6.4 UPDATE

Several pieces of good advice here. I would also suggest, while the cab is off, get studs and do both head gaskets.

I also agree with what was said above, any brand modern diesel is going to have problems. It is their battle with trying to meet government regulations. The 6.4 gets a pretty bad rap, but once they are modded, I'd put one up against any brand for longevity and durabilty. Good luck and safe travels.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
While they have the cab off I would highly recommend replacing both head gaskets and studding them!

I agree, that is what I had done. Ford told me to buy the studs and they would install.

At least you didn't continue your trip which could have cost you a bunch more money. I'm sure your truck will get some good cash on resale for whatever brand you choose.
Good luck

These newer complex diesel scare me for sure. I know statistically things like this are rare but they seem more common than before all the high-tech emission stuff.

The great thing about diesels use to be they towed quieter/smoother and they'd run forever. While the engines well may run forever, something else that's really expensive will probably fail before the engine.

And this isn't a brand specific thing at all. It seems any/all brands could have really expensive problems. From reading various message boards and hearing experiences like the OP's I personally have zero interest in owning a modern diesel that is not under some type of warranty. Maybe I'm "throwing the baby out with the bath water" as the saying goes but it just seems like there are too many unknowns and new systems with modern diesel engines.

MSGTRETIREDCSP wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Good to hear.....I guess. glad they found the issue.

My wife keeps telling me it`s time for a new truck. I keep telling her no! and these newer trucks are the reason why. I may just do a front end update on my X and keep on enjoying it!

Good luck!

I here ya. I'll stay with diesel just because of the rig I tow. I may think about a brand change?

I had 3 Fords over 20 years including 7.3L and 6.0L diesels. The 7.3L was a great truck but the 6.0L was developing problems that I knew were going to be expensive so I traded it in for the truck I have in my signature. I am extremely happy with this truck; it is super comfortable, looks great, pulls like a train, and handles our 16k fiver with ease. The Cummins engine is also second to none. I would highly recommend that you have a look at them.

Good call on moving on from the 6.4L; unfortunately you have experienced one of several expensive problems that those engines are well known for. We have a couple of them at my work and they have been less than stellar to say the least.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

MSGTRETIREDCSP wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Good to hear.....I guess. glad they found the issue.

My wife keeps telling me it`s time for a new truck. I keep telling her no! and these newer trucks are the reason why. I may just do a front end update on my X and keep on enjoying it!

Good luck!

I here ya. I'll stay with diesel just because of the rig I tow. I may think about a brand change?

Just my opinion here, but why change brands? Go with what you like, but you will not find a truck from ANY manufacturer that does not have problems or issues with something. As for Ford, the new 6.7 Scorpion diesel is getting good reviews from the field. If I could afford one, I would have one. But I will stick with my current truck, currently working its way up to 300,000 miles on the original engine, having only replaced the thermostats and radiator.

MSGTRETIREDCSP wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
While they have the cab off I would highly recommend replacing both head gaskets and studding them!

I'm not sure l'll be keeping the truck now. Will see how much extra for the other head gasket. What's studding?

Removing the head gasket on one side of the engine, while it may be cheaper, would not be a good idea in my humble opinion. Better to replace both sides. The replacement gaskets are frequently better than the original. Since the truck will already be apart, it shouldn't cost that much more. The expense in replacing head gaskets isn't the complexity of the job, but all of the things you need to remove to GET to the head gaskets.

Studding means to replace the torque to yield head bolts (which should NEVER be reused) with head STUDS and nuts. The original head bolts can stretch by design, but that design also means that over time the heads may loosen, compression suffers, and the combustion chamber can have coolant seep in and damage your engine. Head studs are made of stronger material and prevent the stretching that can lead to engine damage.

dodge guy wrote:
Good to hear.....I guess. glad they found the issue.

My wife keeps telling me it`s time for a new truck. I keep telling her no! and these newer trucks are the reason why. I may just do a front end update on my X and keep on enjoying it!

Good luck!

I here ya. I'll stay with diesel just because of the rig I tow. I may think about a brand change?

spoon059 wrote:
Were you able to get home with truck and camper for this diagnosis? Glad damage isn't too severe, hopefully everything else is mechanically sound and you can keep on trucking with what you've got!

Not at home yet. Parts on order and work should be completed by next Wed.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
While they have the cab off I would highly recommend replacing both head gaskets and studding them!

I'm not sure l'll be keeping the truck now. Will see how much extra for the other head gasket. What's studding?