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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

6.0 Problems

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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 07:26 AM
  #1  
thinksnow's Avatar
thinksnow
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6.0 Problems

Yes I know this info is all over this forum but Im trying to gather all the facts so I can decide if I want to take a chance on a 6.0
~I know about the head gasket and torque to yield bolt problem as well as the ARP kit that solves the problem. Does it actually cure the problem or just reduce its occurence?

~I read about injector problems. Is that a dirty fuel issue? Bad design? Dirty oil? I've read the 6.0 was super sensative to dirty oil.

~A problem with the "EGR cooler" up on top of the engine, Im not sure thats what is called. Apparently it clogc and splits.

Anything else I should be aware of? Im almost tempted to go back to a gasser or just pick up a 08 Dodge with a cummins. Yes I said it, please forgive me.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 05:45 PM
  #2  
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dcaddi2
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From: Sarasota, fl
Originally Posted by thinksnow
Yes I know this info is all over this forum but Im trying to gather all the facts so I can decide if I want to take a chance on a 6.0
~I know about the head gasket and torque to yield bolt problem as well as the ARP kit that solves the problem. Does it actually cure the problem or just reduce its occurence?
The ARP studs actually cure the problem, they don't let the heads lift anymore.

Originally Posted by thinksnow
~I read about injector problems. Is that a dirty fuel issue? Bad design? Dirty oil? I've read the 6.0 was super sensative to dirty oil.
It isn't exactly dirty oil, what kills the injectors. It's fuel starvation. Dirty fuel filters, or maintenance problem are the biggest enemy of them. Yes, the oil also an other issue, you have to do the regular oil and filter changes. It's not dirty oil, it's more like your HPOP builds up a huge oil pressure, and the oil can not handle that forever. Use synthetic and do the changes regularly.

Originally Posted by thinksnow
~A problem with the "EGR cooler" up on top of the engine, Im not sure thats what is called. Apparently it clogc and splits.
The EGR cooler is a little devil, get rid of it, do the EGR delete and you all set, you can even forget about it.

Originally Posted by thinksnow
Anything else I should be aware of? Im almost tempted to go back to a gasser or just pick up a 08 Dodge with a cummins. Yes I said it, please forgive me.
Yes, you should be aware that this is a vehicle, and like every single brand has issues, this-one has too. But it's still the most powerful, and beautyful truck on the road. You get a real workhorse, what actually can leave sport-cars behind, and you feel like you sitting in a Cadillac, so.... if you want to get a gasser, go for it, or get a Dodge...
Sorry, I just can't get it....
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 06:10 PM
  #3  
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2000Mark
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Thinksnow:

The 6.0 is a great engine.. it is very powerful and once some modifications have been done it is really reliable.

My $0.2:

Find a used 6.0 that already has the ARP head studs installed. If they have the factory bolts and it has less than 100K miles.. then be prepared to go to the dealer and get them fixed. Good news is that under 100K is under warranty for Ford.. just dont let them put factory bolts on.. foot the 400 bucks and get it done once and for all.

If you can find one that has the complete EGR delete too.. awesome.. its more than just pulling the plug, you have to install the tune as well or else you will notice certain performance problems.. read the posts around here and you will see.

The injectors are more of a problem on 03-04.. avoid those years if at all possible.

As far as a Dodge is concerned.. if you want Tranny problems be my guest.
At least the Head Gaskets are covered under warranty. All the research I have done shows that until these Trucks are modified they are always the last choice among the big 3 (Ford Chevy Dodge).

Good luck!
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 06:26 PM
  #4  
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preppypyro
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
Thinksnow, you might not hear it on this forum, but I have had several buddies that have had blown their torqueshift trannies on these trucks too. One guy had an edge tuner, which supposedly kills them quicker, and the other trucks have had no mods.

As for getting a dodge, I personally can only give you opinions on te 01-07's we have at work.

The engines are great, really low maintenance, and all kinds of true pulling power.

The downside is those trucks are falling apart. They ride really rough, and the two that have auto trannies in them are constantly getting repaired.

Have you thought about a 6.4 PSD at all? I know they have their fuel consumption problems but I have read some of them that can be fixed, and you get a more reliable motor.

Also, I am not knocking on a gasser, but once you have a diesel, its hard to go back to a gasser! The true raw power of even the smallest diesel, is just awesome!

Just some points to ponder.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2008 | 09:38 PM
  #5  
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From: Rural WV
The smart way to do this is to find a truck, get the VIN and get an OASIS report run on it. That'll show you all the dealer work done on it. If it's been in for powertrain issues keep looking. If you don't find issues, then go ahead to work the priceing deal.

Joe
 
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