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I know this thing has been beat to death but I would like to hear from those who own '05 and up Fords with the 6.0 and only from those who have left the truck stock. I'm not asking to hear how great the 7.3 was or about your neighbors brother who had a 6.0 that had issues. I'm only asking for first hand accounts from those who own Ford 6.0 trucks that were left stock. The reason I ask is that I suspect that a lot of the reported issues are either on the early models or on trucks which have mods.
I had a 2005 F250 6.0 until I bought my 2008 6.4(which was a mistake). I wish I had the 6.0 back. I had it for about 2 1/2 years and 48k miles with no problems. The only thing I had done to it was an EGR valve replaced under warranty. It would pull anything you wanted to hook to it. I have wished many, many times that I had not sold it to get an 6.4. Any other ?s just PM me.
Got an '06 and '07 F 350. Both 6.0 Lariats. The '06 (for sale here) had a warranty Turbo and EGR (at the same time) after they fixed these the truck ran better than when I left the factory. 96k on the '06 and 37k on the '07. No warranty on the '07. Both run perfect, lots of power but we maintain them good. All fluids get dumped and changed.
I ran an 03 6.0 stock for about 100k then gave it to my workers to use, we still have it , no problems with engine, just lots of front end stuff, also have F550 03 and no engine problems, hope that helps.
I have an 05 F350. At 96k the heads warped and had to be replaced. At 103k the turbo let loose and threw the vanes down the exhaust. At 125k the ECM for the Injectors went bad. Since they replaced that the mileage is really bad. It used to get around 16 pg combined city/highway. Now it is getting 12 mpg.
I just cant wait for the next thing to happen!!!
I have a Fleet Account with Ford and own a bunch of them. My next truck will NOT be a Ford. The Dodge Cummins is looking pretty good to me right now.
I have an 05 F-350 with 48000 miles and no problems. I use it for work and have towed a 10000 lb. skid steer without a problem. I feel the key is to always let the truck warm up and cool down before shutting it off and religiously changing the oil and all filters.
The 6.0 went through it's first good patch in late model 2004 production. That fixed most of the manufacturing issues with the original 6.0 release.
The 2005 moilels got this same engine as the late 2004 units.
I have a late 2004 machine and it has been just awesome! After the turbo update and it's change out and a mod to the EGR cooler, I've been good to go. Even pulling a 14,000lb 5th wheel on occaision.
No problems with head gaskets here. I actually had it chipped once with a predator which makes this engine purely AWESOME on power!
But I took it out because Ford is looking to void warranty, especially head gaskets related to chips.
I still like it unchipped and pull the camper or 10,000 boat trailer without any fear.
I think the hype about 6.0 reliability is mostly unfounded, except where chips are involved. Anything after the late 2004 build seems to be a good engine for most people. In fact, when I see people pulling a big load around in these parts, Ford powerstrokes are the ones that are doing the work. (Watch the highways for trucks pulling LOADS for your own self).
The 7.3 WAS definately a bullit-proof engine, but I'll take my now stock 6.0 and pull alongside any 7.3 that wants to pull with me.
Took Ford a while to "get a grip" on this engine, but I'm now good to go with the 6.0.
Mine is maintained myself for oil, filters and all...every 5,000 miles like clockwork. I run Delo 400 oil and Motorcraft filters and get an oil analysis report from Blackstone Labs every change. My reports are rock solid..indicating only no internal issues.
Any 6.0 after late 2004 should be more than OK.
You can go to the Ford Truck site (Ford Truck Enthusiasts) and get an OASIS report on a unit if you are looking to buy used.
__________________ Dog Tired
I'm for a government that is by the people and for the people!
I had an early 04 6.0 and sold it after 20K miles. Bought a 2005 dually and ran it stock for many miles then hot rodded it and had no problems either way. The updates to the motor made night and day differences in the motor. The early 04 was a turd, the 2005 was a joy to own! Good luck and pull an OASIS. The past history will give you a good indication of the future.
__________________ Mark Lacovara
Update your outriggers with www.reelnfree.com
I just picked a mid 05 Excursion 6.0, with 90k and I LOVE it. I bought it after alot of hesitation due to the reputation of the 6 liter. I took others advice, pulled an OASIS and felt much better after it came up almost perfect. It has amazing power and seems to reasonable performance for a diesel.............
I have no illusions though........I just bought an extended Ford ESP Diesel warranty , that covers everything major on the engine until 200k /7yrs. It was expensive, but the piece of mind it brings was well worth it........Especially when you consider what it cost to fix a diesel, any diesel.
I say go for it, if it has a clean OASIS and the truck doesnt look like its been beat on
Monstawhala, I was considering extending my warranty once it expires. Do you mind if I ask what the extended warranty cost you? If you'd rather not post you can send me a PM. With that 7 year 200,000, is it 7 years from the date your warranty expires or is that an additional 2 years on your 5 year factory warranty?
So far it sounds like the 6.0's are pretty decent from late '04 and up if left stock. My '05 F-250 with 67,000 miles had it's first repair last week when a hose started to leak a little oil at the clamp. Not bad for a truck with over 67,000.
Monstawhala, I was considering extending my warranty once it expires. Do you mind if I ask what the extended warranty cost you? If you'd rather not post you can send me a PM. With that 7 year 200,000, is it 7 years from the date your warranty expires or is that an additional 2 years on your 5 year factory warranty?
No Prob.....I bought the warranty through a friend of mine who is a dealer at his cost which is approx $1600. The price I have been able to find on the net is $1820. All dealers will price it out differently, I had one local dealer offer it to me for $2200. If you shop it on the net and bring it to the local guy, he will prob match it, cause either way he will get a commission on it from Ford.
The warranty period starts at the ORIGINAL in service date of the truck, so if the truck went in service on 1/05 the you add the seven years to that .......Which means you are gonna get about 4 years on a 7 yr warranty, but for the money its still worth it, especially when you consider what it would cost for the replacing head gaskets , if they should blow.......which these engine have a history of doing. I hope this helps
Here are the details from one dealership's site.........
Ford ESP – The Only Ford Extended Warranty Backed by the Strength and Stability of Ford Motor Company
ESP For Diesel Engines
CALL US FOR DIESEL ENGINE PLANS. YOU COULD BE COVERED TODAY!
Our Price: $1,820* Diesel EngineCARE Plus 6.0, 6.4 and 7.3 L
7 Year / 200,000 Mile Coverage
21 Covered Components:
* Internal Lubricated Parts
* Cylinder Block
* Cylinder Heads
* Oil Pump
* Timing Chain Cover
* Timing Chain (Gears or Belt)
* Turbocharger (Factory Installed)
* Thermostat
* Thermostat Housing
* Water Pump
* Fuel Injectors
* Flywheel
* Manifold (Exhaust and Intake)
* Manifold and Bolts
* Oil Pan
* Seals and Gaskets (Includes Cylinder Head Gasket)
* Valve Covers
* Crankcase Oil Cooler
* EGR Cooler
* Fuel Injection Pump
* Fuel Injection Pressure Regulator
Regular Price: $2,500*
Our Price: $2,050*
* Plans sold beyond 12 months or 12,000 miles add $100 to price.
* No other discounts apply.
* Vehicles with snowplow add $300 to pricing (snowplow surcharge–dealers must include the snowplow surcharge on vehicles equipped with factory option codes such as 86M, 862, 863, 864, 62B, 62S, 63A, 53C, 473, 627 and 47S that are, or will be, fitted with a snowplow).
Ambulance, shuttle, tow truck surcharge (specialty) add $755 to pricing.
Ineligible vehicles: any vehicle that is not a Ford E-250/350/450, F-250/350/450/550 or Excursion.
The eligibility period for the purchase of a Diesel EngineCare Plus 21 item coverage plan is within the 3 yr / 36,000 mile warranty period. The eligibility period for the purchase of a Diesel EngineCare 13 item coverage plan is within the 5 yr / 100,000 mile diesel engine warranty period.
Diesel EngineCARE and Diesel EngineCARE Plus both feature:
$0 Deductible
Roadside Assistance Benefits
* Flat tire change.
* Battery jump starts.
* Towing when the vehicle is disabled (limited to one tow per diablement).
* Lock-out assistance.
* Out of fuel assistance–delivery of up to five gallons of diesel fuel.
* Travel reimbursement up to $500 for up to three days lodging, meals and rental vehicle for travel expenses accrued when the breakdown occurs 100 miles or more from home.
* Destination assistance covers taxi, shuttle or rental car expense up to $75 for emergency transportation to the immediate destination.
* Call 1-800-241-3673 to obtain roadside service.
Transferrable
Rental Benefits
$30/day for up to 10 days.
Enhanced rental option available
Coverage Includes
* Coverage includes repair or replacement of covered components for the time and mileage period you select. Parts and labor are included.
* Failure of covered components due to normal wear resulting from defective material or workmanship are included, in addition to mechanical breakdowns.
* Coverage expires at the number of months or miles purchased from the warranty start date or zero miles, whichever comes first.
We have an 05 Excursion with around 75K and an 06 F350 with around 60K. Both have been reliable and I would buy them again. The only problem was the excursion had some sensor that went bad and the dealer fixed it. Otherwise spotless. I like it better than my previous 7.3.
2006 f-250 stock 6.0. 55k and No mechanical problems..... BUT.... I never get more than 11 mpg out of a tank @ 50/50 hwy/city!!!! And that's not towing anything.
Thank heavens D cost is now below reg. gas not 50 cents over prem!
06 F-250 King Ranch with 86k on it. No problems with the engine at all. The ECM took a dump at 125 miles, the electronic heat/AC control went dead one -10* morning last winter, other than that I have done nothing with the truck. I get 16mpg hwy and 14 around home. Towing 8-10K pounds will do around 9-11 mpg depending on terrain, traffic and throttle.
Lot's of guys around here wishing they had their 6.0 or 7.3 back after buying the new 6.4. Reports of 6-8 mpg local and 11-12 hwy are not uncommon. The 6.4 has good power but not a lot different than the 6.0 from what I can tell.
Stock Ford 6.0 '05 and up. 
