Regen issues, jackhammering.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Just got the call from the service manager. This guy knows his stuff for sure. He said he’s dealt with this on a lot of trucks and will not bother trying the PCM flash first because it’s a complete waste of time. Ford used this dealership, plus two others in the US as R&D hamsters to figure out the best permanent solution.
Pull head and upgrade to new design exhaust valves. Reinstall head and everything else. Use the Ford Motorcraft Cetane in your fuel. This dealership was able to eliminate the bucking with the old valve design just by using the Cetane. The Service Manager told me that he recommends it for the new design valves as well.
I asked about reprogramming to use both heads for regen and he said that’s not a viable option. He said all work on any diesel brought into their shop is done by their master tech. I met the master tech before and the guy is legit. The service manager told me when I call in to get my truck maintained and/or serviced, to speak with him directly moving forward. He said his writers are struggling and he doesn’t want me to deal with them anymore.
Pull head and upgrade to new design exhaust valves. Reinstall head and everything else. Use the Ford Motorcraft Cetane in your fuel. This dealership was able to eliminate the bucking with the old valve design just by using the Cetane. The Service Manager told me that he recommends it for the new design valves as well.
I asked about reprogramming to use both heads for regen and he said that’s not a viable option. He said all work on any diesel brought into their shop is done by their master tech. I met the master tech before and the guy is legit. The service manager told me when I call in to get my truck maintained and/or serviced, to speak with him directly moving forward. He said his writers are struggling and he doesn’t want me to deal with them anymore.
First, the valves were not redesigned. They simply replace the valves with new ones with no changes.
Second, the calibration update is part of the TSB fix which in fact does change the programming to utilize both banks for the regen fueling instead of just the driver's side only. All current calibrations have that change along with all other various updates.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 9
Just got the call from the service manager. This guy knows his stuff for sure. He said he’s dealt with this on a lot of trucks and will not bother trying the PCM flash first because it’s a complete waste of time. Ford used this dealership, plus two others in the US as R&D hamsters to figure out the best permanent solution.
Pull head and upgrade to new design exhaust valves. Reinstall head and everything else. Use the Ford Motorcraft Cetane in your fuel. This dealership was able to eliminate the bucking with the old valve design just by using the Cetane. The Service Manager told me that he recommends it for the new design valves as well.
I asked about reprogramming to use both heads for regen and he said that’s not a viable option. He said all work on any diesel brought into their shop is done by their master tech. I met the master tech before and the guy is legit. The service manager told me when I call in to get my truck maintained and/or serviced, to speak with him directly moving forward. He said his writers are struggling and he doesn’t want me to deal with them anymore.
Pull head and upgrade to new design exhaust valves. Reinstall head and everything else. Use the Ford Motorcraft Cetane in your fuel. This dealership was able to eliminate the bucking with the old valve design just by using the Cetane. The Service Manager told me that he recommends it for the new design valves as well.
I asked about reprogramming to use both heads for regen and he said that’s not a viable option. He said all work on any diesel brought into their shop is done by their master tech. I met the master tech before and the guy is legit. The service manager told me when I call in to get my truck maintained and/or serviced, to speak with him directly moving forward. He said his writers are struggling and he doesn’t want me to deal with them anymore.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 962
Likes: 114
From: Middle TN
[QUOTE=Pocket;18155348.[/QUOTE]
I was just thinking the same thing
The reflash solved my problem, over 30K miles ago...
If I remember correctly, the TSB only calls for valve replacement if the problem still persist, after the reflash.
I was just thinking the same thing
The reflash solved my problem, over 30K miles ago...
If I remember correctly, the TSB only calls for valve replacement if the problem still persist, after the reflash.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
Mine received the PCM update in 2016 and I had it bucking like a bronc last Sunday. I'll follow-up with the supposed two side head regen calibration mention and see what they say.
I have a feeling when I tell the service manager "because a Ford Truck Enthusiast said so," it comes off as a bit on the weak side.
I have a feeling when I tell the service manager "because a Ford Truck Enthusiast said so," it comes off as a bit on the weak side.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 962
Likes: 114
From: Middle TN
Say the RAM dealer told you about it🤣🤣
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Perks of my job.
Unfortunately this isn't the case either.
There wasn't a valve stem clearance issue. There were a few trolls that joined the forum to spread that misinformation and try to cause a panic. They hit this and other Ford truck forums.
With the updated calibrations having the regen fuel on both banks instead of just the driver's side, the jackhammering problem often goes away. If it doesn't, the valve replacement portion of the TSB was to put fresh clean valves in the driver's side head. No head work was performed and the replacement valves were identical to the originals.
The problem is regen fueling on one bank only causes deposit issues.
The issue was caused by insufficient valve stem clearance in some engines. A really good tech will ensure the new valves have proper clearance. Since all 6.7s since later 16 models have the dual side regen injection, why not get that done if you have the problem? And it doesn't surprise me that using a cetane/lubricity booster can prevent or help. "These trucks are made to run on crap fuel" is one of the most absurd things I see on these forums. Increased cetane reduces soot and the number of regens and the jack hammer is a regen problem.
There wasn't a valve stem clearance issue. There were a few trolls that joined the forum to spread that misinformation and try to cause a panic. They hit this and other Ford truck forums.
With the updated calibrations having the regen fuel on both banks instead of just the driver's side, the jackhammering problem often goes away. If it doesn't, the valve replacement portion of the TSB was to put fresh clean valves in the driver's side head. No head work was performed and the replacement valves were identical to the originals.
The problem is regen fueling on one bank only causes deposit issues.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 9
Perks of my job.
Unfortunately this isn't the case either.
There wasn't a valve stem clearance issue. There were a few trolls that joined the forum to spread that misinformation and try to cause a panic. They hit this and other Ford truck forums.
With the updated calibrations having the regen fuel on both banks instead of just the driver's side, the jackhammering problem often goes away. If it doesn't, the valve replacement portion of the TSB was to put fresh clean valves in the driver's side head. No head work was performed and the replacement valves were identical to the originals.
The problem is regen fueling on one bank only causes deposit issues.
Unfortunately this isn't the case either.
There wasn't a valve stem clearance issue. There were a few trolls that joined the forum to spread that misinformation and try to cause a panic. They hit this and other Ford truck forums.
With the updated calibrations having the regen fuel on both banks instead of just the driver's side, the jackhammering problem often goes away. If it doesn't, the valve replacement portion of the TSB was to put fresh clean valves in the driver's side head. No head work was performed and the replacement valves were identical to the originals.
The problem is regen fueling on one bank only causes deposit issues.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
And be careful about fuel cleaners. Many are alcohol based which Ford explicitly warns against using.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 9
Right, I meant cleaners in diesel fuel additives like PM22A, Opti-Lube, AR6200, etc.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
Pocket,
I picked up my truck yesterday afternoon and spoke directly with the mechanic who performed the work. I specifically asked him if the new PCM program directs the regen to occur on both sides. The answer was:
No. The passenger side head has your emissions controls. If that side heats up and the fuel is dumped into it, your dash will light up like a Christmas tree and it'll ruin the emissions system.
I asked the mechanic about the valves he installed and asked him if they were of a different/new design or what. The answer was:
The old valves were replaced with new valves, but the spacing is different.
The mechanic told me he followed the exact Ford repair instructions, including the PCM program update instructions. He did seem a bit unsure about what the actual PCM update does as far as exact specifics. Also, he did specifically ask me if I heard about the regen PCM update switching to both heads from an internet forum.
EDIT:
Just looked over the truck. The radiator fill and overflow bottle is bone dry. I can't see the fluid in the radiator either. There's a bunch of fluids all over the frame from when they pulled the head. It looks like they set the head and all of the parts in the bed and my bedliner is covered with fuel/oil/fluids. I'm rather annoyed right now.
I picked up my truck yesterday afternoon and spoke directly with the mechanic who performed the work. I specifically asked him if the new PCM program directs the regen to occur on both sides. The answer was:
No. The passenger side head has your emissions controls. If that side heats up and the fuel is dumped into it, your dash will light up like a Christmas tree and it'll ruin the emissions system.
I asked the mechanic about the valves he installed and asked him if they were of a different/new design or what. The answer was:
The old valves were replaced with new valves, but the spacing is different.
The mechanic told me he followed the exact Ford repair instructions, including the PCM program update instructions. He did seem a bit unsure about what the actual PCM update does as far as exact specifics. Also, he did specifically ask me if I heard about the regen PCM update switching to both heads from an internet forum.
EDIT:
Just looked over the truck. The radiator fill and overflow bottle is bone dry. I can't see the fluid in the radiator either. There's a bunch of fluids all over the frame from when they pulled the head. It looks like they set the head and all of the parts in the bed and my bedliner is covered with fuel/oil/fluids. I'm rather annoyed right now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
Honestly, I didn't ask. I assumed it had to do with one of the previous posts.
I called the service department yesterday about my low coolant level and was told it probably burped out the air. They said to swing by and they'll fill it up. On my way there to get the coolant topped off, the truck went into regen mode and I tried to reproduce the shuddering / jackhammering effect with zero success. So it appears to be fixed, but I'll try it out on a few more regens before I'm convinced.
So what's your take on the PCM flash keeping the regen mode on one head bank and not going to both due to emissions claim?
I called the service department yesterday about my low coolant level and was told it probably burped out the air. They said to swing by and they'll fill it up. On my way there to get the coolant topped off, the truck went into regen mode and I tried to reproduce the shuddering / jackhammering effect with zero success. So it appears to be fixed, but I'll try it out on a few more regens before I'm convinced.
So what's your take on the PCM flash keeping the regen mode on one head bank and not going to both due to emissions claim?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
Honestly, I didn't ask. I assumed it had to do with one of the previous posts.
I called the service department yesterday about my low coolant level and was told it probably burped out the air. They said to swing by and they'll fill it up. On my way there to get the coolant topped off, the truck went into regen mode and I tried to reproduce the shuddering / jackhammering effect with zero success. So it appears to be fixed, but I'll try it out on a few more regens before I'm convinced.
So what's your take on the PCM flash keeping the regen mode on one head bank and not going to both due to emissions claim?
I called the service department yesterday about my low coolant level and was told it probably burped out the air. They said to swing by and they'll fill it up. On my way there to get the coolant topped off, the truck went into regen mode and I tried to reproduce the shuddering / jackhammering effect with zero success. So it appears to be fixed, but I'll try it out on a few more regens before I'm convinced.
So what's your take on the PCM flash keeping the regen mode on one head bank and not going to both due to emissions claim?
Case in point... your coolant didn't "burp" out air. The tech didn't follow proper fill procedures. Not to mention the rest of the mess he made of your truck that you posted here about.
Ford doesn't typically tell dealer technicians what is included or what changes are made with regards to calibration updates.
Also some food for thought..... if the exhaust valves weren't of the correct spec, then why only replace the driver's side? It would mean the passenger's side exhaust valves are also out of spec and would cause problems there too.