Ford F350 6.0 Turbo Diesel Question

[RLD_999]

I just bought a 2003 ford F350 6.0 Turbo Diesel with 119,000 miles.

It is pristine, but now I read that they are absolute junk, and I am uncertain if I should keep it, and try to use it as a tow vehicle for my 34' Challenger Fifth Wheel.

I would appreciate any input from those who have owned one...

Thank...
Richard

[hankaye]

RLD_999, Howdy;

I have a 2004 (an early one), so it is much like yours. Good news is the
EGR cooler is the better of the ones produced for the 6.0.
Did you get it in private sale or through a dealer? The engine has some
design problems but I wouldn't consider it a throw-away.
I went to BulletProof Engineering and had them do a level III up grade.
Don't know where you are located but they have authorized installers
all over the country.
Luckily I'd paid off the truck and was able to get a loan to pay for it.
I bought the truck used in 2009 and what I paid for it was less than the
book value of it this past April.
There are several forums that you can check out;
http://www.powerstrokenation.com/forums/index.php?
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php
http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/
As I said earlier I went through these guys;
http://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=148

I have no connection with anyone listed except as a satisfied customer.

hank

[Cougarfamily]

They are far from being 'absolute junk'. Do some have problems, yes, but not all. Ours has 98,500 miles on her and only has had the oil cooler replaced 2 years ago, and 2 injectors put in last month. Pulls our 37' Cougar over the Rockies just fine. Just make sure you don't baby it 'cause they like to be run hard, don't idle excessively, and keep an eye on the ph levels of the anti-freeze.

[JRTJH]

I don't own a 6.0L diesel, never have, so this is my "learned opinion" not "experienced facts". If I were looking for a truck and found one in the price range, that had been properly cared for, was in good condition, I'd certainly consider it. There are historical problems with the 6.0L engine, but there are also workarounds that make it significantly more reliable.

It seems, from discussions on here that the engine is essentially reliable. The problems seem to come from improper (or inadequate) maintenance, "add-on" tunes and performance modifications more than regular use within the factory guidelines.

Just knowing that it's a 6.0L Ford diesel doesn't necessarily mean it's not a reliable, trustworthy engine for your towing needs.

[Toy Teacher]

As others have said the 6.0 can have it's problems but they can be repaired...
I have 80k on it now, At 53k I had a High Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP) Connector Fitting fail and truck would not start :eek: At that point I decided to go ahead just do ALL the normal upgrades and then some...

Would I buy another 6.0 absolutely :D I have a friend that has a 2006 6.0 with 265k+ on it and has never touched it so you just never know.

[chuckster57]

I don't think they are junk at all. Been wrenching "on the side" for 40 yrs, and an active member of a FORD diesel truck forum since 2008. This s what i have learned:
the 6.0L was built using fewer head bolts per cylinder than previous engines, and torque to yield head bolts were used. In the STOCK non "programmed" configuration, these engine can go a long time. Another issue is the coolant that Ford put in. Oil coolers plug and then cause egr cooler issues that lead to head gasket issues. How to avoid:
dump the Ford gold coolant, flush the system and once clean, use CAT ELC or equivalent. DON'T add any performance chips, tuners etc. Unless you can afford head gasket repair bill. I have friends with stock 6.0's that have had zero issues.

The 6.0 doesn't do good with weak batteries, and the FICM takes the brunt of that. Make sure you keep the batteries up.

The turbo uses variable vane technology, meaning the vanes change pitch to control boost. The part that moves them is called the "unison ring" and it will start sticking of you do a lot of start/stop cycles without heating things up. Best thing is to drive it "like you stole it" once a month the keep the unison ring free.

There are some other "tricks" to the 6.0 and I don't mean to scare you. EVERY engine has it's quirks and if you know about them and take measures to prevent them, the 6.0 can be one mean powerful reliable platform for towing.

[Hansel]

Well the 03 was the first year of the 6.0L and it was a disaster for Ford:eek: they had some major problems with the wiring harnesses, along with head gasket's. But on the other hand if properly deleted and upgraded they have great power, and with the turbo having the vanes that change you get some killer turbo whistle"bouncey:

If it was me I would as soon as I could EGT delete, and do the necessary upgrades too the oil cooler, and get ride of the Ford coolant and replace it with a ELC coolant, also a coolant filter as a add on.

There is a TON of information at places like Powerstroke.org, The Diesel Stop, and Powerstroke Nation just too name a few, knowledge is key as well as maintenance too keep your truck running reliable.

[jsm180]

My 03 has 175,000 miles, original head gaskets and tty bolts. I run an 80 hp daily drive tune and a 65hp tow tune when pulling the 5th wheel. I do all my own maintenance.

My advice to anyone thinking about a 6.0, if you intend to do the maintenance yourself it's a great buy. They are reliable when maintained and easy to work on. If you have to rely on a shop to do all your maintenance be sure they know the 6.0 and be prepared to spend.

[Rex1vt]

I bought mine new and have kept it serviced, and stock. I have pulled 12,000 pounds 5000 miles each of the last three years across about 40 states total with no problems,knock on wood. 155,000 miles and going.

[Desert185]

Some rigs can be used/abused differently than others, but regardless of what you drive, good maintenance and personal involvement is the key, whether it be a chainsaw, a motorcycle, an airplane or a TV. At least that has been my experience over the years ((tx) Dad).

[Wes Tausend]

...

I like the 6.0L because, along with the smaller displacement like the 5.9L Cummins, it has more factory power than the 7.3L. Because of the conservative-displacement fuel economy potential and grey reputation, I did a lot of research. With the EGR plug-up problem fixed, they are top notch performers. Some of the most practical advice I ran into is to add a coolant filter to one of the heater hose lines and clean it often.

Some folks feel that casting sand remains in some new engine block cores, and if so, it can plug the fine-screened EGR and start an expensive downhill process. Something does frequently plug the EGR in every catastrophic failure when they happen. So if you decide to chance no extravagant upgrade$, this is a great way to add insurance at low cost. The coolant filter is recommended for all vehicles actually, but stock on very few.

Scale debris is usually responsible for heater core underperformance and I know this because I have gotten close to 1/2 pound of rust scale just by flushing the core with a garden hose, on used rigs I bought. Enough sediment remained one time, I had to do it again 6 months later to get heat. Much of the scale can be avoided if folks would just remember to replace coolant once every three years. The additives do wear out, even if the aging glycol never freezes. Ford, and Ram, have an additive that should be added between coolant replacements.

I avoided buying a really nice 6.0L that went for $17k and paid nearly that for an earlier, stinky 7.3L, which has no EGR. The 7.3L also has less power, less than the V10 6.8L gasser from the same era as a matter of fact. With so many cubic inches, and subsequent low engine loading, the 7.3L fuel economy is nothing to brag about. It is slightly better than the V10 of the same year, and I know because I own and tow with both.

I say keep the truck, filter it, and enjoy better durability, fuel economy and power than most diesels.

I'll probably be driving my gasser to save money this year. While gas dropped below $3 in ND, fuel went from $3.79 to $3.99, and now $4.09. Geez. Like my buddy said, "We're getting fracked in ND"!

Wish you best of luck, Richard.

Wes
...

[SAABDOCTOR]

HI THERE I have 3 customers with 60 fords 2 trucks are really nice. i service them regularly and have the coolant filters in stalled. they have never had any egr injector issues they do take good care of them. the third one is doing it's best to survive, but it's owner is doing his best to kill it!. oil leaks no service except when towed in. it is the poster child for no maintanance. now that one is a junker! the owner says he hates the truck and says it costs too much everytime he brings it in. I tell him if he looks in the mirror he will see what the problems are with the truck. so like others have said take it to a good shop that knows that engine take care of it and drive on! good luck an enjoy:cool:

[LittleJoe]

easy to work on. If you have to rely on a shop to do all your maintenance be sure they know the 6.0 and be prepared to spend.[/QUOTE]

:eek: Almost spit my coffee out on that easy to work on bit:D

Since you already have it , the coolant filter is good advice. If it were mine it would get an upgradeds EGR cooler at the least.

The single best thing you can do is DO NOT work it hard with big "trailer" load unless engine is up to operating temp to help head gaskets live.

[fred1609]

I had a 2006 6 litre F350 for 3 years, pulling my 2011 Cougar 327RES. We bought the rig and truck in the fall of 2010. Because the truck had low mileage we were also able to purchase an extended warranty from Ford. Thank goodness we did....We had the high pressure oil pump go on the truck even before we drove it on any long trips. On our first summer trip with the rig, we had an intercooler line crack, which was repaired. 3 days later the turbo went down. The next year we had the front bearings replaced, which is understandable. That summer we went through another turbo. This year the extended warranty would have expired so we sold the truck. My thoughts were that I didn't want to pay a bunch of money to have the EGR delete done and still have problems with the truck. We bought a 2011 F350 and what a difference that 6.7 litre engine makes. It pulls like nobodys business. The thing about the 6 litres is that you should likely think about an after market oil cooler, as the OE units tend to clog up, Make sure you that get a quality EGR delete. Theres a few other things that need to done as well. Check out you tube regarding the deletes and the 6 litre in general. I think if you look at the videos with a critical eye you will likely stay away from the fix litres.

[Brantlaker]

I was very disappointed with the 6.0 when it first came out. I saw first hand how bad they were as a Ford service manager. It took 2 of my techs off the line to do warranty work on them. First we changed Injectors, then EGR's, turbo's and a lot of unhappy customers. Ford bought back 6 or 7 trucks. I had good techs and when they got done rebuilding them they worked like a dream. I had a old service buddy (USMC) that was an engineer with International and told my techs what had to be done and how to do it. The latter 6.0 engines were much better from 2005 on. I now have a2015 6.7 and 6 weeks and 5,000 miles on it and love it.

[RLD_999]

I recently purchased a 2003 FORD F350 Diesel with a 6.0 , thinking it to be a 7.3

It has 119,000 miles on it ... is in pristine condition, inside & out , but I am scared of it , due to it's reputation. HERE IS MY QUESTION ...

I am told that BULLET PROOFING it , with new EGR assembly , head bolts and other upgrades will LIKELY stop it from being my personal disaster ..... I would like to hear from anyone who ACTUALLY HAS owned one, and especially from those who HAVE paid the $4000 for the BULLET PROOFING process... and if it was really what it claims to be.

Thank You .... Richard

[chuckster57]

Go to one the following websites, and you'll be inundated with information on the 6.0 and what's involved in "bullet proofing".

http://www.thedieselstop.com/

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

Is it worth the expense? A vast majority of posters in the above forums believe it is.

[JRTJH]

RLD,

You asked essentially the same question in another thread you started on November 18th: http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20289

Have you read the responses contained there? I will move this thread to combine with that one since they are both asking the for the same information. That way, the members who do respond will have all the other information provided in the same place.

Good Luck with your truck. If it is in "pristine condition" and you're satisfied with it, I wouldn't think getting rid of it is the best option, that is unless you've recently found a "pirate's treasure" or hit the lottery LOL

[hankaye]

RLD_999, Howdy;

I recently purchased a 2003 FORD F350 Diesel with a 6.0 , thinking it to be a 7.3

It has 119,000 miles on it ... is in pristine condition, inside & out , but I am scared of it , due to it's reputation. HERE IS MY QUESTION ...

I am told that BULLET PROOFING it , with new EGR assembly , head bolts and other upgrades will LIKELY stop it from being my personal disaster ..... I would like to hear from anyone who ACTUALLY HAS owned one, and especially from those who HAVE paid the $4000 for the BULLET PROOFING process... and if it was really what it claims to be.

Thank You .... Richard

Yes I took my 2004 (early has the round EGR cooler), to BulletProof Eng.
in Mesa, Az. this past July, and had the Level III done to it. In Monday
morning back in my possession Thursday afternoon. They were done
with it Wed. took it for a 100+ mile test ride, and tweaked it Thurs. am.
Thurs. pm I took it for a test drive of about 100 miles, brought it back to
them to check for leaks,drips & anything else that may have been missed
by the earlier.
$4,000.00 gets you a level II, mine cost slightly more than twice that which
is still better than a full replacement (about $15,000.00), when you can least
expect or afford it. I was able to plan ahead for this and work out my finances
to get it done in my timetable and not "trust to the Gods".
So far I've had a few questions for the guys in Mesa, they haven't flinched and
have ( in my opinion), been up front and honest with me in all communications,
email, on the phone or in person.
They have given me peace of mind ... very important don't ya think.
Any other questions give them a call ask for Andrew Presley and tell
them hank & rascal referred you. I don't get anything from it. I just like
what they did to my truck and did I mention, for my peace of mind.
Any other questions and you can PM me.

hank

[RLD_999]

Thanks for the input.
I may need to check on just what my $4000 proposal means in the scheme of things.

Richard

[Bushman512000]

A Power Joker [Junker] Had one I do think of it now and then I try to forget the turbo hose blowing off 7 times the wife almost had a heart attack the first time and I thought the motor blew up. Send it down the road soon as You can I was Dodge 2500 before and again no big deals with the Cummins .And that said no whishing You bad luck but keep and You will weep..And also if You have a fat bill fold You will not for long...Bushman:D

[RLD_999]

I have asked for comments on this engine, since I recently bought one , a 2003 dually, not knowing it to be a 6.0.

NOW ..... I wish to MODIFY my question as follows .....

Have any of you actually OWNED one that DID NOT .... have serious problems with it ?

Thanks ... Richard

[rwjejits]

RLD_999, Howdy;



Yes I took my 2004 (early has the round EGR cooler), to BulletProof Eng.
in Mesa, Az. this past July, and had the Level III done to it. In Monday
morning back in my possession Thursday afternoon. They were done
with it Wed. took it for a 100+ mile test ride, and tweaked it Thurs. am.
Thurs. pm I took it for a test drive of about 100 miles, brought it back to
them to check for leaks,drips & anything else that may have been missed
by the earlier.
$4,000.00 gets you a level II, mine cost slightly more than twice that which
is still better than a full replacement (about $15,000.00), when you can least
expect or afford it. I was able to plan ahead for this and work out my finances
to get it done in my timetable and not "trust to the Gods".
So far I've had a few questions for the guys in Mesa, they haven't flinched and
have ( in my opinion), been up front and honest with me in all communications,
email, on the phone or in person.
They have given me peace of mind ... very important don't ya think.
Any other questions give them a call ask for Andrew Presley and tell
them hank & rascal referred you. I don't get anything from it. I just like
what they did to my truck and did I mention, for my peace of mind.
Any other questions and you can PM me.

hank

Holy Cow! You put $8k into a 10yr old motor???

What all did you have done? What kind of warranty does this come with?

[hankaye]

rwjejits, Howdy;

I'm 65 years old, have COPD, I don't expect to last more than 5 - 10 more
years. I wanted to ensure I have a vehicle that will out last me.
What I had done was basicly a short block, in frame overhaul. They also
installed an oil filter that does NOT work as a fluid to fluid inter-cooler with
the engine coolant. The two are completely divorced from each other. The
EGR cooler was replaced with one of their manufacture (larger tubes better
flow), the list is long...
Here is their Warrenty page;
http://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=153
Then click on the Home Page and work your way through the site.
Call them with any questions you might have that don't appear to be
answered. They will take all the time that is necessary to answer your
questions.

hankaye

[Javi]

Holy Cow! You put $8k into a 10yr old motor???

What all did you have done? What kind of warranty does this come with?

That ain't a bad deal for all the work done and in the end he got a motor that'll go another 300K... I've got several friends that are into bulletproofing both the 6.0 and the 6.4 then rebuilding the chassis and drive train to last nearly forever... other than the resale value which isn't going to increase much, it can be a great ROI for those willing to spend the time, money and keep the truck for 10 years.

I've thought about doing it several times but never have since my truck is my daily driver and family hauler... I never have the time to just let one sit while being worked on.. when they break I just go buy another..

[jtyphoid]

I have asked for comments on this engine, since I recently bought one , a 2003 dually, not knowing it to be a 6.0.

NOW ..... I wish to MODIFY my question as follows .....

Have any of you actually OWNED one that DID NOT .... have serious problems with it ?

Thanks ... Richard

I went 125K miles stock with no issues until a chafed wire took out a fuel injector. I chose to put in a bulletproof EGR cooler, new oil cooler, and ARP studs at that time as preventive maintenance.

Edited to add that I only did the bulletproofing because I was doing the work myself, so it only cost me time and parts. My EOT and ECT were within spec before the fuel injector problem, so I probably would have skipped the bulletproofing if I would have been paying someone else to do the work.

[jsm180]

I have asked for comments on this engine, since I recently bought one , a 2003 dually, not knowing it to be a 6.0.

NOW ..... I wish to MODIFY my question as follows .....

Have any of you actually OWNED one that DID NOT .... have serious problems with it ?

Thanks ... Richard

Yes

Read trough this thread if you want more conformation. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1344482-how-many-people-still-have-stock-tty-head-bolts.html

Get yourself a monitor to watch coolant and oil temps. Keep good coolant and clean oil in it and stop worrying about it. Your truck has run for 100,000 miles and 11 years without "bulletproofing" and will continue to if you keep it maintained.

[RLD_999]

JSM ... Thanks for the info. I read all the comments on the link. Definately the most ' positive ' comments I have seen. It is very helpful to read where some people have had POSITIVE performance from their 6.0 engines.

Thank You ... Richard

[LittleJoe]

What hankeye had done is what takes care as best as possible of the most known issues. If I owned one, I would never feel completely trust it unless AT least this was done.

The cost is hard to swallow but is the price of piece of mind.

A cummins with a mild performance increase and driven sensibly and NOT using a K&N will easily reach 500K miles if properly maintained barring any adnormal issues.

I have one 03 Ram DRW running in the fleet with well over 12000hrs on it. It had one set of injectors at 6500hrs. It does not yet use any oil.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

I'll just add this, I'd been using a ScanGauge II for about a year, the
truck had ~111,000 miles on it and the EOT & ECT were starting to drift
further apart, almost 20*, first definite sign that the OEM oil cooler was
starting to clog up. So, instead of putting band-aids on to fix things as
they reared their ugly heads I just dove in and tackled the whole thing
once and for all. After all, the price of labor isn't getting any cheaper nor
is the cost of the parts.
The engine was a dream to own, never used any oil and it didn't make oil
either (sign of an injector leaking), and my coolant level remained where
it was. It's still a dream to own, Oil level is constant EOT & ECT
stay well within limits and I don't have to worry about the two keeping
within a few degrees (less that 5), for things to be where they should be.
Broke is a temporary condition I needed to cut back of a few things anyway ;).

[Mr keystone]

Have a 2004 f250 pulling 272rls sprinter. 155000km bone stock. No problems.
Follow maintenance schedule by milage or time. No problems. I trust the millions spent on engineering so won't even add a wind ( bug) deflector as even they change the air flow. Every 6 l diesel I've seen with problems had some form of mod done. If you buy from a reputable dealer you may get some kind of warranty or at the very least gone through there shop. Talk to their mechanic.
Buying off the curb is a crap shoot with anything. My 2 cents.