2004 6.0 was driven hot, engine died. where to start?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 967
Likes: 29
2004 6.0 was driven hot, engine died. where to start?
just trying to get ahead of a farm truck breakdown repair. the truck was run hot and shut down. there was some steam/smoke coming from under the hood that might be from residual oil from minor leaking being burned off.
just wondering what the first places to check would be. the engine turns over very slowly (might be weak batteries). the engine is bulletproof/studded if that matters.
thanks for your help
just wondering what the first places to check would be. the engine turns over very slowly (might be weak batteries). the engine is bulletproof/studded if that matters.
thanks for your help
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,872
Likes: 3,592
Oil burning off isn't going to look like steam IMO, but locating the source is important I would think (so do a close inspection and let us know what you find .... might even have to remove some components to do so).
As far as batteries go, you just need to roll up your sleeves and charge them individually and then load test them individually.
As far as batteries go, you just need to roll up your sleeves and charge them individually and then load test them individually.
Last edited by bismic; May 12, 2026 at 03:36 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 517
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
That's not a lot to go off of. Have you popped the hood open and looked at anything at all? Is this something that just recently happened or are you buying a truck that's been sitting for yrs. How is steam coming off the motor if it won't start....sounds like smoke from electrical shorting?
you'll need forscan if you don't already have it. I've seen a 6.0 overheated to the point the wiring harness melted...so all sorts of things needed replaced.
you'll need forscan if you don't already have it. I've seen a 6.0 overheated to the point the wiring harness melted...so all sorts of things needed replaced.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 967
Likes: 29
That's not a lot to go off of. Have you popped the hood open and looked at anything at all? Is this something that just recently happened or are you buying a truck that's been sitting for yrs. How is steam coming off the motor if it won't start....sounds like smoke from electrical shorting?
you'll need forscan if you don't already have it. I've seen a 6.0 overheated to the point the wiring harness melted...so all sorts of things needed replaced.
you'll need forscan if you don't already have it. I've seen a 6.0 overheated to the point the wiring harness melted...so all sorts of things needed replaced.
the smoke/steam was coming from under the hood when the truck shut down. It turns over very slow but I think it’s due to weak batteries.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,872
Likes: 3,592
Again - start with resolving battery issues. See post #2. Weak batteries can cause starting and running issues. Might have a bad alternator also.
Getting FORScan (as recommended above) is a very good idea.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-process.html
Getting FORScan (as recommended above) is a very good idea.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-process.html
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 151
From: Warsaw KY
Turning over slowly. Bad batteries like already mentioned? Locked up pulley? Any frozen pulley in the drive belt routing can cause smoke and fire. Not sure what hot you mean. Oil, coolant, or friction heat.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 270
From: Kansas
Really no details to go with
Does it have oil?
Does it have coolant?
If either were extremely low your motor is probably done and that's why it's cranking slow and why it died
Does it have oil?
Does it have coolant?
If either were extremely low your motor is probably done and that's why it's cranking slow and why it died
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 91
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Back in the day when the 6.0l first came out and we suspected an overheat condition we where told to pull the oil filter cap and look at the stand pipe. IF it was gone or melted, they would send us a new engine..
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