Ok, so I've had this truck for almost a year now and fixed a whole bunch of stuff related to the 6.0 and it being a 10 year old truck. I love this truck but it is quickly becoming apparent that there will always be little things that need attention. I've done all the major mods and repairs to make it hopefully last another 10 years but why is it that once I fix one issue, another shows up?

These aren't big issues but just ones that nag me until they just drive me nuts. I am hoping that maybe someone can shed some insight/advice on a few that I am having right now.

First is PO683 - glow plug control unit. This has been my only code for the last few months. I don't seem to notice any issues but I have begun to wonder if this could be the cause of some of my electrical issues. I am on my third alt in the past six months (oriellys lifetime warranty) which makes me think that maybe something is causing the issues I am seeing. The alts always test ok but the voltage fluctuations are sporadic. I tell them(oriellys), they test them, and replace them anyway. I put a new alt in last week and while everything is running fine, I notice that my running down the road voltage fluctuates between mid 13 and upper 13's, hardly ever going into the 14s. I don't think this is bad but some posts that I read make me think that it might be a little low. Could this error code mean that the glow plug control unit is randomly drawing power? Is there a way to test it? I know that reman alts are prone to issues, but I was just curious if anyone has ever had this code and same volt issues.

Second, I replaced my radiator last week(had a slight leak in the top plastic tank) with a new all aluminum unit and everything was perfect, even changed the oil and fuel filters at the same time, very productive day for me. I started and ran the truck roughly 30 miles and decided it was time for a little loving on the outside. I washed and waxed but before I did, I decided to clean the engine compartment. I sprayed a generous amount of simple green around the engine, let it sit, and then sprayed it down with fresh water. Here's my problem...now my belt is squeaking!!!! I just replaced the belt less than 2500 miles ago with a new ford belt after dealing with two gates belts squeaking like crap. I know nothing is wrong but the squeaking is driving me nuts. It takes at least 5 minutes for it to warm up and go away. I was under the impression that simple Green was the only thing that shouldn't cause any issues...what the heck? I've checked send double checked all of my belt alignments on the pulleys and can't for the life of me figure it out. It sounds like it is coming from the idler pulley or the ac compressor, but both of those are new within the last 10,000 miles...please someone tell me something that I am missing!!!

Third, you know that feeling you get when you think everything that can go wrong has gone wrong and that you have few months of clean easy driving ahead of you, well that is where I was at except for the squeak and thoughts of voltage issues. Today while checking the belt for the elusive squeaking, I found out that my turbo outlet boot is torn and needs to be replaced. Doesn't seem like to big of an issue, but seriously when does it end? From my limited research, it seems like aftermarket is the way to go, but any recommendations/advice is greatly appreciated.

Now I know this seems like a long rant, but truthfully I love my X. I've never bothered to change my own oil on my vehicles but now I look forward to it. I realize that an old truck is going to have some issues, but please tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel. Heater hose, oil cooler, ac, rear tire blow out, radiator are just some of the issues I've dealt with. I am the second owner and have put roughly the last 15,000 miles on it for a total of 146,000. If I am in for more, let me know so I can start saving some money!

Thanks,

Matt

 

Moved to the 6.0L PSD forum.

Stewart

 

Your p0683 is most likely a gpcm failure. Double check the two connectors on it. Unplug and look at the prongs and reseat then retest. As for the belt maybe the simple green washed some oil onto the belt.

Sent from my leash using IB AutoGroup

 

Well your right, its 10 years old. Things will happen. Its not a bad idea to replace coolant hoses, flush coolant, flush hydroboost, replace brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Those turbo boots don't last forever either.
Hey, it might be time for some brake pads and an alignment.

 

Windshield wipers??? LOL. had to come up with something. Bottom line I dont know how many vehicles you have owned but I can bet any 10 year old vehicle will have regular maintenance come up. And thats what I classify yours is. Heck I have a 2012 that gets on my nerves sometimes.. I would be thankful they are not major repairs.

 

As far as the boots go, RiffRaff diesel seems to have the best price.

 

your Killen alternators and a GPCM Codes

GP suck lots of Power

better make sure GPCM Not stuck On and Also on the Flip side maybe its got a Bad alt and set a GPCM DTC from the bad Alt

Can you see volts hows the batterys and Grounds cables

 

Thanks for all of the replies and help. I realize there is the possibility that i may have gotten some oil on the belt but truthfully I tried to completely avoid it. I am thinking of pulling it off this weekend and re-cleaning all of the pulleys with some contact cleaner and a scrubber. Would y'all recommend cleaning the belt with water, simple green & water, or just not touching the belt?

When testing the GPM is there are certain voltage or reading I should be looking for? I haven't researched it yet, but is it fairly easy to get to? It is the only code that keeps coming back but I haven't noticed any direct negative effects. I can tell when it shuts off as my battery voltage jumps from low 12's to mid/upper 13's. I was just curious if maybe it could be causing the occasional low 13's while driving down the road.

 

Most likly a bad gpcm as stated. The best bet is swap a knowen good one and rerun the gpcm self test with ids.
Rebuilt alternator as a rule are crap. Your voltage is somewhat normal for the stock unit. Getting them to charge at 14.2 is rare, 13.8 is comon.

 

I see a bigger alternator in your future, ie over 200 amp, or a ford factory 140 and smaller pulley at the very least. Change the tranny oil?