Does anyone know if the 7.3 ever suffers from "sticktion" due to cokeing, like the 6.0 is rumored to ? I have been given conflicting answers on this. Does Archoil do what it claims, has anyone had good results from using it, or anything similar ? Just wondering if the treatment is worthwhile or not.

 

Yup, as for additives the best thing you can do to help your injectors out is to put 2 cycle oil (small one) on every fill up to help lube the injectors.

 

Stiction is uniquely a 6 liter issue.

 

Okay thanks. That's all I need to know about that. Any thoughts on aftermarket oil filters, like the Amsoil etc ? I have only used Motorcraft.

 

Is it, I thought it happen to 7.3 to, hmm always learn something new.

 

The differences in the injector design is why the 6.0L's suffer from stiction, but the 7.3L's don't.

The 6.0L injector has an issue where the coil assembly end cap will physically "stick" when a layer of cold oil is present. Ford addressed the issue several years ago with the Motorcraft reman injectors by including a notch or channel in the end cap to alleviate the stiction. But of course you have to replace the injectors to get the problem resolved.

This is also why I have a severe issue with many of these oil additive companies. They blatantly market the wrong information regarding injector stiction, and confuse the general population of PowerStroke owners. It's deceptive marketing at it's finest.

 

I tell you what... My 7.3 was having some hiccups at low to medium throttle cruising, I did the oil change with the Hot Shot's Secret Eliminator and it's all gone. It worked for me, but your results may vary.

 

but how many miles were on your injectors when you put the additive in Mike?
it may very well be tired injectors causing the issue.

 

Only 240,000 gentle, church and back miles. I know damn well I need new injectors, but this stuff seems to have added a bit more time before I have to rob from the collection plate....

 

talk to Jim at rosewood diesel. the longer you wait the more it will cost to rebuild them.
he recommends 200k miles
prices start at $500 for all 8.
$850 for rebuild with new tungsten plunger and barrel assemblies.
or $1,235 for rebuild with new plunger, barrel, and nozzles.
he also has brand new injectors, but they are a lot more money.

 

Hey Tom do you have $1,235 I can borrow a minute?

 

no, i need that to restock the shop fridge with PBR's.

 

Oh well in that case, I guess I'll spend my own money.

 

1235$ of PBR's,theres a good weekend or so

 

Here is my 1976 Engineering Degree finally doing some good. And they said the University of Maryland was worthless...


I have worked for the big three.... CAT Detroit and Cummins.


Stiction can be found in any internal combustion engine regardless of fuel or stroke. And, most notably is found in every HEUI System including; Caterpillar, Navistar, and some Cummins Diesels. To what extent is debatable.


You have to think more than just "injectors". Anywhere Oil is present in the Engine Stiction can be present. First found in the 1980's when the requirement for cleaner air was introduced one easy way to meet the requirements was to increase the OT of vehicles to 195*F. This became an issue because the Oil did not change. The same Base was used and as such oil began to sludge in return paths. Sludge was created by the excessive heat now found in the top ends and often coked valve stems, springs, and return galleries.


..... Add sludge to any moving part and you have what some refer to as Stiction: Sticky Stuff that causes Friction... "Stiction". This phrase was first used by Winn (There is a name from long ago) when they made additives to help reduce the process. So, the manufacturers of additives are the ones who named it.


Vehicle Manufacturers immediately met with Oil Manufacturers to resolve the problem. The Oil Manufacturers then realized the need to create Bases that could remain viscus at higher temperatures. Hence the rating system found on Oil Today versus pre 1985. And, much of the Air Quality Requirements are met by todays Lubricants in internal combustion engines. Most oils today (Quality) can hit 360*F and maintain a quality lubrication.


The term Stiction was first noted by Caterpillar in their HEUI Engines in 1993. Extremely hard starting in field equipment which sat overnight on construction sites and the logging industry. And, later in Light Duty Truck Applications.


While there is little similarities between the actual components of these engines, any build up caused by oil and heat is referred to as Stiction.


What we have today vs earlier is additives and laboratory research which all but eliminates these issues in the engine. But, regular maintenance is required. Also, operators need to be aware of what their engines are doing. High EGTS for example will cause Stiction on valve seats and stems as well as damage to face seals. All due to heat.


Extended oil changes, incorrect oil, "cheap" filters will eventually catch up in the long run.


Fuel Side Stiction?


Another issue we have today is fuel quality. This all changed in 2007 when mandate to reduce Air Contaminates was introduced. How did the fuel refineries deal with it? Producing ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels (ULSD).


Diesel fuel is principally a blend of petroleum-derived compounds called middle distillates (heavier than gasoline but lighter than lube oil) and may or may not contain additional additives.


Sulfur content, Cetane CN number (ignition quality), cleanliness, lubricity, low-temperature operability and stability are the diesel fuel requirements of principal concern. The measuring factor is its ignition at 1,067*F and 325 lbs. Compression.


Originally, the pre-2007 vehicles were designed to run and operate on 42 CN - 47 CN for maximum efficiency. Often today, only 35 CN (or less) is found. Especially if your fueling at a "Quick Go" or something similar. If you're wondering where that extra mileage has gone, its most probably not the engine. But, the fuel.


ULSD is acceptable for use in all diesel engines. Well, remember when Unleaded Fuel was acceptable for use in all vehicle? It worked. But, engines manufactured to run on leaded fuel saw a negligible failure of internal parts.


So the Stiction which is referred to on the "Fuel Side" is really a fuel quality and lack of additive issue since 2007.


So, Class, In summation: Stiction can exist in any Engine and the best thing for our fuel is to treat it.

SPECIAL NOTE: I would ONLY add what the manufacturer recommends on newer Diesel Engines. I can't speak for the Bow Tie or Ram. I have several 6.7L and a 6.4L (which has been here for over 45 days) waiting to see if Extended Warranty is going to cover the almost $9,000 bills associated with the repair. These engines are remarkable! But, are not forgiving of fuel contaminates.