Sorry if this is a stupid repeat but it kinda happened "overnight" and i need some good input fast.

as my name states i currently own a 97PSD, a great deal was offered to me for an 04 6.0L F350 with 42K miles. all stock, no chips, pipes, guages, etc., just level kit and nicer tire/wheel package. i am planning on test driving it very soon and want to know what to look for.

I have never done any research on this model year engine, other then what i have frantically glanced at in this forum but have "heard" horror stories about the 6.0L in general. i love my current truck but an upgrade is always nice.

all input or opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

first things first i would put a request in for an OASIS report to see what work has been done to the truck.......get the VIN#......it might totally make or break the deal....as far as horror stories.....i have an 04 f250 6.0 with 43k on it and i love it!

 

I love my 2003 as well. runs great. Pop the hood and look for excessive dried coolant around the CAP of the degas bottle. If there is a little it shouldn't be a big deal. make sure to use the 4 wheel drive on the test drive (if it has it). Check the bellhousing to see if there is an excessive amount of oil. A little "wet" area isn't a big deal. Mine has been wet since I bought it but has never dripped a day in it's life. (since i've owned it) of course the oasis is a big deal and if you have the vin handy you can request an oasis report in the sticky thread at the top of this forum and you'll probably have one by monday. I requested one and got two replies within one day. great site. hope it all works out. good luck.

 

97F350Powerstroke, First off, when you read all the "horror" stories of the 6L motor around here you have to keep in mind that most people only frequent here when they have problems. I can say that I have an 05 PSD with 39k miles and I've really loved the truck, and I must also say that I had a 97 F-350 PSD before this one. I know every situation is different, but by the time the 97 had 39k miles on it, it had been in the shop 4 or 5 times for new injectors, relays, more injectors, and a new ECM. I loved the truck, but the ride and power were very inferior to my 05 PSD. When my 97 was mildly chipped, it seemed to have the power that my 05 has stock. With a towing file in my 05, it will walk all over my 97....which I know because the 97 is still in the family and I get to drive it on occasion.
As for what to look for, you've already read most of it. Oasis Report is most important because it seems like if the motor has had a lot of problems, they will most likely continue. Look at the cement below the bellhousing where the truck is usually parked to see if an oil leak is significant (and don't forget that you'll have the 5/100k warranty) as there are quite a few trucks that have some leaks. Only if it is puddling on the ground below the truck is there really a problem. The most important thing I can think of is to hitch up a trailer and take it for a spin to see what you think and to make sure all is well with the head gaskets and EGR cooler (coolant will come out of the degas bottle if there is an issue). Not to mention that if you're pulling a trailer, you can really tell how well the tranny is working or if it is slipping at all (and this is only if the tranny has been abused by a Tuner, otherwise, the Torqshift tranny is the best out there....10x better than the E4OD in the 97 which we had to replace at 90k miles). Also, give us an idea of the deal your getting, not so that anybody can take it out from under you, but so that we can let you know that you're getting a good deal worthy of jumping into.

 

Ask to see maintenance records. The biggie that should have been performed is the tranny flush and external filter change. If it has not been done, I wouldnt shy away from the truck if you can get the cost knocked off the truck. (Get a Ford dealership to do it, it is expensive ($300 and change) and you have to have a machine with a heater to do it correctly) I would pull the tranny dipstick and smell it. This fluid is full synthetic from the factory and is very good, if it smells bad, the tranny will have issues sooner than later. Fuel filters should have also been changed at a max interval of 15k, as the 6.0 injectors do not tolerate low fuel pressure from clogged filters. Again, I would not let this keep me from buying the truck, but I would use it as a bargining chip. I would also recommend doing at least 2 full floorboarded runs with the passenger mirror pointed down twards the exhaust pipe to make sure you are not seeing any type of grayish or white smoke. Those signal issues with the egr and or head gaskets.


Now that I said all the negatives, I will give you the positives, I had a 03 at 20k lost 4 injectors ficm, hfcm and a transducer. Went to a dealership with a 6.0 tech who knew his stuff, the truck never went back for any more repairs. I traded it in on my 05 (needed 4X4 up here) with 61,000 on it. A good tech/dealership is 99% the level of confidence you will have with this truck. As they know how to fix them right the first time. My 05 has 63,000 on the clock now and I have only been to the dealer for a new oil dipstick and to get the 05E15 reflash.

 

As you can see I have a 04 but I've has a few electrical problems. Both engine wiring harnesses went bad. But the service department was great and I had it back in 4 days. If you have a great teck makes a world of difference on your satisfaction. Also these engines love premium fuel. At least mine does. Gets better fuel mileage and runs cleaner than on straight #2.

 

premium fuel?

 

Verticalrich,
There are a few gas stations/companies that advertise Premium Diesel Fuel. They apparently claim to have higher cetane ratings and possibly other additives. I've noticed on another posting about premium diesel fuel that most of the responders were in the Michigan area. I've never personally seen it out here in the southwest.

 

i have an 04 with 60k miles and never had a problem. i did toast my tranny, but that was my own fault for using an edge.

greatest vehicle i have ever owned.
like has been stated, get an oasis report, check the usual things.
DRIVE it !!