Many people neglect the cooling system on their truck, it should be tested at least yearly for PH and freeze/boiling point. there is an additive available from Ford that should be used in the 6.0 liter diesel. due to oil cooler problems, I strongly recommend the installation of a coolant filter system to trap casting sand, iron shavings, and silicate crystals formed from cooling system neglect. We have a coolant filtration system that can be purchased from us, or even installed here at Fleet Service Northwest.
The next item of issue was the variable geometry turbocharger or VGT. This is the heart of the performance of a 6.0 liter. it provides a relativly quick spool up, thus providing an off the line acceleration that can be considered astounding for a seven thousand pound Truck. And if you drive a 6.0, you've experienced this first hand. This turbocharger is the heart of the outstanding performance of a stock 6.0 liter powerstroke diesel.
There are other manufacturers of Diesel platforms in the light/heavy duty market who use the same VGT technology without soot buildup issues, These issues on the Ford can be attributed to fuel strategy which has only been compounded by the FICM reflash which has resulted in more soot emissions for certain. excessive exhaust gas temperatures can and have also destroyed these turbochargers. The 6.0 liter turbocharger is prone to carbon buildup which will cause the moving parts inside to seize and cease to operate correctly. In extreme cases this would cause a failure of the hydraulic/electronic solenoid that controls the function of the turbocharger. Poor fuel quality has attributed to this, but with the advent of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, this condition might well improve, I am skeptical due to the poor quality of our nations #2 diesel fuel supply.
Hard acceleration of this platform every now and again will help reduce this condition by not only operating the VGT through its entire range, but also through creating higher exhaust gas temperatures than you would get under normal driving conditions. Use of high quality diesel fuel additives which lubricate and increase Cetane as well at regular intervals such as when performing preventive maintenance, is recommended.
If you wish to power up your 6.0 liter powerstroke diesel, I will offer you this advice. a high percentage of failed head gaskets we've repaired have had aftermarket tuners installed.
As you can see, the 6.0 liter Powerstroke diesel has some problems, but the staff at Fleet Service Northwest are here to help you not only repair these problems, but to assess them and find the solutions to minimize a repeat failure. We have the equipment, information and knowledge to accurately diagnose and repair the 6.0 liter Powerstroke diesel. We have seen many head gasket related failures lately. in all cases these trucks were stock, with the exception of one that had an aftermarket intake filter and exhaust system. We have seen other trucks go over 150k without a head gasket issue as well.
Rob Gaskell, Sr.
Owner, Fleet Service Northwest
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