Diesel for Dummies?
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: North Central PA
Diesel for Dummies?
OK- I just bought my first diesel- 06 Supercab with the 6.0. It has the Lariet package, and 37000 miles. I've been trying to follow the posts here, with particular interest the threads that deal with daily, yearly, mileage maintainance, and increasing MPG. The first two tanks I've been getting 14.5-15.2 mpg. Should I look at cold air intakes add ons and if so which ones? Should I look at chips, and again, which ones?
Also- fuel additives- I notices that the other day, when I was really low (idiot light said I had 9 miles to empty) on my way to get fuel, it began to sputter. I made it to the station, and added Howe's additive for moisture, then added the diesel.
And finally- oil changes and fuel filter changes- when, or how often, and what can I do to help the longevity of the machine.
I am open to all suggestions, except selling the truck- I love it so far.
Also- fuel additives- I notices that the other day, when I was really low (idiot light said I had 9 miles to empty) on my way to get fuel, it began to sputter. I made it to the station, and added Howe's additive for moisture, then added the diesel.
And finally- oil changes and fuel filter changes- when, or how often, and what can I do to help the longevity of the machine.
I am open to all suggestions, except selling the truck- I love it so far.
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Oaks,PA
At the top of the first page of this forum is a READ FIRST tech folder that will answer most all of your questions. There's hours of reading, so be prepared! Majority on here will say stick with the stock air box as it flows enough air up to @ 500HP and most open elements do not filter enough of the fine particules that will destroy your turbo. Good luck and welcome! OCI is 5k with the Racor filter, not the "will-fit" so be careful when buying oil filters. You need the one with the felt O-ring at the base of the filter. Fram is a re-packaged Racor, Motorcraft, and Purolator, but open the box and MAKE SURE it has the felt washer!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 586
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From: Schwenksville,Pa
Stay with the stock intake and filter, it's better than any aftermarket and dealers can and will void your warranty if the turbo crashes. If you are going the tuner route have $2000 in the bank to pay for headgaskets. You'll know they're shot if you have coolant puking from the degas bottle. I change my oil and filter at 5k with Mobil 1 syn 5w-40, fuel filters at 10k, drain the water from the fuel/water separator monthly, coolant filter yearly, grease front end every other oilchange. I'm sure i've forgotten something but good luck with the truck, they're beasts!
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,929
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From: Oaks,PA
We can spend LOTS of your money, if you want!
A coolant filer system is also a good idea, fumoto valve for easier oil changes, gauges, regulated fuel return, exhaust, ... How deep are your pockets? LOL
A coolant filer system is also a good idea, fumoto valve for easier oil changes, gauges, regulated fuel return, exhaust, ... How deep are your pockets? LOL
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Keep up on your oil and fuel filter changes and don't let your tank get that low. I used to run mine low once in a while too but it can starve and damage your injectors. I also believe in a good fuel additive.
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From: NorCal
One thing to be careful about is running too low on fuel, the injectors on the 6.0 are very sensitive to fuel pressure and running out of fuel or running with dirty fuel filters can cause them to fail.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 586
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From: Schwenksville,Pa
oh, one more thing, try to run biodiesel, it's good for the injectors. If bio wasn't used for the first 37,000 miles you'll want to replace the fuel filters more often as the bio cleans deposits from the fuel system, clogging the fuel filters sooner. If you want to get a good idea of the condition of your engine do a used oil analysis, available from Blackstone Labs, just make sure the oil is good and hot before you sample it. I'm heavy into the filtration thing, having added coolant, full flow trans and engine oil bypass filters. Time will tell if they were a good investment but I'm enjoyin the piece of mind for now.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Weatherford Texas.
Originally Posted by barnbridge
oh, one more thing, try to run biodiesel, it's good for the injectors. If bio wasn't used for the first 37,000 miles you'll want to replace the fuel filters more often as the bio cleans deposits from the fuel system, clogging the fuel filters sooner. If you want to get a good idea of the condition of your engine do a used oil analysis, available from Blackstone Labs, just make sure the oil is good and hot before you sample it. I'm heavy into the filtration thing, having added coolant, full flow trans and engine oil bypass filters. Time will tell if they were a good investment but I'm enjoyin the piece of mind for now.
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 9
From: Oaks,PA
Stick 'em up!
B10 here where Barnbridge and I as well as a few others around here get it is at $4.09, B20 is a couple cents more, and diesel at the local Hess a few miles down the road is @ $4.21, went DOWN 6 cents this week- WOOHOO!!! I love it, it's all I run in my truck unless I'm out of town on a trip.
B10 here where Barnbridge and I as well as a few others around here get it is at $4.09, B20 is a couple cents more, and diesel at the local Hess a few miles down the road is @ $4.21, went DOWN 6 cents this week- WOOHOO!!! I love it, it's all I run in my truck unless I'm out of town on a trip.
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