First... I know zero about the Ford 6.0 diesel problems, but have read some posts regarding problems. Yesterday, I parked next to a 2006 F350 DRW that looked like new and the owner stepped out and we started talking truck. He told me he bought the truck new and has 190,000 miles on it now. Used it for five years towing oversized boats between Mich & FL. Also, seemed familiar with the 6.0 issues, but had never had a problem. Regular maintenance and the key he said, was to keep it stock and never messing with anything other than Ford specs. Seemed to work for him.

I know others that have had zero problems. But even if only 20% of them are problematic, its a huge problem for those 20%. I suspect its even higher than that but I've never seen numbers.

And there are many others out there like him. Not every 6.0L is bad, by a long shot.However...If you play the percentages, your "odds" of high-cost repairs and catastrophic engine failure with a 6.0L PSD are significantly higher than with its competitors of that era. It's a fact that no one likes, particularly Ford guys, but I think it's pretty difficult to deny at this juncture.It's an unfortunate situation all around; when running properly the 6.0L PSD is a beast.As you may know, there are replacement parts on the market to "bulletproof" the 6.0L and some believe that a bulletproofed 6.0L is as good as any other diesel out there. Some buy into that theory, some do not.Can only give you my perspective-- I like Ford trucks (though I'm not brand-loyal), I love diesel, and I was unwilling to chance buying a used 6.0L. Take that for what its worth.

I think that the remaining 6.0's on the road have been de-bugged and will do as well as the rest.

"Bullet Proofing" Does away with the known cascade of problems caused by a clogged oil cooler. It moves the oil cooler outside the engine to be air cooled. Not cheap, I paid about $4,500 to have it done. But, I don't worry too much about an catastrophic failure anymore. The engine pulls great.Run away if there is ANY indication of performance programming changes......

Ford 6.0 problems? | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

akronharry
Explorer
Nov 13, 2013
2005 F250 Owner 6.0 Diesel. No problems except brakes, calipers and rotors due to it sitting on a gravel driveway.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Nov 10, 2013
Camping is supposed to be relaxing and a stress reliever. Why would you purposely add a stressor to your and your families life. I am not brand Loyal. I want the ride that will keep going forward.

If I were buying a diesel truck it would be a Cummins. They have their issues just like anything else. But they typically are not looking for ways to blow everything above the pistons.

Buy what you want for sure. Just keep 5 grand handy in case you go 6.blow at the In opportune time.

Thanks

Jeremiah
Blazing_Zippers
Explorer II
Nov 10, 2013
I owned an '04 F250, with the 6 diesel. In the first 20,000 miles, it was at the shop 22? times. One of the first trips in was to pull the engine for oil leaks. They never did stop the leaks.
New turbo after several trips complaining about bad pulling power and missing. The troubles just kept coming until I had a "meltdown" at the dealer. They kept the truck for a week and when it was returned to us, it was a total different truck.
As far as a good truck, it was very good (body, trim, comforts), but the engine was from he*&%.
We had to purchase a new truck in 2010, and Ford had just come out with a new engine--I had been a test bed for them already, so moved on to another brand.
I never did any mods to the engine and even kept the stock tires and wheels.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Nov 10, 2013
whsk wrote:
if you do not want to be broke down 1000 or 2000 miles from home and ford says no help-do you really want a 6.0?-whsk

Last year I stopped to assist 2 different couples with their broken down RAM cummins with 5ver in tow on I10.

Didn't see a single Ford 6.0 psd broken down - Fish
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Nov 09, 2013
whsk wrote:
if you do not want to be broke down 1000 or 2000 miles from home and ford says no help-do you really want a 6.0?-whsk
Same thing can be said about any vehicle out there. Never been a perfect vehicle made.
whsk
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
if you do not want to be broke down 1000 or 2000 miles from home and ford says no help-do you really want a 6.0?-whsk
dkoley
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
I have an 04 F250 6.0 all stock and well maintained by dealer. Ford replaced turbo at 12,000 miles under warranty and ball joints around the same time under warranty. Engine went out at 53,000 and just over 5 years. Ford wouldn't even talk to me about warranty even though I had a complaint at my last service under the 5 years about loss of power. I had 3 Fords at the time and now only have this one left. As soon as I can afford to get rid of it I will be through with Fords forever.
Hank85713
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
here is another link for the 6.0:

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/general-6-0l-discussion/455490-dpm-money-ahead-6-0l-2.html

yes I am a happy owner, and I have had the mods done, but still run egr as its a state requirement. Just something for folks to think about, unfortunately the magazine itself is all over this issue as they advocate and then don't!
thomasgunnar
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
I have a set of 3 gauges on my pillar. Boost, tranny temp and exhaust temp. They do determine how I drive my truck. When pulling a 7 to 8% grade for 5 miles I like to see what is going on. Gauges when towing are a must in my opinion.
tim_and_amy
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
As a 6.0L owner I too questioned all the same things. We originally bought a V10, but soon realized in a towing situation, the v10 is just a dog for the NW of America.
That said. I 100% agree with the other poster. If you see door pod gauges, any mention of bully dog tuner or the like. Run AWAY. You don't want a 6.0L that has been "tuned", UNLESS, they did the head studs and EGR delete.
Also, for towing, I would by an 04 or newer with the torque shift auto. It does engine braking and works very well.

My truck has near 200K miles and no real issue as long as maintenance is done. Keep the coolant changed as it should be and best to eventually do an EGR delete and oil cooler move. The EGR delete will require a re-tune on the computer but it is only for emissions. Check your local laws first, places like Oregon have emissions on diesels but only under 8500gvw, ford f250/excursions are above that rating as in most states. If you live in Ca. well no help there.