Hi there - my first post!

I bought my 2004 EX 6.0L Diesel in October (used) from California. I haven't had any trouble with it until recently. Last week, it started to feel like it wouldn't always accelerate when I hit the gas. Sometimes it was mildly noticeable, other times the turbo wouldn't spool, it wouldn't get up n go, and when it would finally go, a bunch of white smoke would come out of the exhaust - like it was pushing dirty fuel through (i'm not a mechanic, I know a little about cars/engines, but may or may not be describing this in the right words).

Took it to my normal mechanic, he has a guy in his shop that is a certified Ford Diesel mechanic...and I take all of my vehicles to this guy - he's not cheap, but I trust him.

He said he was getting a turbo code - but didn't want to replace the turbo, so he replaced the EGR Valve (said this could also cause the code). Told me truck drove great - so I took it on the road. 5 miles down the road, starting acting up again, this time worse - tons of lag, wouldn't get up n go at all, then finally it would spool and go, again cloud of smoke from the exhaust.

Next, he replaced the Turbo Control Solenoid. Told me it was fixed. He drove it, let it rest 2 hours to cold, drove it again. Said it ran perfect. I took it, and it drove fine for about 30 minutes - then the same acting up again. It's not consistent - and seems to get better after the truck is warmed up, but now I'm out $1300 in P&L and I don't feel like either of the parts he replaced needed replacing (seems that if they did, the problem would be fixed).

So, now I'm wondering what to do next - Turbo is new (just before I bought it) so I hope it's not that. I also thought back to this week, when the problem first started happening, it was right after a fuel up - could it simply be a bad batch of fuel?

i'd rather not have this mechanic continue to replace more parts, seems like he's making (educated) guesses at this point, but he can't know for sure until $700 is spent and that tally is adding up...

Any suggestions? Could it just be bad fuel? He's telling me it's a turbo code - but I don't have any lights on the dash - is that consistent? just trying to get this figured out, thanks for any help, thanks for reading the long post...

PS - I own a BBQ restaurant, so while I may not be a seasoned Ford truck enthusiast, any help ya'll need with your Brisket, Pulled Pork, & Ribs - i'm your guy

 

You need to get something to monitor live data and trouble codes so we can see exactly what's going on. Sounds like your mechanic was just throwing parts at it. I like the Torque Pro app for android devices, it cost 5 bucks then you get a blue tooth OBDII adapter from eBay or Amazon for about 25 bucks. A lot of guys also like a ScanGauge II. Either one works well but the torque pro is a lot cheaper. Once you get one of those up and running, report back and I'm sure we can get it figured out.

If you lived close to me I'd be happy to trade some mechanic work for some pulled pork and brisket!! Lol

 

I'm picking up the live data monitor today - and I'll report back. In the meantime, any suggestions for a 6.0L Diesel mechanic in Chicago?

 

So we ran diagnostics on it - still getting a turbo code, took apart the turbo and it's pitted real bad. I need to order a new one - the shop is gonna put it in free (time served I guess ) - I just need to get the part. Any recommendations on where to get a rebuilt turbo for a 2004 6.0L Diesel Excursion?

 

It sounds like it needs a unison ring, vanes sticking because of rust. They aren't expensive, even a new turbo isn't to bad. But to save a few bucks, I'd try the unison ring before a new turbo if that is all that's needed.3C3Z6C885A TURBO UNISON RING about $150

New on eBay is $900 for the 03 model, same unit, New not a rebuilt and the one that whistles.

 

If you need a new turbo, I would spend a few extra bucks and get a powermax - it will be brand new not rebuilt. Now if your turbo is from Ford and it was just installed it should still be under warranty - 12mo for parts I believe. Replacing the unison ring is a good idea but if you are not doing the work yourself the labor is going to kill you esp if it turns out you really need a new turbo. You could also buy a gpopshop.com turbo rebuilt kit for about $140 and take it apart and polish everything. Details are in the Tech folder.

I replaced one turbo with a Ford under warranty - 14mo later - it was out again and the warranty was over - so I got a powermax.

 

2003 Brand New No Core

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Garrett-2003-6-0L-Ford-Diesel-Upgrade-Turbo-New-NO-CORE-includes-solenoid-/400780288782?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d505de30e&vxp=mtr
2004-2005 Style, brand new No Core

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Garrett-2004-2005-6-0L-Ford-Upgrade-Turbo-New-NO-CORE-includes-solenoid-/171477434161?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27ecd9ff31&vxp=mtr
To go to the 03 style you may or may not have to change the pedestal.

Josh

 

2003 Brand New No Core $895

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Garrett-2003-6-0L-Ford-Diesel-Upgrade-Turbo-New-NO-CORE-includes-solenoid-/400780288782?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d505de30e&vxp=mtr
2004-2005 Style, brand new No Core $799

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Garrett-2004-2005-6-0L-Ford-Upgrade-Turbo-New-NO-CORE-includes-solenoid-/171477434161?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27ecd9ff31&vxp=mtr
To go to the 03 style you may or may not have to change the pedestal.

Josh