Guys I'll be honest, I'm scared to death of this forum. But only because of my lack of knowledge of the 6L. Well, my father has bought an 06 and I was wondering if there was something I should be looking for as far as trouble spots. He isn't in tune with diesels so he's kinda in the dark. I haven't layed eyes on it yet because he lives 3 hrs from me. But he said it runs very well and is in very good shape over all. It has slightly larger tires and a small lift. When I asked him about programing he said "Is that what that little **** is?" Aperently it has a programmer in it with multiple settings. I have no idea what it is or who's programming it is.

My dad is an old Rodeo cowboy who's now retired and just tools around and pulls his 3 horse slant about once a month.

Anyway, if there is something that I should address with the truck please let me know. Like I said, the 6L scares me because I don't know about it. And I hear horror stories. But knowledge is power so to speak, so I'm coming to you guys. Thanks for your help.

Cody

 

the 6.0's did have a few problems in the '03-'04 model years. the biggest problems from what i've seen are turbos going out, head gaskets, EGR cooler, EGR valve and the typical oil leaks. i would think that he would be fine since he has an '06. i have an '06 w/58k miles and i haven't had any problems at all. the lift and tires won't hurt a thing. i might be questioning the tuner though. they seem to be one of the root causes of blown head gaskets (unless he has head studs). sounds to me like he might have a banks tuner. those are pretty popular. i would advise him to do away with that. if he likes the extra power i would recommend getting an SCT w/custom tunes from Spartan, Innovative or DP Tuners. all three have excellent custom tuning and if he does some towing they are better cause they can change shift points in the transmission. that is if it has the torque shift in it and not the 6speed. i am just a rookie still on here so i will let some of the other more experienced guys chime in and tell you what they are thinking. best of luck on your fathers new purchase

 

First - welcome to FTE - it is a great Forum.

Second - the advice:

1. Get the VIN number and post on this Forum to get an OASIS report so you can know the truck's repair history and purchase date (the warranty is based on purchase date).

2. Read the tech Forum (especially the section on "advice for new owners").

3. Get more info on the tuner - it may be good, it may be "not so good". Many dealerships will void warranty's due to mods such as tuners.

4. Find out specifically what all the mods are and let is know.

5. Find a "GOOD" dealership w/ a competent diesel tech. Issues w/ the 6.0L are often complicated by a not-so-good service department.

6. Make sure you and he read the manuals for the truck - especially get to know the terms and conditions of the warranty.

7. Some VERY BRIEF advice specific to the truck:

Regular fluid changes- follow the manual
Use OEM filters
Use OEM fluids (except synthetic oil is a great idea (CJ4 or CI4+)
Do not idle for extended periods
Keep records of the regular maintenance done
Do not drive hard until the engine warms up
Low fuel pressure can kill injectors - good fuel and regular filter changes
The EGR system can get plugged up - learn the symptoms (you can clean it yourself.

 

Rubberduck, welcome man. I was very happy to see your name on this forum. you are always a ton of help on the 94.5-97 forum.
I was in the same boat you are a couple of months ago, but I'm very happy with my rig.
I haven't been here a really long time but there are some very sharp people on this forum to. Bismic is one of them.
The thing that seams to be an issue with the 6.0 is turbo sticking, but from what I have read is you need to drive like you stole it once and a while. Again, welcome friend.

 

Thanks for the welcome guys. While I'm definately not new to diesels or FTE, the 6L forum is all new to me.

mx, I agree. I totally question the tuner. I realize that's a big killer of head gaskets for you guys. And I wouldn't think it had studs. I already told him to watch it.

bismic, can I just post the vin on this thread and you guys find the report? I'm lost on that one. I haven't poked around on here yet, is it a sticky? And I agree with you on the maintenance.

I guess I'm not totally lost on these things, I knew the VGT's had problems with sticky vanes and the egr getting plugged. I just don't know how to deal with them. Is there a writeup on cleaning the egr?

I don't think we have to worry about him beating the crap out of the truck, and I did tell him what he needs to monitor. It does have pillar gauges and I told him pyro 1250 max and tranny 200 or above is pushing it. I would assume that rings true like the 7.3's.

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys.

 

When you log onto this Forum, the first thread (top of the page) is where you go to request an OASIS report. The thread is titled:

Read First: Oasis Request Thread

STOCK READINGS
....................................Normal........ .........Severe Service........Alarm
Tranny Temp................150 - 195...................195 - 200..............205
Coolant Temp...............190 - 195...................195 - 210..............215
Fuel Press......................60 - 50......................50 - 45.................45
EGT - pre Turbo............650 - 1200................1200 - 1250...........1300
EGT - post Turbo...................700....................... ....900.............1000
Boost.............................0 - 26.......................27 - 29.................30
Oil Temp.....................200 - 220....................220 - 235.............235
Oil Press.............................12.............. ................na..................7
HPOP Discharge Press - Note - 500 psig minimum required to attempt to fire the injectors.
Coolant system Press.......10 - 12..............................na................ 16

 

Excellent post. Those questions get asked over and over here. THIS SHOULD BE A STICKY!

Thanks Bismic,
Bill

 

sorry just had to throw that in...
Did you look at the number of posts? he's kind of a legend over in the OBS section.

 

Yeah I noticed that later - I guess at first I just looked at the title to the thread (and his first couple of sentences).

Clearly I should have said - welcome to the 6.0L portion of FTE!!!!! It is really good to see active and knowledgeable members keep this site interesting, fun, and educational!!

 

Ah, so true.

 

I would like to add some info on Rubberduck for the people of this forum.
First: secondarychaos is more than right about being a legend on the OBS forum, he is the guy that knows the 7.3 inside and out.
second: He has helped countless numbers of people with there rigs, and he does it with a great sense of hummer, and not one bit bostful.
third: him and several others on that forum could teach most of the ford tech (if not all of them) something about the OBS rigs.
forth: It would be an honer to be part of the Death Row Diesel Crew.
To rubberduck, I hope you don't mind me letting the great folks over here know a little bit about you.

 

Well I also am from 94 97 forum, and Im here because of our friend and master Rubber Duck, but I also recongice what bpounds wrote about Bismic, and send reps points to Bismic for that excellent post .

 

hey now lets keep this forum rated PG

sorry i just think it's funny how a type-o can completely misconstrue what is meant to be said!

 

Rubberduck - - Don't be afraid of the 6L. Just keep up the maintenance schedule and it will treat you well. As you have seen in the other areas you have posted in. Most of the comments are concerns or complaints or people needing help. But what % are they out of all the vehicles out there. Very small would be my guess.

 

Sorry for the spelling, product of small town Utah. I will try to do better.
You guys are great.
P.S. I know my rig is the troublesome 03, but I have been very happy with it. Thanks to every one on this forum.