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Just back from a weeks RV towing. Truck acted up quite a bit. There were times from a dead stop it wouldn't take its fuel and would smoke and miss and go on. Seemed to idle fine. Also when lugging it would smoke alot.
I guess I will take it in this week to the Dealer. Any suggestions on what to expect?
What is your fuel filter change history? How many miles on your truck? When did you purchase the truck (month/year)? What oil do you use and when was your last oil change?
I change the fuel Filters every 24000 kms which isn't up quite yet.
I have 220000 kms on the truck that I bought new in Oct/06.
I use 10w30 ford oil that I change every 10000 kms.
A lot of things it could be. Most of them are covered under warranty. Since you bought the truck after July 14, 2006, you will have the 5 yr / 60k PowerTrain Care warranty (complimentary).
If it is the EGR system, you should get the repair done with no deductible (emissions system warranty). If it is injectors, they are covered except for the deductible.
Personally, I would go ahead and change fuel filters (towing is considered severe service and the filter change interval is less) and if it still acts up, I would try to read the codes at a local auto parts store prior to taking it in. Then I would take it in to a dealership.
At a minimum, I would want to come away w/ the most recent flash update on the programmers.
Have you ever pulled your EGR valve to see what it looked like?
I wish there was still warrantee. After 230,000 kms that is long gone. I had the EGR replaced at a cost about 2 months ago and had to take it back the next day because the new one was faulty.
I'm thinking perhaps the turbo is dirty and sticking a bit?
That is a lot of driving for a 2006! It could be a number of things with that many miles. Have you changed the air filter recently (or checked the filter minder)? Sorry for the questioning, but you always look at the simple things first.
What was your boost gauge showing you when taking off or when towing (ie when the smoking occurred)?
Personally it sounds like fuel pressure (filters or pump). Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?
I have new fuel filters but was holding off on changing them until the mileage was up. I only tow on vacation and the odd weekend. The rest of the time I run the roads doing service work to the tune of 80,000 kms a year.
Boost pressure runs around 20 psi pulling away hard and on the hills but seems to lag a bit more than normal.
Will a regular OB2 code reader read these diesel codes?
Had truck into the dealer today. Turned out to be the EGR valve again. This is my third one in 220,000 kms. They are recommending some ford fuel additive now to help prevent this. I used Howes Fuel Conditioner in my truck from new every tank but perhaps that isn't doing the trick. I kept the old valve and will clean it up for a spare.
I am soon going to run from financing Dealers with 6 litre problems and go back to gas until something more simple comes along for a diesel engine. It just isn't practicle to run one of these on the road daily as I do as a personal work truck in an 80,000 KMS/Year situation. Too much maintenance...
With all the recommendations about coolant, fuel filters and now fuel additives perhaps they should recommend not to use the truck because it will require more maintenance.
Someone made a comment on here once that most of the 6 litre complainers simply can't afford to own one. Well maybe I am one of them but I can live with that.
When it starts acting up like that just try unplugging the wiring connector on your egr valve and it should run better, I've had my egr unplugged for a year or two and the truck seems to have quicker throttle response!!!
When it starts acting up like that just try unplugging the wiring connector on your egr valve and it should run better, I've had my egr unplugged for a year or two and the truck seems to have quicker throttle response!!!
This will not help when the EGR valve is stuck in the open position.
This will not help when the EGR valve is stuck in the open position.
That's true, but if it is acting up while driving or on a trip there is a good chance it will calm things down.
I have read alot of comments on this for the last several years and it has helped quite a few people.