Forum Discussion
As always, glad you have something to fiddle with to occupy your time and you appear to enjoy it. But holy moly, sure is a lot of trouble and work and $ when there’s many brands and models of diesel trucks with none of these issues to worry aboot.
- Camper_Jeff___KFeb 27, 2026Navigator
We were driving in the 85 to 90 heat at 65 mph yesterday and had no issues. I allowed the coolant temp to hit 196 before tuening the blue wire fan switch on. Had no coolant loss. Temp hit 200 a few days.back and there was.a tiny amount of coolant loss, not the big loss we got before the simple condensor installation. It is apparently helping a fair amount.
There are other items that could be problematic. The heater core may be clogged just as the stock radiator was and need replacing. It is also possible I need to install a new oil cooler. Not a lot of money, just time, I've got time and the ability. Buying this truck F550 4x4, in such nice condition with 78K miles for $20K, I can put a lot of time and money into it, and still be ahead of the game.
Yesterday at the Wayside Oasis, a nice gentleman was really interested in knowing about the truck. He bought a 2020 Chevy truck for 73K. He was amazed at my truck when I told him about it including it's troubles.
- Grit_dogFeb 27, 2026Navigator III
Someone bought a 6 year old truck for $73k? All that proves is that person is not well read about vehicle values. If you meant, new, 6 years ago, that makes more sense. 2020 was the first year of the non Allison trans (first year 10 speed). Maybe not the best for a first year major component change but I’d be interested to hear the “troubles” you told him he was “going to have.” You can hook n book any L5P, Alli or 10speed, with little to no worry about anything
I agree, it’s in beautiful condition, but there’s a reason my last 2 Cummins diesel pickups sold for 50% more than your purchase price, one with double the miles and the “bad” 68rfe and one with almost triple the miles and a G56.
Dealer got lucky someone actually wanted that F550, much less paid top dollar for it.- Camper_Jeff___KFeb 28, 2026Navigator
No, someone bought a new. truck 6 years ago for 73K
- StirCrazyFeb 27, 2026Moderator
man thats what I was thinking, I know guys towing giant 5th wheel toy haulers in the mountians with 6L and don't have any issues.
- Camper_Jeff___KFeb 27, 2026Navigator
Overheating is a well known issue with this 6 liter PSD. There are Lots of kits available to help cool the engines and oil better.
- StirCrazyFeb 28, 2026Moderator
must be a US thing, that is one issue I have never heard of, but I only know 6 or 7 people with 6L so small sample size