Ford 6.0l

FFHarrison · 02-05-2013, 08:08 AM

I'm looking to get a Ford SD diesel(used with 160-190K miles)and all i hear is stay away from the 6.0. Anyone on here have one and what is the reliability of them. It will be my daily driver. I hear if you take care of the EGR and Studs your golden. Or can i just make sure that I keep the EGR valve clean. Please help, I have a small budget and last thing i need is for it to be a money pit.

Thanks in advance for any help or input.

SteveC7010 · 02-05-2013, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFHarrison

I'm looking to get a Ford SD diesel(used with 160-190K miles)and all i hear is stay away from the 6.0. Anyone on here have one and what is the reliability of them. It will be my daily driver. I hear if you take care of the EGR and Studs your golden. Or can i just make sure that I keep the EGR valve clean. Please help, I have a small budget and last thing i need is for it to be a money pit.

Thanks in advance for any help or input.

You may find a lot more info over at ford-trucks.com which is one of the largest enthusiast's forum. They've got a big sub-section just for the 6.0. A few searches over there should yield a ton of good answers for you.

Htfiremedic · 02-05-2013, 08:53 AM

I have an '03 6.0. I have had to replace the oil and EGR coolers. It cost a few grand, now it's bullet proof, so to speak. Also look at the FICM and consider the $800 replacement cost. I love my 6.0, however, the head bolts and oil&egr coolers are a definite weak link.
If I have to replace my engine, Cummins it is!

fla-gypsy · 02-05-2013, 09:47 AM

If you have a small budget I would not consider any diesel powered truck.

FFHarrison · 02-05-2013, 10:28 AM

I'm looking at two now, a 2002 f350(7.3) DRW with 163k, asking 13k and a 2005 f350 SRW with 194k(6.0) asking 12k both are stock. The 2005 is in a lot better shape. I still have to take both to a diesel mechanic to check for codes. I like to take care of my vehicles so PM will be taken care of. I just see a lot of Fords at all the campgrounds we go to, so I'm assuming everyone loves the truck or they have deep pockets or both. I've watched and read about everything I can for the last month and I'm still on the fence. I know that the unhappy owners speak up so you find more bad than good reviews.

2011 keystone · 02-05-2013, 11:15 AM

The 7.3 is a great motor.

T11ravis · 02-05-2013, 11:58 AM

I have a stock '05 6.0. Love it.
Have pulled big trailers (7500 lbs. +) all over the SE the past 4 yrs. Had to do the EGR valve right when I bought it but that's it, perfect since.
I add a cetane booster in every tank too.

DJ85 · 02-05-2013, 12:28 PM

My sugesstion is go to a web site like powerstroke.org. I just upgraded a 08 6.4l Ford Superduty. If you can't find your answers there I not sure what your looking for. If the right mods are done to the 6.0 it is nice motor to have. In stock condition the emmisions killed this motor. They are very expensive from a upkeep status as far as maintance stand point fuel,oil and other things seems like nothing is cheap to do.. So I agree that if you on a limited budget them the diesel is proably not the way to go.

T11ravis · 02-05-2013, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ85

They are very expensive from a upkeep status as far as maintance stand point fuel,oil and other things seems like nothing is cheap to do..

Agreed.
$75 DIY oil changes, $60 fuel filters every 10K miles, etc. Nothing cheap about a diesel.

hoffbrew · 02-05-2013, 02:19 PM

Find some of my posts here and powerstroke.org on my 6.0, I would look at the 7.3 for sure. I know not everyone has problems with the 6.0 but there are more than less.
Also go to powerstrokehelp.com for LOTS of info. The videos are a must watch. Enjoy!

2011 keystone · 02-05-2013, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T11ravis

Agreed.
$75 DIY oil changes, $60 fuel filters every 10K miles, etc. Nothing cheap about a diesel.

I dont mean to sound rude or start anything but where on earth are you paying $60 for a fuel filter and for what truck?
The fuel filters for my 5.9 cummins are like $15

To the OP yes parts are not cheap for a diesel truck but with regular maintance they will last a LONG time.

FFHarrison · 02-05-2013, 06:49 PM

I have done the math on the routine maintenance and I can handle that, it's the reliability, example: Constant injectors needing replaced every year. I have an 03 avalanche w/ 155k and looking for something that will be my new TV. We are wanting to make long trips and I think a diesel is the way to go for that reason.

Thanks for all your input.

The 7.3 is looking more appealing also easier to work on if I want to do some of the repairs on my own.

2011 keystone · 02-05-2013, 06:54 PM

We have a 2002 avalanch with a 120k on it nice truck but when we moved from a popup to our TT I wanter something bigger and with alot more pulling power. That is why I bought my diesel truck. I have only had it just short of two years now but I have not had any trouble with it. And a big plus is that it makes towing almost fun.

DJ85 · 02-05-2013, 07:19 PM

Its been awhile since I have done any kind of maintance on the 6.0l but 6 yrs ago it would cost about $65.00 dollars at the dealership I worked at. I do my ownon my 08 6.4l $20.00 dollars for a oil filter. $ 55.00 dollars for oil (15 quarts req). $ 70.00 dollars for fuel filters every 10,000 miles. At 11 miles to the gallon pulling a camper it costs me depending on where you fuel up at anywhere around $80.00 to $100.00 dollars and that around every 250 miles on a 30 gallon tank. I am not complaining so please don't take it like that. Just trying to show you how trying to stay on a tight budget is hard to do unless thats the way you plan your budget. And thats not mentioning the fact if any major work needs to be done to the motor your looking at a cab removel which starts out at around $2000.00. granted the6.0l can be worked on without a cab removel. Like I said earlier the emisions killed the 6.0l motor that and lack of maintance. I will tell you at 160000 he engine is just being broke in assuming it was maintain like it should have been.

rhagfo · 02-05-2013, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Htfiremedic

I have an '03 6.0. I have had to replace the oil and EGR coolers. It cost a few grand, now it's bullet proof, so to speak. Also look at the FICM and consider the $800 replacement cost. I love my 6.0, however, the head bolts and oil&egr coolers are a definite weak link.
If I have to replace my engine, Cummins it is!

The last line of this statement should point you in the right direction.

Not all 6.0 were bad or failed, but without a warranty, you should just add $5,000 to the asking price.

I was a Ford man for 45 years, the truck is just a hulk without an engine!

My 01 Ram has 256,000 miles and the engine is still strong, and the body is still in great shape also.

Wow! Cummins are working mans trucks, yes they still cost money to maintain, but no special antifreeze, oil about $15 a gal. three gal changes, every 10,000 miles, oil filter about $6 for a Purolator, to $12 for a MOPAR or Fleetguard. $20 fuel filter every 15k.

Fuel mileage 12 to 20 mpg 12- 13 Towing 11K 5er, 14 to 15 City driving (DD), and 20 mpg empty on the Highway.

I pull 6% and 7% grades at 55 to 60 mph, I have those 6 and 7% grades between me and the coast so we drive them a lot, would not want to do with a gasser.

LittleJoe · 02-07-2013, 07:43 AM

I will be nice. I will be nice. I will be nice .........

FFHarrison · 02-07-2013, 08:03 AM

Little Joe
How many miles are on your dodge. One just popped up on craigslist, its a 04 2500 4x4 w/ 248K miles(original owner). It is super clean, never towed. I know the motors are great but is the rest of the truck going to hang in there.

I know that I'm all over the place as far a a diesel just want to get into a good one for around 12k.

Thanks

SAABDOCTOR · 02-07-2013, 09:29 AM

Hi just my two cents. i have worked on all 3 brands of diesel trucks. As far as the Ford 6.0 goes i would rather be strapped to an out of control reactor then work on any more 6.0's thank you epa. I know i'll get flack for this. but every day I am on the international auto tech network. and everydaythere is a post for a 6.0 that has a major issue. yes there are issues with everthing made but the 6.0 is #1 duramax and cummins and the other Ford's are infrequent posttings. ok i'll get down from

and let the flogging begine

and people say saabs have problems!!!!

Cougarfamily · 02-07-2013, 10:43 AM

Leave the engine stock. Chipping it will overstress the head bolts and blow the gaskets. Make sure the anti-freeze is fresh, and change the oil around 5,000mi.

If possible, when test driving, ask to pull a heavy load with it. When I bought mine, everything was fine, until we tried to pull our old TT to Denver to trade four our new 5er. When we started pulling hills, the oil started overheating. After having to turn back, the dealer flushed the anti-freeze and still couldn't find the problem. He finally took it to a bullet-proof dealer/installer and he tested under load, and finally found the problem. The oil cooler had a rare plug that only showed up under load. The pressure must have only stirred-up the sediment when being worked hard. Luckily, the dealer paid for the majority of this bill, which also included cleaning out the turbo that was really suited up. And the turbo brings up another issue. This advice comes straight from the Powerstroke Owners Forum- Do Not Baby the Powestroke, they like to be rid'n HARD. The previous owner had babied it, and thus the suited-up turbo.

I would also recommend adding Diesel Kleen to your fuel every other tank to help keep the injectors clean, since this is also a sticking(literally) point with the 6.0L.

If you just do the maintenance like you should, these are great trucks, and will serve you well, IMHO. I was not disappointed at all when we finally picked-up the 5er a week later. It was real strong pulling mountain passes, and the transmission did a great job hold it back going down. It is my favorite truck that I have owned. I do try, however though, not to drive it everyday due to the obvious reasons of the price of diesel, and oil and filter changes. I also want to keep the miles off her to enable her to last more years.

davidjsimons · 02-07-2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFHarrison

Little Joe
How many miles are on your dodge. One just popped up on craigslist, its a 04 2500 4x4 w/ 248K miles(original owner). It is super clean, never towed. I know the motors are great but is the rest of the truck going to hang in there.

I know that I'm all over the place as far a a diesel just want to get into a good one for around 12k.

Thanks

658,000 miles. One transmission rebuild, one injection pump, one starter, two alternators,NO injectors and the original turbo.
Routine servicing is the best advice that I can give you. I change my oil every 5,000 miles, my fuel filter every 10,000, along with the air filter. The transmission is flushed every 25,000 miles. When the fuel filter is changed, I refill it with Sea Foam to clean the injectors and the tops of the pistons. The transmission failure in this truck was actually a broken input shaft. If you spend time under them, you can spend more time in them.

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