WHB Porsche

Am I an idiot for even considering a 6.0L Ford diesel? I know those engines seemed to be plagued by issues in their earlier years, can I expect an '06 to be reliable?

Also, was there any added emissions garbage in 2006 compared to, say, the 2003 Chevy Duramax I'm looking at? In other words, how would gas mileage compare between the two?

Thanks in advance, I thought I was set on the Chevy but then a deal on a Ford had to pop up and throw a wrench in the works...

Deadeye

My '04 6.0 has been rock solid reliable for the 60K miles I've put on it . There is a design weakness you might want to check out that involves the EGR cooler. Do a search on the Ford truck blogs and you can learn all about it. I just removed this poorly thought out part last weekend as a preventative measure with a kit widely available on the net for "off road" use only. I need to get another 6 years out of this truck so I can afford to play at the track

For mileage, I get about 14-15 MPG loaded or empty. F-350 ext. cab 4wd PU.

smlporsche

The earlier years of the 6.0 did have some problems But like above I've hed 0 problems with my '06 F-350 SRW CC LB.
I have 73K on mine and use it primarily for towing. I get about 15 MPG on average not towing and 12 to 13 towing 10 to 15K#. I have gotten over 20 MPG on a mileage run to see what the best I could get was.
The "emissions garbage" started on '08 with the DPF which has reduced mileage considerably.

These trucks don't seem to be good as a "grocery getter" and do better when used as a real truck should be

Feel free to PM me for any other info

ltc

http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-06-12.php

ltc

http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/60bulletin.htm

http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/60psd.htm

ltc

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/gen...-write-up.html

magnetic1

Here is an article that basically goes over it all:

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/0...ine/index.html

A 2006 would still be under warranty if under 100k miles. And if you really want piece of mind, you can get a Ford Extended Warranty for under $2k for 2/24k.

Tim

I have an early '03 6.0 PSD

it is bullet proof...

I thought they had a new engine in '06?

I wouldnt blink buying a Ford Truck

WHB Porsche

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try and get this truck if we can come to an agreement on price.

Tim - new engine didn't come out until '08 - it's a 6.4L. I think the '11 will be another new engine, though.

magnetic1

Charlie,

Also of note, in 2005 they changed the front end suspension/steering. I'd look for a 05+. Ideally you would want an 06 with under 100k miles so you at least get some kind of engine warranty.

I got an 05 last year still under engine warranty. I had my high pressure oil pump fail (common issue) along with the EGR and oil cooler. All fixed under warranty minus a $100 deductible. Before the warranty runs out in March, I plan on getting the Ford ESP plan for $1800. 2/24k should cover me for the next two years of towing and anything else that might break. Only thing left that is a common problem is the head gasket

smlporsche

A couple of things to consider if you get the 6.0.

1. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule religously. Use only Motorcraft or Racor filters. Anything else and your dealer may void your warranty.
2. If you don't mind the cost, a good quality synthetic oil (I use Shell Rotella ) 5W-40 will improve the engines performance and driveability. Change at 5000 miles.
3. Use a good fuel additive like Stanadyne. It will also improve you mileage and performance and actually pay for itself.
4. These engines are very sensitive to modifications i.e. chips. Be careful if you decide to go that route as the dealer may void any warranty claims. I have not done any mods to the engine.

A good source for information is the Ford Truck Enthusiast website...

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum107/

bgiere

The Ford 6.0 is to be avoided IMHO. It is a flawed engine design and it will eventually give you trouble. Both my F350's were really terrible trucks. The harder you work it the quicker you find flaws.

85Gold

I had 1 and never again.

1. Engine would randomly not accelerate just idle, no codes and dealer was no help.

2. The Chevy Allison tranny is 100% better

3. The Chevy mileage is better

4. The Chevy is quite and rides better.

Peter

kgorman

I have an '06 PSD and I love it. I had one problem with the fuel pump, fixed under warranty. I bought the 06 with the rational that the fixes would make it better, and so far that has been true (65k on the clock).

+1 on keeping up with maint. I will also do my EGR delete and probably head studs and oil filter system once my 100k is up. I want this truck to last a *very* long time.

When I had my fuel pump problem the tow truck dude said the most reliable platform out there was the duramax. He's sees dodge and ford all day long, but hardly any duramax. This is in the Tahoe/Reno area. Just a data point.

The 2011 Superduty looks awesome, except all the motors these days have absolutely stupid emissions requirements and ruin fuel economy... Thanks Al Gore you dolt.

WHB Porsche

I think the logical thing for me is to go with the DMax, but the PSD LOOKS so much better!