At what point are Studs needed?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
I too haven't replaced my head gaskets and don't use a tuner, even when pulling a 15,500 trailer.
Remember that the 6.0 uses only 4 head bolts per cylinder, unlike the bulletproof 7.3, using 6 bolts, hence the concern.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 4
From: Jefferson, Iowa
I have a 150k on my 03, still with the bolts. I tow 12k from time to time along with my camper. I use windrunner Street or white noise tune daily with the Atlas 40. I did do a 4" straight pipe, blue spring, ec1 coolant, updated degas cap and a coolant filter.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
I averaged a turbo every 20,000 miles. That's why Ford now owns it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it! There are many people who might suggest that you have to "bulletproof" (terminology) your truck.
I think about 85% of the reason that these engines need to be studded is because of EGR cooler leakage. If you live in a state without emissions testing on diesels, delete the EGR cooler and drive it! If you have testing, replace the stock cooler with a Bullet Proof EGR cooler from Bullet Proof Diesel in Phoenix, AZ.
Someday if you must remove the heads, then stud them when you do the repair.
I think about 85% of the reason that these engines need to be studded is because of EGR cooler leakage. If you live in a state without emissions testing on diesels, delete the EGR cooler and drive it! If you have testing, replace the stock cooler with a Bullet Proof EGR cooler from Bullet Proof Diesel in Phoenix, AZ.
Someday if you must remove the heads, then stud them when you do the repair.
Dorman now makes a "bulletproof" style EGR cooler for a fraction of the cost of a BPD branded one. It may help you in a bind.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
You really do a disservice to the 6.0 community by not claiming the lack of miles you actually drove and the amount of sitting your truck in fact did.
By saying you needed a turbo every 20k, someone might think that was 10 turbos in 200k miles, when in reality how many turbos was it, 3 in 60k?
Just sayin'....
Josh
By saying you needed a turbo every 20k, someone might think that was 10 turbos in 200k miles, when in reality how many turbos was it, 3 in 60k?
Just sayin'....
Josh
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
You really do a disservice to the 6.0 community by not claiming the lack of miles you actually drove and the amount of sitting your truck in fact did.
By saying you needed a turbo every 20k, someone might think that was 10 turbos in 200k miles, when in reality how many turbos was it, 3 in 60k?
Just sayin'....
Josh
By saying you needed a turbo every 20k, someone might think that was 10 turbos in 200k miles, when in reality how many turbos was it, 3 in 60k?
Just sayin'....
Josh
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
Ditto. I still have to pull my turbo out and replace the unison ring.
I too haven't replaced my head gaskets and don't use a tuner, even when pulling a 15,500 trailer.
Remember that the 6.0 uses only 4 head bolts per cylinder, unlike the bulletproof 7.3, using 6 bolts, hence the concern.
I too haven't replaced my head gaskets and don't use a tuner, even when pulling a 15,500 trailer.
Remember that the 6.0 uses only 4 head bolts per cylinder, unlike the bulletproof 7.3, using 6 bolts, hence the concern.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
Sounds like you didn't do your homework and was taken advantage of by whomever told you your turbo was bad, over and over again. I'll be willing to say that you probably didn't change the oil and filters when you should have and even then, I'll go one further and bet that it's likely each one of those turbos just needed a cleaning.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Sounds like you didn't do your homework and was taken advantage of by whomever told you your turbo was bad, over and over again. I'll be willing to say that you probably didn't change the oil and filters when you should have and even then, I'll go one further and bet that it's likely each one of those turbos just needed a cleaning.
By the way, it also had the upgraded oil feed tubes,
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Jamul Ca.
I bought my 04 new, my head gaskets blew at 45k towing 24' trailer around 7,500# ford would not install ARPs but "new improved bolts" Ha Ha which stretched out at 78k towing the same trailer, stock. now it's studded and with all the BPD goodies and at 140k it's been trouble free. I've been driving it with a street tune, and towing with a tow tune, if you're going to keep it, stud it and enjoy it. good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
The way I think, studs are needed when you are putting the heads back on. I don't think I could, in good conscious, put my truck back together with the torque to yield bolts. On the other hand I wouldn't tear it down just to put studs in either.
Maybe someday it will squirt out a headgasket and I can stud it. As a consolation prize I'll buy a tuner and start playing with tunes. That would make me feel a little better about the work and expense.
Maybe someday it will squirt out a headgasket and I can stud it. As a consolation prize I'll buy a tuner and start playing with tunes. That would make me feel a little better about the work and expense.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 13
You are 100% wrong on all counts. Oil was changed every 5,000 miles or 6 months with 5W40 synthetic oil and OEM filter. On further note the turbos were replaced under warranty by the dealer and they did try to rebuild the last one for sure and it fell on it's face with a new center section. You should have gone to Vegas and bet your hunch. You'd be dead a** broke.
By the way, it also had the upgraded oil feed tubes,
By the way, it also had the upgraded oil feed tubes,