I got a new 2006 F350 6.0l CC FX4 Lariat and it will be here in the upcoming week! What should I do. I want to Break this in properly and have read the tech folder prodecure. But it seems that they are all differn't and very complicated. Can some one shorten and simplify it to me. Should i add anything to the diesel or just let it run stock? and for how long should i leave it stock to break it in before i start modding it. How hard or soft should i drive it. Driving techniques to use. I want this truck to be broken in properly so when i do start to mod it ( SCT, Exhaust, gauges, and intake) it will run to its potential. thanks

 

I took it easy for the first 500 miles. Took about a week. Jumped on it a few times, then hitched up 16,500 lbs and headed out. First oil change at 4,000. Shell Rotella at Wal-Mart. Just watch them like a hawk, and don't let them carry out more than 14 quarts of oil. Only have 11,000 on it now, and it is running great.

 

Breaking in a truck is to complicated for a new owner. I have over 30 years of knowlege on proper diesel use. So drop your new truck off at my house.




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O-BOY I have seen this one before

 

Max, Max, Max,...he wants to break it in....not BREAK it.

You Ohio boys have got a little to much snow packed in between the ears...

BTW Max, if diesel keeps going up I think I'll start driving my super duper golf cart to work...

 

After the first oil change is a good starting point. I had an 2003 with a MAC intake, turbo back exhaust, and the edge. I drove it way too hard, went thru 3 sets of 20" tires and ended up damaging the turbo, had transmission problems and RMS leak. Ford rep happened to be in the shop when my truck was in, they refused warranty. Ended up paying $1600 for a new turbo then traded it in. I have had a 2005 Harley 4x4 since February and I swore not to mod it, but last month bought the bully dog triple pup downloader, and yesterday added flo pro 4" turbo back exhaust, it runs great. I plan on driving my truck with more respect than I had with the 03. I also lifted it 8" so I hope if I have tranny problems, they don't refuse warranty. Takin chances!!!!!!

 

One of the best ways to break in a new truck is to plan a little trip, about 150 - 250 miles. Find a highway or freeway with a fair amount of on/off ramps. Warm the truck up to operating temp, and use several of the ramps to bring the truck up into the 3krpm range for short periods. Don't use the cruise & vary the speed from 55 to 70 over the entire range of the trip. Hills are a good idea too. The 6.0 is a higher reving engine than the older 7.3, and it like to run in the 2-3k range best. Best fuel economy will be at about 2k, but it needs to get up 2.5-3k on a regular basis to help keep the EPA required stuff cleaned up.

If this is a daily driver, and work is not far away, make sure you take a longer route to work, and let the truck get up to operating temp for 10 mins or so. Its not going to kill it doing short runs, but diesels really will last longer & run better if the get to temp, and stay there for awhile.

After about 500 miles, find something heavy to tow, and drag it up & down some hills. Again, let it get warm & put some rpms to it. You don't say what tranny & rear, but I'll guess its a torqueshift. It'll "learn' your driving habits & shift points over a period of time. I'd also try to find some loose stuff to drive in about once a month & excercise the ESOF - 10 / 15 mins a time. The torqueshift REQUIRES Mercon SP (not Mercon or Mercon V).

I changed my oil at 1.5k, and started using Delo 400 CI-4+ 15W40, cause it meets specs and is cheap. I've had good results with it, and Blackstone Oil Analysis says its good for the 7.5k interval with the type of driving I do. If you live in a cold area, you may want to consider a 10W30 in the winter.

MODs - The 6.0 does not need them. If you gotta have more power, you're going to destroy this engine and or tranny. Its not a matter of if, its when (and how bad). Stock, the engine performs very well, has plenty of power, and is dicy out of the factory. The head gaskets & studs are a weak point, and easily pushed beyond their limits. Part of this is due to EPA requiring a CCV, Exhaust Gas Recirc (EGR) & Catalytic Converter. Part is Ford did a damn good job of getting the max aout of the engine / trans out of the factory. The turbo is a varible vane design, and will take a bit of getting used to. Seems dead for a bit & then slams you into the seat.

The only mod I'd consider is for towing large loads, over good grades, for long times. That's a 4" cat back exhaust & muffler delete (or flow through), and good gauges. This is basiclly to lower & monitor the EGTs & tranny temps. This will extend the life of the turbo and tranny. The OEM air filter is the best protection, very good performance, and cost effective. A chip or tuner will add power, but will not do much for economy, and will result in denial of warrenty repair if a problem occurs.

Good luk w/ your new truck, and may I suggest biodiesel as one of the best things you can do for it. For more (accurate) info on bio-d see www.biodieselnow.com