see how it accelerates, thanks for your input, big decesion what to buy. I want any imput people are willing to give me.

 

In my opinion the 6.0 takes a while to get them going unless your use to let's say the 7.3 (turtle) than you would swear your in a rocket . The 6.0's really wake up with a tuner.

 

If you are not familiar and prepared to deal with any diesel maintenance and issues and you are looking to get an EX for pulling a 7k camper then a V-10 might be worth a look. A healthy V-10 should pull that load without any problem at all. Then again, if you really just want a deezle do a ton of reading on this forum and ask plenty of questions before making the jump into one.

 

Any service records?
Any link to a dealer?
Carfax?
Pictures?

 

Yea drive a couple different ones to compare. It could be you're used to quicker acceleration on a gasser.

 

thanks so much for the help, what does a desent tuner cost to have installed, and any other mods that would make my towing experience better , and I guess I need to find out about the sway bar on it.

 

What he said^^^^

Per VQT, the engine needs to warm up a little, but even when cold mine doesn't have a problem accelerating.

I would say that the truck sounds like it needs some love, it just depends on what kids of love the truck needs and what you're willing to do....

For example, when I bought my '05 Excursion, unbeknownst to the PO and dealer, it had a bad Oil cooler and leaking EGR cooler. Given that everything else checked out, I bought the truck and had Powerstroke Enginuities go through the engine and replace seals and do whatever else needed to be done.

Needless to say, I haven't had a single problem with my 6.0 and enjoy driving it everyday. This is me driving down the road ---->

Have the dealer pull the carfax and OASIS report and see what was done under warranty and maintenance wise. Also grab yourself a scanguage 2 from Autozone and monitor:

-FICM Main and Logic power (should not drop below 47-48.5 volts, key on, engine cranking, and while running)

-Engine Coolant and Oil Tempurature (should see no more than a 15 degree delta)

There are a few other pids to monitor, but those are the main two to keep an eye on.

If at all possible, I'd also have the dealer pull the EGR valve right in front of you as it can cause the truck to perform poorly if it's clogged with soot.

 

For a potential new diesel owner, my advise would be to put the tuner idea on hold if you're looking at a 6.0 diesel Excursion. (the 6.0 engine was put in later 2003, all 2004-2005) Instead I would invest in a Scangauge II and program it for various things that you need to check on. It is highly recommended to have the Scangauge with you when you test drive the truck. The most common things to monitor prior to purchase are, FICM volts (fuel injection control module) EOT (engine oil temp) ECT (engine coolant temp) and ICP (injection control pressure) Your EOT ideally will be no more than 8* higher than ECT while driving steady 65 MPH after engine reaches, and stays steady at near 190*. Anything at or above 15* difference, you'll be looking at replacing the oil cooler very soon, and most likely the EGR cooler. (roughly $600 if you do it, or $2000 if a shop does it)

First mods.....fuel and EGT gauges, blue spring upgrade.

The 6.0 is a good motor if you get familiar with it BEFORE you buy it. Here are some links. Also, spend some time reading in the 6.0 forum.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post9449262

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...used-6-0l.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ch-folder.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum107/

I know this is overwhelming, but all the reading can save you lots of headaches and money.

 

My 6.0 was not particularly sluggish when it was stock, and with a 4" turboback and tuner it has no problem spinning "35s when pulling away from a stoplight.

 

I don't accelerate fast when the engine is cold, and yes it does accelerate fine just not as smooth when the engine a little warmer. May be because I stay around 2000 rpm or less on acceleration unless I really want to stomp on it.