I currently drive a 99- 7.3. I am looking at a 2004 f250 with a 6.0 with 27000miles.I have been hearing a lot of talk about problems with the 6.0. This truck was built in November of 2003 and I was told that were some changes made for the better later in 2004. I have checked this truck out and noticed an oil leak that appears to be coming from the back right hand side of the oil pan and running back and dripping off of the bell housing.I heard there may have been some head gasket leaks in the 6.0s. I could not tell if this oil was coming from farther up on the engine.
Can anybody tell me if and when any improvements were made and what to look for

Thanks very much
Jeff0

 

The Ford Diesel Tech Society keeps a list of the running changes on the 6.0 from year to year here:

http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...ingchanges.php

The bulk of the serious revisions were done after the first year. 2004 Model year trucks don't necessarily have 2004 Model Year engines in them, either, so you've got to peer in over on the passenger side valve cover to find that out.

Head gasket failures are a touchy subject. Modifying the truck to get more boost from the turbocharger (or having the variable vanes stick in a certain position) runs the risk of stretching the factory head bolts enough to cause failures in some cases.

The general rule of thumb with oil leaks is to always look above where you think it's coming from. I'm not going to jump right at the rear main seal or a pan gasket.

The 6.0s are a little touchy about fuel. 40 cetane sludge won't cut it for long in one of these. Low-grade fuel is believed to increase the buildup of carbon in the turbocharger and on the EGR valve, causing parts inside both those units to stick and leading to driveability problems. It wouldn't hurt to know when the fuel filters were swapped out.

If you're really worried about the engine and what its history has been, I would jump on down to the 6.0 forum on here and ask if someone will run an OASIS Report for you. You'll need the VIN (Serial Number) of the truck for that one.

Best of luck with your purchase, however it ends up. Take care.

 

RUN AWAY.............................thats why the call the early 6.0's 6-leakers

 

Thread moved to the 6.0 forum. I think you'll get more answers down here...

 

A November '03 production truck has the motor changes done from the '03's and very early '04's. I have an October 03 production truck that has been AWESOME. The only problems it has are self-inflicted by me. Get an Oasis done on the truck and have one of our fine resident tech's check it out. 27K miles isn't even broken in good, in fact I'd be more worried about "lot rot" if it has been sitting for any period of time. The truck might be still covered under the 3/36--you should check. Unless it's just been dogged out totally I don't think you can go wrong.

 

We have 2003 Exscursion with the 6.0 and a 2005 F-250 with the 6.0. We bought the exscursion with 25k on it and it now has 45k. We have not had one single problem with it and it runs great. We have only had one problem on the 2005 at 42k with a oil sensor gone bad. I think it is kind of hit or miss with these motors. I agree with cowboy brett though and would get someone to run a OASIS report for you to see what has been done on the truck.