Stranded
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New User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: pahrump, nv when at home
Stranded
Our F550,6.0L quit precariously on the road. It's been at the dealer in "diagnosis" near a week. So far the HPOP is suspect. I've had much time to read this site and others and am impressed with the wealth of knowledge out there.It seems that the 6.0L has three major design/workmanship faults: HPOP,H.G. and injectors. My question: should one consisder that the practical (affordable) engine lifetime is defined by the warranty duration on the vehicle?
We're on the road full time and headed for a job. The kind of downtimes I read about are unacceptable.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
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From: Corvallis, OR
They don't all have these problems and proper care goes a long way to preventing them. I have an early '03 which I bought totaled with a Salvage title, so no warranty. I have had zero problems with the engine, other than the turbo sticking due to its sitting a year after being wrecked. Granted, the early trucks didn't suffer the HPOP fitting problems, but driving it smart (letting it warm up before working hard, etc) and using a good diesel additive to lubricate the injectors goes a long way in keeping these running well.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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I agree with cartmanea, I also have an early '03, perhaps one of the first few as I took delivery in December of '02. I now have 102K on her and have had no problems with the 6.0L. Take care of it; oil and filter changes, and it should take care of you.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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I also work on the road. This June I was traveling from Montana to Mass. I made it to Wisconsin. Same thing happened. Truck just died. It was at the Ford place for over a week. They supected the HPOP. They ordered a new one and tore my motor apart. When they got the new one they put it in and the motor had the same problem. 9 days of staying in my 5th wheel (not working), they decided to check the injectors. They first one they checked had the top blown off. My truck was fixed 2 hours later and they still charged me $2100. Don't let them jerk you around.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. The life of your truck will depend a lot on how you treat it. If you add any type of power programmer without understanding your limits and what to do to address known weak spots, you're asking for trouble. If you just let it sit around and seldom drive it you'll likely have turbo issues.
Downtimes have to do with the dealer and how far behind they are. Plus you won't read someone complaining about how the dealer had them back on the road in under 2 hours. You'll only hear the horror stories.
I've got several 6.0's at work in the 60 - 100k range (05 - 07) The problems I've had have been one that was crippled by a squirrel (wiring harness) and one that was totaled by a puddle of water (hydroplaned into a guard rail, flipped 3 times, driver and passenger walked away).
If it were me, I'd stop by the 6.0 section we have here 2003 - 2007 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums and read up on things. If you are facing a long wait and the issue turns out to be a simple item, it may be cheaper to just fix it yourself. Good luck.
Downtimes have to do with the dealer and how far behind they are. Plus you won't read someone complaining about how the dealer had them back on the road in under 2 hours. You'll only hear the horror stories.
I've got several 6.0's at work in the 60 - 100k range (05 - 07) The problems I've had have been one that was crippled by a squirrel (wiring harness) and one that was totaled by a puddle of water (hydroplaned into a guard rail, flipped 3 times, driver and passenger walked away).
If it were me, I'd stop by the 6.0 section we have here 2003 - 2007 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums and read up on things. If you are facing a long wait and the issue turns out to be a simple item, it may be cheaper to just fix it yourself. Good luck.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: pahrump, nv when at home
Thanks for the info. Next monday will be the two week mark in down time. I guess we'll be one more of the few horror stories.
This truck was not modified in any way and all Ford parts were used in maintenence.
It's had all the recommended service and oil changed consistantly at the 2-3K mile range especially when towing.
It wouldn't hurt so much if the dealer gave us just a little hint that they gave a damn.
This truck was not modified in any way and all Ford parts were used in maintenence.
It's had all the recommended service and oil changed consistantly at the 2-3K mile range especially when towing.
It wouldn't hurt so much if the dealer gave us just a little hint that they gave a damn.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Rural WV
I agree with the other guys...I have an 03 with the 6.0...it is number 812 off the assembly line so like the others...mines one of the early ones. Mine's been great. I bought it with 34K miles on it back in Feb of 07...it has 87K on it now and it runs like a top. No problems although like yours, mine is bone stock except for the C-Betr mirrors.
I'm an absolute believer in additive with each fill up. I use DK religiously to try and keep the injectors lubed.
I'm not a mech but those injectors would be my bet.
Good Luck Pal!
Joe
I'm an absolute believer in additive with each fill up. I use DK religiously to try and keep the injectors lubed.
I'm not a mech but those injectors would be my bet.
Good Luck Pal!
Joe
