Looking to Buy a 6.7. Things to Look Out For?
 

Hey Guys. Been off the forum for a long time but I'm in the market for a 6.7, LB SRW 4x4. With my budget and looking at the market I'm thinking a truck I find will have ~ 75K miles on it. Anything in particular I should look out for with these motors/ gearboxes?

(This bit might need to be posted in the towing forum?):

For some reason I'm worried about buying a truck that has been used for excessive towing and might have been run hard without me knowing it. Is this a valid concern? Any signs that this might have happened? Any way to tell if the truck at one point had a 5th wheel hitch?

Thanks guys for any help.

Cheers,

Max

I wouldn't worry at all seeing a truck with a 5th wheel hitch. They are built to tow, and do a fine job of it. I really don't think it's any different than any other vehicle you'd buy used, check all the usual stuff. Buying as close to stock as possible is probably a safe bet.

I agree with you Travis but I would want to Know if tranny oil had been changed.

Definitely! I'd throw that in the "usual stuff" category I mentioned haha. I bought my 2011 used, from the original owner. He had a stack of receipts that backed up a very nice maintenance schedule. I was impressed actually.

Not a lot of issues with 6.7 trucks. Look for fluid leaks (turbo fittings and radiators leak from time to time), but if you're looking at trucks with 75k on them you might have some factory diesel warrenty left (5 years from in service). Powertrain is 60kmiles, but the 6r140 trans that's bolted to it has been exceptionally reliable, even on trucks that don't leave home without 10k pounds dragging behind. I'd wager it's the best transmission available in any diesel truck today. Early trans needed updated soleniods, but thats about it for issues there.
A truck that a had a fifth wheel hitch is pretty easy to see. If universal rails were used you'll see drilled holes in the bed floor. Factory fifth wheel prep is also available, in which case you'll see five pegs in the bed (center hole for gooseneck). If lots of miles were spent towing 5er or GN, the powdercoat will be worn off the tops.
After purchase I'd put a cold side intercooler tube on it. Then drive the wheels off it.
And remember, we want pics....:-drink

The trucks aren't toys, they are made for towing whether it is a goose neck, 5'r or tag along...you are being a bit OCD on the towing in my senile thoughts. Finding one with 75k or less, I wouldn't even be concerned if the previous owner(s) towed. The trans fluid is 150k miles when Ford says to change it.

Towing is about all I do with mine or heavy payloads. That is what you want versus a commuter with the emissions systems on these trucks.

I'd check to make sure the emissions is intact,

Hey Max. Don't know what you had in the past, but it doesn't sound like it was much for towing. Are you prepared to have a permanent smile on your face? If not, don't bother with upgrade. These truck are for big boys wanting to grin, I mean smile a lot. Just my two cents....:D

Diesels liked to be worked hard as long as they are maintained well. I'd much rather and would buy a truck that had been used to tow or worked hard hard versus a garage/weekend queen. Been there, done that. Diesels DO NOT like to sit. And the idea that people beta on their tucks just to do so is kind of antiquated.

I think you meant that a broken valve issue trashed the glow plug as well as the engine.

Here is Ford's TSB that everyone reads backwards. Pay particular attention the the words "broken exhaust valve."

6.7L DIESEL - RUNS ROUGH - NO CRANK - GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT DIAGNOSTIC
TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 3/29/2011
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 14-0127, Date of Issue: July 3, 2014
Superceded Bulletin(s): 12-11-11, Date of Issue: November 16, 2012
Related Ref Number(s): 12-11-11, 14-0127
ARTICLE BEGINNING
ISSUE
Some 2011 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and built on or before
3/29/2011 may exhibit a runs rough or no crank concern due to a broken exhaust valve. DTCs P0671,
P0672, P0673, P0674, P0675, P0676, P0677 and/or P0678 may be stored in the powertrain control
module (PCM) from a damaged glow plug. The glow plug circuit DTCs may also be accompanied by
cylinder misfire DTCs, cylinder contribution DTCs or other engine performance DTCs.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Does the vehicle exhibit a runs rough, no crank concern with any of the following DTCs
P0671, P0672, P0673, P0674, P0675, P0676, P0677 and/or P0678?
a. No - this article does not apply. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis
(PC/ED) manual for normal diagnosis.
b. Yes - proceed to Step 2.
2. Remove and inspect the glow plug associated with glow plug circuit DTC present. Refer to
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-07C. Is the glow plug damaged?
a. No - this article does not apply. Refer to the PC/ED manual for normal diagnosis.
b. Yes - replace the engine long block. Refer to WSM, Section 303-01C.
1. For prior approval warranty repairs, complete the cost cap tool by selecting short
block, both cylinder heads, oil cooler and 16 lifters.