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6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Should I be scared?

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Old Aug 21, 2007 | 01:13 AM
  #1  
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itsslow
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Should I be scared?

I am thinking about buying an 03 F250 from my cousin and have just recently started doing research on the 6.0 I've heard some real horror stories. I know that the only problem he had with it was a turbo went bad at 65k miles the truck now has 85k and has had no issues, just curious to see what is out there as far as problems go. I have heared there was a problem with the head gaskets and that in order to repair that problem the cab is moved back on the frame for access. I have been a Volkswagen tech for five years so labor doesn't bother me it is just the cost for parts to repair that scares me. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thankyou.



Joe
 
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Old Aug 21, 2007 | 01:27 AM
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Yes the early model 6.0L's had some bugs that have been pretty much worked out. Some do work on the 6.0L's with the cab off and some dont. If you know the history of the vehicle and the way it was taken care of and think it is worth it, then go for it. There are many happy 03-04 6.0L owners on here that would point you in the same direction
 
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Old Aug 21, 2007 | 11:29 PM
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Thanks for the input I appreciate it




Originally Posted by UGA33
Yes the early model 6.0L's had some bugs that have been pretty much worked out. Some do work on the 6.0L's with the cab off and some dont. If you know the history of the vehicle and the way it was taken care of and think it is worth it, then go for it. There are many happy 03-04 6.0L owners on here that would point you in the same direction
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 06:03 AM
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The first thing to do is to get the VIN and have an OASIS report pulled. That will tell you all of the warranty work done by a Ford dealer on the unit.

I bought my 03 back in Feb. My OASIS came back with no powertrain issues so I bought it and have been thrilled with the truck.

Good Luck!

Joe
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 05:15 PM
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i just had an oasis done, original everything except injectors 1,2,3,4,5,7 and 8 i think
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 05:26 PM
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How do you and your cousin get along?..just kidding.

I'm one of the happy 03 six-oh owners out there with 60k miles on a bone stock engine. I've had the turbo replaced as a result of sticking vanes, which result in over-boost condition that damaged the IC.
I believe that if you keep it stock and replace the filters on the prescribe intervals, you'll be happy with it.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 08:40 PM
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I have an 03 and so does many of my friends and our company. From my experience these were common problems:

1- Most with Turbo Rot (replaced turbo)
2- Some with Premature failure of some injectors, and
3- Very few had failed head gaskets.

However in all 6L cases in our experience the above symptons happened within the warranty period or before 100,000km (60,000miles). Thus ford never hesitated to fix these issues. Other bugs were normaly repaired through services recalls and etc by ford. We have some trucks in the 300,000km range still kicking strong.

If the truck has similar or more miles than 60,000, has great maintenance records and the oasis shows some of these items replaced and no history of being a "lemon" and you have a good deal, I would say go for it.

In my opinion the 03 were some of the best 6L's to own if it runs good and I love mine.
 
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