For all of you that live in the mountains or at high elevation and have a 05-06 6.0, what boost levels can you reach? Mine has always been able to reach 26-28 psi. Now, I can only get about 18 psi max, and that is it approx. 3500-4000 rpms.

I live at 7000-7500 feet and the dealer tells me that is normal. It seems pretty weak to me.

Also, sometimes when climbing a grade, the turbo makes a sreaming sound. Like a screaming baby. Not the fan, not turbo whistle.

I think I am going to ask to test drive another one when I get a chance, and see what boost levels it reaches.

 

I have a 06 6.0 F350 dulley and live at about 5400 feet elevation now. I only have 9000 miles on the truck now, but all is fine. I get 26-28 pounds from the turbo easily with on noises. So far so good.

 

25+ easy for me. I live at 6800, and have pulled up over 10k

Mark

 

Just did a quick test, ~22 by the factory boost gauge through 1st, 2nd and part of 3rd.. Truck was bought at sea level and now resides at 7200' I could swear that I used to be able to pull ~28 back in San Diego. I also thought I saw a post saying trucks destined for high altitudes had a different flash.

 

blakerj10, How does your truck perform? You will notice some reduction in power at higher elevation.
FWIW I get 25-26 at 4,500-7,500 ft elevation.

 

Guys, I really appreciate the responses, and others please chime in. My dealer tells me my truck is running normal and I know it is not. Thes responses just help me confirm my suspicions.

Utahtom, Yes, it is lacking a lot of power. Pulled an alluminium two place sled trailer with two ATVs on board last weekend. Truck would barely hit 18 psi at full throttle in 4th gear (counting L12345 on my 6speed). I can't use overdrive unless on flat ground. This trailer only weighs maybe 2000 lbs. I used to be able to go everywhere in OD.

Dealer just called me and told me they are replacing the manifold gasket and EGR wiring harness. I mentioned the EBP sensor, and VGT solenoid, and they said there is no reason to check those. I have a feeling I am going to try replacing those two things and if it fixes the problerm I am going to go back to the service dept show them.

 

I have towed heavy loads to 10,700 never an issue getting boost above 18.
Well heavy is relative....total weight 24K

 

You should get more boost with more load or weight. You should be making a minimum of 22 psi boost under load. Judging by the screaming sound you are mentioning, I would have to think that you have an exhaust leak at your y-pipe.

 

I just towed 600+ miles over the weekend and a lot of it was above 8,000'. 25-28lbs of boost no problemo.

 

blake mine makes 26-28 lbs. at 6000 ft. just checked to make sure.

Tim

 

Sorry should have also typed, over the same road carrying a bicycle in the back 28lbs at altitude...

 

Cool, thanks everyone. I think it may just be easier for me to take the truck back and troubleshoot/fix it myself and then send Ford a bill, rather than try to deal with the dealer. Oh well, guess it don't work that way. It is getting rather cold up here to be riding my motorcycle to work at 6:00 am!

 

Are there no other dealers you can try?

 

Canadaguy,

It is kind of a long story. I bought this outfit when I started in the oilfield because I wanted a reliable vehicle. Well this is not it... it has been to a lot of different dealers around the country. Now I am settled in a more permanent job, and the next closest dealer is about an hour drive, one way. Based on my previous experience, I am seriously doubting another dealer is going to be any better. I know there are good techs out there, (see the newer thread thanking the ones on this site) but god are they rare! At this point, I don't have the energy to deal with another dealer. I guess I would rather build a relationship with my local dealer, even if I have to yell, really loud!

 

update- I called the dealer this morning, and the said the truck was fixed, and they just got back from a test drive. I said what was the boost pressure on the test drive they said it was good, and whatevert they replaced fixed the problem. Well I got there at about 11 and went to the showroom and grabbed a salesman. I told him I want to test drive an 6.0. Went on a test drive up the mountain pass and saw 23-24 psi of boos in overdrive at about 2000 rpms. Also notice it build boost much quicker than mine. So I go into the service department, and give me my keys and tell me 17 psi is normal. So I do the same mountain pass and only see about 15 psi when I put it to the floor. There is a much bigger differnce between mine and the new one's acceleration as well. I pull over and open the hood and find what looks like oil splatter on the underside of the hood. It is right above the turbo?? Anyway, go back to service dept and tell them it still isn't right. The service guy says "I know." I looked at him and said what? He said he just got off the phone with ford and they told him it should be between 24 and 28 psi. Left it there for another week. Man, it was raining and cold on my motorcycle ride to work today!