Forum Discussion

jerem0621's avatar
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013

How to check for previous "tuner" on a used truck?

The reason I ask is because on FTE there is a person with a 6.4 that they bought with 35k ish miles... 30k miles later they experienced an engine failure... Ford Denied the Warranty due to the use of a tuner.

The owner claims that he never tuned it but was able to locate the previous owner who admitted to aggressive tunes via a Bully Dog.

He claims the motor is too far gone and it will cost $18k to replace the 6.4 with a crate motor.
Here is a link to the thread.

How can those of us who purchase used trucks guard against something like this? Is there a way to see if the truck has been tuned in the past?


Thanks!

Jeremiah

26 Replies

  • AT a guess: the tune and any aftermarket parts were removed before sale.
  • I find it odd that the new owner couldn't tell there was a tune on the truck if it was aggressive. Other than that, an aggressive tune would generally come with a new exhaust eliminating mandated emissions. Did this guy live in an area where emission testing was not required for registration?

    Buyer beware.
  • mtofell1 wrote:
    I think there are two answers here - around 2006ish manufacturers made it much more difficult (impossible?) to hide if a truck had been modified. So, with a newer truck like the one in the thread I would think he could have taken it to the dealer before he bough it and they could have told him. I'd hope that since the dealer will deny warranty coverage they'd at least have the decency to tell you beforehand.

    As for the older trucks they're out of warranty so I suppose it's a moot point. As for knowing just for peace of mind I don't think there's a sure way. Of course, looking for gauges or holes where they were is a big clue.

    Best answer Ive ever read! Thanks for posting.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Well for about the same cost as the diesel sucking Ford/HI 6.4, your friend could go down this road and have his Ford that he loves, with a strong reliable engine!

    Destroked

    Sorry your friend got duped, in getting a hidden flaw. I agree aggressive tunes will limit the life of any diesel.
  • I think there are two answers here - around 2006ish manufacturers made it much more difficult (impossible?) to hide if a truck had been modified. So, with a newer truck like the one in the thread I would think he could have taken it to the dealer before he bough it and they could have told him. I'd hope that since the dealer will deny warranty coverage they'd at least have the decency to tell you beforehand.

    As for the older trucks they're out of warranty so I suppose it's a moot point. As for knowing just for peace of mind I don't think there's a sure way. Of course, looking for gauges or holes where they were is a big clue.