Looking for Ford 6.0 comments

[WaltBennett]

Bought a VERY lightly used '06 F350 6.0 dually at a great price last April to tow our new/used Monty. It only had 28k miles on it when we picked it up & was unbelievably clean. I've been doing a lot of data gathering on this truck and engine, and am beginning to think I may need to do some modifications here and there. It's getting good mileage, so I'm more concerned about longevity & reliability. Anyone have any opinions?

[steves]

The 6.0 is a strong engine. That said, there are a few basic design issues on the coolant system that has been problematic. After market EGR, Oil coolers and longer/stronger head bolts are recommended solutions to avoid problems. Many have lots of miles with no problems but the issues above are common failures on some 6.0 see: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/93...me-please.html

[Rainer]

Friends don't let friends drive a Ford pick-up with a 6.0 engine.

I bought one new in 2006 and it sucked the turbos in 2012 after only 66K miles. The whole thing ended up costing me about $25K when you consider the amount I spent to repair it (by Ford), the money I blew on an extended warranty that didn't cover the damage (although I supposedly had the "premier" warranty that covered everything), and finally the trade-in value on a new 2012 F-250.

That's why I'm not a big fan of that 6.0 liter engine. It has a design flaw. This is not only my experience, but also of 1000's of other folks. There is currently a class action suit where all the regional suits were combined into one big suit in Chicago. I'm waiting to hear what the result of that is.

One of my co-workers (before I retired) sued Ford, and had them buy his truck back.

There may be some folks out there singing praises for that truck, as I did when it ran right, but once it goes you'll sour on it. And it's not if it goes, but rather when it goes....

[1retired06]

Early production 6.0s had problems that were taken care of. I put 140K on my 2005 6.0 almost all towing, and other than two software patches, was never in the shop. My brother in law has a 2006 has well for towing, and has had to replace the turbocharger. Very unusual to see a 06 with only 28K on it. Biggest problems with the 6.0s were turbos, and head bolts, but I have numrous friends with 6.0s who liked them, and one in particular who had to have a total engine replacement on ford's dime. Good power. Problems with the 6.0 caused Ford to lose market share on diesel trucks.

[richfaa]

I do not have a 6.0 but tell me about this on tHe ESP plan "I bought one new in 2006 and it sucked the turbos in 2012 after only 66K miles. The whole thing ended up costing me about $25K when you consider the amount I spent to repair it (by Ford), the money I blew on an extended warranty that didn't cover the damage (although I supposedly had the "premier" warranty that covered everything), and finally the trade-in value on a new 2012 F-250

[maximo]

I live in ranch country, most all my friends pull stock trailers and heavy equipment trailers. Most all drive Ford F250s or F350s. Most all the 6.0 trucks are gone. The diesel shops around here will tell you to stay from the 6.0. A friend is a fleet mgr for a Ford dealer and he says the same thing. Myself and two daughters pull RVs and ranch trailers, we all are driving F250 7.3 diesels. One daughter has 285,000 miles on a early 2003 and it still gets the job done but she is looking at a new F250.

Frank

[richfaa]

They stopped making the 6.0 in 2007.The 2008's were the 6.4L.The early 6.0L had many issues but they were corrected by 2006,the PR damage has been done.
It is said that the 6.0L was a interim motor between the 7.3 and the 6.4.

[Carl n Susan]

I am one of those who's 6.0L melted two pistons (this was the third engine failure) and Ford replaced the truck with a new 2008 6.4L. I advise my friends to not but one. But since you have, go to the Ford forums and learn what many have done to improve the engine. Stronger head studs, oil cooler change, and something with the EGR makes them much better.

[Art-n-Marge]

I am approaching 100,000 on my 6.0. It has done well for me, but I only use heavy duty for when I tow (which is rare) and not too far. The other tough duty is helping people move (and towing furniture in various trailers), but again, I baby my ride more than most and it's only because I'm trying to avoid the horror stories of others.

At 28,000 miles the engine is just broke in. Sounds like the prior owner tried to take care and treat it with TLC. One sign is putting air bags on a dually. That screams, "I want to be nice to you". I am not familiar with any of the detailed modifications others talk about but they do come up.

[bigskyjimmy]

One of the big problems was the EGR cooler ,the aftermarket has this covered and other issues with the 6.0, go to www.bulletproofdiesel.com they can be had for about 700 bucks the 6.0 can be made a good motor if you spend some bucks I did not want to bother so I gave up on Ford and turned trader and went with a Chevy

[Rainer]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

I do not have a 6.0 but tell me about this on tHe ESP plan "I bought one new in 2006 and it sucked the turbos in 2012 after only 66K miles. The whole thing ended up costing me about $25K when you consider the amount I spent to repair it (by Ford), the money I blew on an extended warranty that didn't cover the damage (although I supposedly had the "premier" warranty that covered everything), and finally the trade-in value on a new 2012 F-250

In order to get the best purchase price from Ford, one had to use Ford Motor Credit to finance the truck. Of course their's wasn't the best deal out there, since my credit union offered much better rates. After just making two payments to Ford, I refinanced it with my CU, they had an extended warranty which still made the whole deal less expensive than staying with Ford.

The ESP was their "premier" plan which supposedly covered everything. I had heard about problems with the 6.0 Ford diesel engine, but supposedly by 2006 Ford had that sorted out (not! it turns out). I got the ESP to hedge my bet.

When the truck tanked at 66K miles, I was amazed to learn that the ESP company disallowed the work since they claimed that it was air pollution equipment, and that wasn't allowed.

I'm still working on getting that corrected. Since I was out of pocket to the tune of $3K on the repairs.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by WaltBennett

Bought a VERY lightly used '06 F350 6.0 dually at a great price last April to tow our new/used Monty. It only had 28k miles on it when we picked it up & was unbelievably clean. I've been doing a lot of data gathering on this truck and engine, and am beginning to think I may need to do some modifications here and there. It's getting good mileage, so I'm more concerned about longevity & reliability. Anyone have any opinions?

I have not had a Ford in a number of years, so I can't comment on your truck, and certainly wish you the best with it. However, in the future you might want to ask this type question prior to signing on the dotted line.

[WaltBennett]

"I have not had a Ford in a number of years, so I can't comment on your truck, and certainly wish you the best with it. However, in the future you might want to ask this type question prior to signing on the dotted line."

Well, can't say that I care for your comment either. In the future, why don't you read what I asked for and not reply unless you've something constructive to say.

[richfaa]

Rainer...So it WAS NOT the Ford ESP plan.???????

[WaltBennett]

Something I've not heard from anyone who has posted something negative is if they'd kept to the maintenance schedule, used Ford/Motorcraft filters, recommended lubricants and etc. before claiming the truck just blew up on them. There's always stuff that happens no matter how closely one does something like that, but I'm seeing very conflicting stuff. I'm really interested in how to keep this engine (originally a school bus motor, I've heard) running for a long time like an awful lot of people seem to think it does. That's why I asked for comments from owners and maybe what they'd done to theirs.

[BB_TX]

I had two 6.0s, an '04 F250 and an '07 F350. I traded the '04 for the '07 when I realized I needed a higher tow/payload rating. I traded the '07 last year for a 2012 F350, not due to any problems.
The '04 had 58,000 miles. Only problem was an EGR valve replaced under warranty at about 35,000 miles.
The '07 had 70,000 miles. Only problem was a failed cam sensor at about 54,000 miles replaced under warranty.
Both completely stock and all routine maintenance done at prescribed mileage by local Ford dealer.
Did not tow with the '04. The '07 towed the Monte great. Did not plan to trade it but made the mistake of venturing out on the new truck lot while I was in for an oil change and fell in love with the '12. And they were offering $14,000 off sticker.

[fauch]

I would buy a 6.0 and tow with it with two caveats:
(1) Only if it has NEVER been tuned or performance modified.
(2) I would invest in the "bullet-proofing" enhancements to head studs, EGR cooler, oil cooler, etc...
There are several specialists across the country who are doing these enhancements.

Never use diesel from a 'farm' or equipment storage tank. Always buy fuel at busy fuel stops. Keep a close eye on water separator/fuel conditioner. Keep oil, air and fuel filters fresh.
I know folks who are very pleased with 6.0 Fords after following these steps.

[Carl n Susan]

quote:Originally posted by WaltBennett

Something I've not heard from anyone who has posted something negative is if they'd kept to the maintenance schedule, used Ford/Motorcraft filters, recommended lubricants and etc. before claiming the truck just blew up on them. There's always stuff that happens no matter how closely one does something like that, but I'm seeing very conflicting stuff. I'm really interested in how to keep this engine (originally a school bus motor, I've heard) running for a long time like an awful lot of people seem to think it does. That's why I asked for comments from owners and maybe what they'd done to theirs.

I had the Ford maintenance plan and it was followed to the letter. Lack of maintenance is not the cause of my problems. There was only 18K on it when it failed the first time. The third and last failure was at 25K miles. Listen to the folks here and do the things recommended. The stock head studs are too weak. Hopefully the previous owner did not have a tuner installed. That is a sure way to damage a stock motor.

[dpam]

There is a Ford User(Owner) Forum. Google the name and I'm sure you will find the forum. In the forum I'm sure you will be able to read a lot of posts about the 6.0 litre diesel engine. In the distant past I had a 1999 7.3 L F250 diesel and I found a lot of good information on the FUF website. By the way the 7.3 Power Stroke diesel engine was an excellent motor.

[BB_TX]

dpam is probably referring to the Ford Truck Enthusiast web site. It is an active site and dedicated to all things Ford truck. And they do have one forum specifically for 6.0 engines.
Ask your questions there and do a lot of reading of previous 6.0 threads there.