2007 Ford E450 diesel. 8000 miles. class c.

Well, at least the Axle Upgrade isn't too bad...

Yikes!

klutchdust wrote:

Exactly what reliability concerns do you speak of.

Its a very sensitive motor, kinda like German cars. If anything isn't exactly perfect, it may cause a stall or no-start condition. Worse, any un-corrected problems can lead to cascading sequence of failures which could result in catastrophic engine damage.

Here's a very short list of common problems:
1) The engine oil cooler gets plugged by casting sand or coolant precipitates. If left unchecked this will cause the EGR cooler rupture. If immediately towed, you're only looking at about a $3,000 repair bill. If you try to limp it to the dealer, you'll probably warp the heads. If you turn it off, and try to restart it later, it will be hydro-locked but sometimes the starter can push past that and lift the head off the block

2) The oil system is very sensitive to contaminates (also sometimes it leaks). If non-Ford or non-Raccor filters are used, this allows some oil to bypass. Contaminants that make it by the filters tend to collect in the HPOP (high pressure oil pump) sump screen. Once flow is restricted too much, the screen ruptures. This can damage both the injectors and the HPOP.

3) The FICM (fuel injector control module) is very sensitive to low voltage. Any charging system fault, battery fault, dirty terminals or even low voltage from jump starting can cause the FICM to drop below 45 Volts. It's supposed to operate at 48V. Below 45v it starts taking out injectors. Injectors at $330 a piece and about 7 hours labor to do them all.

4) The injectors can also be damaged by low fuel pressure (45 psi min full load) which can be cause by plugged filters, a plugged water separator, or a weak fuel pressure regulator. This can be prevented by good filter servicing including regular water draining, and installing the "Blue Spring" regulator upgrade.


And... that's just a start. It's also susceptible to turbo problems and bad sensors, many of which can leave you dead on the road. More importantly, its a complex powertrain which is not friendly to roadside repairs. Even just basic diagnostics requires a high-end diagnostics terminal like AutoEngenuity.

Now... for the pluses: It will net about 20% better fuel economy than the V10. It will pull hills at a lower RPM. It's pretty smooth for a diesel. It can make more power if you upgrade all the problem components including head studs.

Also, don't forget that diesel RVs use propane for the genny. If you plan on using the genny a lot, you'll be stopping to refill propane often.

The front axle concern is valid, but its also really easy to upgrade to a 5,000# axle using a new takeoff axle from one of the 4x4 conversion outfits. This also nets you bigger ball joints, much better brakes, and better bushings.

I googled 6.0, definately going to avoid that engine. Lots of low mileage c's out there. I just get excited I guess.
No hurry and got the money, great place to be.

Run the VIN for the 2007 gulf stream vista cruiser. It is very possible that the chassis model year is not the same as the coach model year. See my signature. Knowing this can help with determining if that particular model year chassis was problematic.

Exactly what reliability concerns do you speak of

I strongly suggest you google "Ford 6.0 diesel"

True the '07 were the best of the bunch. But they are a more complex engine with numerous sensors and systems. Some with a penchant for failure. These issues may likely magnify as the engine gets older vs. the relatively simple V10. As stuff ages simplicity is generally better.

I can give anecdotal evidence: My Mom had an ambulance trip in a late 6.0 unit. The ambulance failed to restart at the care facility and had to be towed away. Not statistically significant.. but this type of unreliability is not rare.

My recollection is that the diesel class C units have almost zero load margin on the front axle because the engine is so heavy. If you really have to have a diesel, it might be better to find one newer or to upgrade to the later front suspension components. You can buy the later front suspension components from one of the 4WD conversion outfits for a very reasonable price. You might find that a diesel between the front seats is a pretty noisy affair. The gasser is noisy enough for me.

Well not as rare as i thought. Once i found the magic model number there are some out there. caring b wrote"Right out of the gate you take a 70HP power hit compared to the V10, but inherit numerous reliability concerns."

Exactly what reliability concerns do you speak of. I did find a few more of this particular model and the lowest price was 47 and the next asking price was 51. That gives me some leverage.

Here's something to think about.... In the commercial market (box trucks, ambulances, buses, utility trucks) the 6.0 PSD does not sell for a premium over the V10, and often they list for less. Sometimes much less.

Right out of the gate you take a 70HP power hit compared to the V10, but inherit numerous reliability concerns.

That said... A 2007 chassis will be more reliable than older 6.0's, and more importantly the mileage is hopefully low enough to can intercept the key problem areas through key upgrades (install a coolant filter, make sure OEM oil filter are used, and verify the batteries and charging system are in tip-top shape).

Rare items can be hard to price. $60K is a lot of money for a seven year old class C. I can't see where a diesel would add that much value, especially a 6.0. Low mileage class Cs are relatively common.

How much would it be worth if it were gas? To me that would be a starting point, particularly if you are concerned about resale value.

Of course all it takes is one person who values it highly to raise the offered price. But if it is highly overpriced vs. what you can resell it for, you could surely buy a lot of gas for the known reliable V10.

I'd do research on the Ford 6.0 before jumping into this. You may avoid a thousand dollar repair here and there by going with V10.