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I'm jumping into the market for an adventure van and am looking for one that's already been converted to 4x4 and preferably diesel. I'm seeing about a half and half mix of older 7.3 and newer 6.0 diesels with varying price ranges.
I know the 6.0 has its issues, but I know they can be remedied. But are the 6.0's in the vans different from the pickup 6.0's? I ask because the GM Duramax vans are detuned compared to the pickups (transmission fitment). Did Ford do the same thing? If they are different, do they still have the same problems as the pickups?
I'm pretty sure they detuned them due to things like more heat in the engine bay.
You can ask coolfeet, he has a van with a gazillion miles on it.
I don't know how much they were detuned though, the 06 Ambulance chassis that our squad has will go like a scalded cat even with that heavy box, runs circles around the 2000 unit with the 7.3
Finding a 4x4 van with the 7.3 is considered the holy grail by many but the 6.0 has more power and is not nearly as noisy. Look for one that has been studded if at all possible. There are a number of things that can be done with regards to heat management. Otherwise, the issues are the same as with the trucks. See if the PO is still using Ford Gold coolant and if there is a coolant filter.
6.0L Diesels in E-Series applications are detuned to 240 BHP/440 ft-lbs. versus 325 BHP/570 ft-lbs. for F-Series.
Gotcha, thanks for the hard numbers. That gave me a little hope until I read your signature. Do you see a lot of these things in with the usual 6.0 problems?
Originally Posted by 6.0Vanman
Finding a 4x4 van with the 7.3 is considered the holy grail by many but the 6.0 has more power and is not nearly as noisy. Look for one that has been studded if at all possible. There are a number of things that can be done with regards to heat management. Otherwise, the issues are the same as with the trucks. See if the PO is still using Ford Gold coolant and if there is a coolant filter.
I see the 7.3's bring big bucks but I'd really like an engine designed for this century. Reliability is nice with them but fuel consumption kinda stinks. Admittedly I like the noise but I can also live without it.
Is there a list somewhere of things to look for and look out for with the 6.0's in vans? I would ask for receipts to back up any claims, of course.
I also have to admit I'm more interested in the GM diesel vans for reasons other than engine issues but I need to keep my options open. I'm good at finding rare vehicles but finding even a 2wd Express or Savana is a pain.
If they are different, do they still have the same problems as the pickups?
The vans do not have as many head gasket issues as the F series. Probably because they are de-tuned. Otherwise, the issues are the same (same coolant, oil cooler, EGR cooler). Install a coolant filter and swap out the crappy Ford Gold for an ELC coolant and watch your delta spread between EOT and ECT. A lot of it depends on model year and Ford redesigned part to address the issues.
The biggest difference between the vans and trucks is they run hotter. They have a smaller radiator, intercooler, and tranny cooler. So, many of my mods have been about heat management (ie., wrapping pipes, hood louvers, bigger tranny cooler, etc.). Underhood heat cooks the wiring harness, frys FICMs, and is hard on alternators.
My advice would be to keep it stock and don't chip it. It's got plenty of power de-tuned for a 10,000lb camper van. Or, if money is no object then pull the engine from the get-go and install ARP headstuds and do all the other bulletproofing.
6.0Vanman- Thanks for the pointers. I was unaware of the general heat issues. If I look at one of these I'll make sure to take that all into consideration. Of course wanting to run cooler is part of the reason for wanting diesel in the first place. I'm debating if a V10 is more the way to go.
I wouldn't bother to chip anything. I know they aren't dogs in stock form and I'm not interested in any decrease in reliability. Money IS an object so no reason to go out and ruin something to at works.
Especially considering that everything is so tough to get to, instead of merely getting a bypass coolant filter, we recommend consideration of full flow coolant filters. Better to catch all the floaties in one pass vs in 20, heh?
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