Hey guys so I just bought a 2004 F250 with the 6.0L diesel. Was just wondering what everyone is doing for regular maintenance and what you all are running for oils and stuff like that. As well I am looking at getting my hands on a tuner of some sort so when I am hauling stuff I can get a little better mileage.


Cheers
Chris

 

Uh oh another 6 leaker owner! How many miles? Pics?

Keep those fuel filters changed regularly, around 10k miles. Use only motorcraft/racor for the oil and fuel filters! Use a good synthetic oil, I'm running Valvoline premium blue extreme 5w-40 in mine but a lot of folks like Rotella t6. Keep the oil clean, as in less than 7500 miles for synthetic.

The absolute most important thing for any 6.0 owner is GAUGES! Get gauges before you do anything else! Get something like the Edge insight to keep tabs on everything thats going on with your engine. The most important things to monitor on a 6.0 are the Oil temp, coolant temp, fuel pressure, EGTs, and FICM voltage.

As far as tuners, most people recommend an SCT with custom tunes. I see Eric @ innovative diesel recommended more than anyone. My truck came with the banks 6-gun in it and I have had no problems with it, but I would like to get an SCT someday.

Are you aware of what problems a 6.0 is prone to and what to do to prevent them from happening to you?

 

You need to get a EGR delete kit and head studs too if you plan on running a tuner

 

6.0l misinformation.

You won't need an EGR delete or head studs unless you run your truck with a clogged oil cooler. This is why gauges are important. You've gotta catch that oil cooler before it takes out the EGR and head gaskets. There are tons and tons of people running tuners without studs.

While an EGR delete isn't a bad idea, it is absolutely not required. I wouldn't do studs unless the head gaskets blow and a tuner won't blow them by itself unless you're running the ultra super duper powerful tune.

Most tuners have files specifically written for studded or non studded trucks.

 

i think the egr and oil cooler are pretty much a hand in hand pile of crap, imo deleting the egr and starting from scratch with a new oil cooler and chaging out all fluids as well as getting gauges to monitor temps you should be good to go, dont be a d-bag and run a stupid big tune cause you'll pay for it

heres a good link for you to read
http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/6-0...ning-6-0l.html

 

I know the injectors are a problem with them but thats it.

 

sig worthy

 

And do you know why? The oil cooler cause why? They are run off the oil system. See how everything goes?

 

I wont lie deisle engines are completely Greek to me. So pretty much keep my eye on the gauges and change my oil and keep a eye on the oil cooler.

 

Not just the stock gauges they won't help you. You need to buy something like the edge insight like Razorsedge said to watch the right temps. I believe it's a 15 degree difference but I can't remember between what that will indicate your pump failing and or egr clogging. Yes to staying religious on your fluid changes and yes to running it.

 

id run synthetic oil and change it every 5k. fuel every 10k

the oil cooler is 8 degree difference from the oil vs water temp.

oil coolers are the devil.

 

I never owned one so I can't argue with you troo much but I have heard/know 6.0s that are stock blowing head gaskets.

Might as well be safe then sorry.

 

they mainly blow head gaskets because people dont run them like they should... they go short trips, dont let it warm or cool down. very inconsistent. people that run 6.0s by pulling loads and running them for long periods of time get much better results.

i would have bought a 6.0 if the interior didnt look so out dated. i love the body style of those trucks.

 

Yes ford states 15* difference or more at highway speeds fully warmed up on the 6.0 and your oil cooler is clogged. Your stock water temp gauge won't budge from the normal section until it hits 240* and by that time its too late. You don't have an oil temp gauge stock.

You NEED aftermarket gauges so you'll know whats going on. If you don't catch the oil cooler in time it will take out the EGR cooler and blow the headgaskets. A new oil cooler from ford is around $300, but if it takes out the EGR and headgaskets its going to turn into a $4000 repair.

 

I have 2 friends that have 06 f350 tow trucks with the 6.0 and they really are pretty reliable. i know one has 250k and it has only had pm's done, and maybe one sensor.

 

You guys are right, but it still shouldn't happen and it does not sounds like he is going to use it like he should so cation should be used.

 

are you sure about that? i have read TSB that 8* is enough concern to replace the cooler.

I wouldnt be too worried about oil temps until you hit 230 though.

 

You may be right, I personally have not seen anything other than 15* stated. That 8* thing may be something geared more towards the 6.4 or I might have just missed it.

And I wouldn't worry too much about 230* oil temps either unless the coolant is significantly cooler. When my coolant temp is 190 and the oil is sitting at 205 I'll know that the EGR is in danger even if the oil temp is still in the safe range.

 

Yes you're right. Even stock 6.0s are known for blowing head gaskets. The reason for it though is because the average person doesn't know whats going on with the temps. Drive it with a clogged oil cooler for too long and it'll let you know its clogged by blowing the EGR and head gaskets.

They aren't blowing head gaskets because of tuners, they're blowing them because ruptured EGR coolers are dumping coolant into the cylinders.

 

Thats why u should remove the egr... lol

 

Yeah its a good idea, but don't get the OP thinking he can do a delete and not keep his temps in check.




He really needs to get on PSN PSA or the org and educate himself or he's gonna hate his 6.0.

 

OK what are all these acrimonious you guys are throwing around EGR, PSN PSA, Will a edge tuner do the trick for the gauges. I had one when i had my f150 and it had everything 4 tunes and I could monitor all of my temps.

 

PSN = powerstrokenation.com
PSA = powerstrokearmy.com
the org = powerstroke.org
EGR = Exhaust gas recirculation


I would recommend an Edge Insight. It has the gauges but is not a tuner. Tuners like the edge are known as tranny killers in the powerstroke world. Most everyone runs with custom tunes on the SCT. Its your call though, mine has had the banks 6 gun in it for the last 40k miles with no problems at all.

 

Buy custom tuner - you will be happier
Spend $200-$300 on gauges - EGT and Boost is what most people start with.

IMO just get rid of the egr to save you long term troubles.

 

No. Not those type of gauges they arnt going to save your 6.0. Just go buy an insight or scangauge. End.