Tow vehicle!

[AaronAnita]

The Ford dealer "re-flashed" my 2003, F-350 with the 6.0 diesel. It ran fine when I took it in for an oil change and the recall update. Now it runs terrible, with or without my Banks system plugged in. At partial throttle, it "barks", the wast-gate dumps the excess pressure built by the turbo. The dealer and my mechanic are trying to fix it.
Have any of you experienced this?
If I upgraded, what engines should I avoid (besides the 6.4L)?

[Bill-N-Donna]

If I was up-grading I would be interested in the newer 6.7.
I’ve only heard good comments about those engines.

[mlh]

The 6.4 is a great engine. It is the only engine and transmission ever built that will handle the 600+ HP that my truck puts out without any other mods than a tuner, that is other than the 6.7 Ford.
Lynwood

[Art-n-Marge]

If you were gonna upgrade and stay with Ford, the ONLY option is the 6.7. You can't beat it's power, torque, specifications, ratings and mpgs. I have heard nothing bad about the 6.7 and in fact, I'm only hearing good things even after several months of its availability.

I hope this prompts someone to either state they've had an issue and what it was and how it's fixed, or keep hearing good things. I hope it will be my next truck after I raise all the funds I'll need for the modifications like what I did to my 6.0 (see my signature)!

[maximo]

I also have been looking at the new Ford trucks. I now have a 2002 F250 XLT 4x4 SWB with the 7.3 diesel. You can see on my truck information below all the changes and add on equipment. The truck has 165,000 miles and runs like new. The owner of diesel shop I have used since 1986 tells me every time I ask him about new trucks to stay with the 7.3 even if it cost me money to repair.

Frank

[washley1]

I have to ditto the good review of the 6.4! However, if I had the cash I would upgrade to the 6.7 after what I have heard.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by maximo

I also have been looking at the new Ford trucks. I now have a 2002 F250 XLT 4x4 SWB with the 7.3 diesel. You can see on my truck information below all the changes and add on equipment. The truck has 165,000 miles and runs like new. The owner of diesel shop I have used since 1986 tells me every time I ask him about new trucks to stay with the 7.3 even if it cost me money to repair.

Frank

That's the same advice I got from the Ford dealer in Yucca Valley, CA -- stay with the 7.3l. Ours is a '95 with 213,000 miles.

Orv

[1retired06]

I have owned the 7.3, the 6.0 and now the 6.7. Reflashed the 6.0 twice based on Ford recalls and never had the problems described. The 6.7 is without a doubt the best diesel I have owned. It is a newly designed engine and provides more stock torque than the 7.3 and the towing power is simply awesome, and no comparison to my previous two Fords. In defense of the 7.3, it is a less complicated engine, and cheaper to maintain and repair. The new six speed transmission that comes with the 6.7 is also a big improvement.

[Fire5er]

Like 1retired06 I also had a 7.3, 6.0, and now the 6.7 and the 6.7 is without a doubt the best vehicle I have owned. X2 on what 1retired06 said.

[Hooker]

You guys with the trouble free 6.4 are the lucky ones. The reason they came out with the 6.7 was due to serious problems with the 6.4.

[washley1]

I DID hedge my bets, and bought the ESP......

[daily double]

Lots of the troubles with the 6.4 was due to not changing the fuel filters. I had a trouble free 6.4 and now have the 6.7, More power now but Ford is having transmission troubles.

[Parts Ed]

More trouble with the transmission behind the 6.4L or the 6.7L??

[RJI47]

I had 2 7.3 engines before I got the 6.4. I thought the 7.3 was the most powerful small truck engine ever available, but the 6.4 changed my mind to that instantly. I know that in 2008 when it first came out, there were LOTS of problems, but I've had mine since late 2009 and it still runs perfectly. It's true, you do need to keep the fuel filters clean. Honestly, I might go for the new 6.7, but they cost as much as a small house(almost), so I'll stay happy with my 6.4.

[TLightning]

I don't want to butt in on this Ford discussion, but IMHO, the best combo would be a Cummins TD and an Allison 1000 transmission.

[1retired06]

[quote]Originally posted by TLightning

I don't want to butt in on this Ford discussion, but IMHO, the best combo would be a Cummins TD and an Allison 1000 transmission.
[/quote

Does not exist! Guess you could custom build a rig, (not on a dodge frame in my humble opinion), would be interesting to compare the two diesel engines. Disagree with the generalized comment that Ford has problems with the new transmission. A few initial problems experienced in early 2011 with rough shifting between second and third gear and that was resolved with a computer flash. Everyone I have talked to and also on the Ford Forums reflect satisfaction with the new six speed. No problems with mine.

[Petmoose]

We have a 2011 F350 Diesel DRW 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed and just got back from Yellowstone about 1400 miles one way. We towed a 2012 3582 that probably weighed in around 14,800 and we got 11.4 mpg running 65-70 mph. I barely knew the Monty was back there. Up and down the hills I let the truck do the work and it was great. This is my first diesel and it has been great so far.

[AaronAnita]

Thank you all for responding. I try to do every thing I can to have no issues when we are on a trip. Preventative maintenance is the key, I believe. That said, it is a terrible feeling when your TV is running poor and your not sure why. We have another trip in 2 weeks, over 2 passes and we will see if Old Blue can handle it..... and back!

[noneck]

So...my understanding is a banks tuner can create issues... Your description "suggests" there is a slow response from the variable boost control or the turbo vanes it is commanding. Does it run ok without the banks hooked up? IMHO you should run it stock and if you need more get up and go then buy a new truck. Which half 2003 is this truck? 1st half was 7.3 and banks is ok, 2nd half is 6.0 which can lead to concerns.

[daily double]

Parts ed check this link for transmission info http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/