2004 6.0 Problems

[RugRat]

It all started a couple months ago when I noticed a rubber type smell in the cab. It kind of reminded me of a bicycle tube smell when first taking it out of the box. It wasn't a burning smell. In any case, it mainly did it went towing my camper on higher inclines under load. Then I had it happend once or twice when going up steeper inclines for long period unhooked. Well, now it is happening more frequently to the point where I had to leave the windows open this past weekend when towing. I had also notice a low noise/moan coming from the engine compartment when intially taking off and now the heat turns cold when stopped, but comes back full heat when accelerating/driving. Any thoughts on what the problem could be? Are they all related. The only thing I have done recently was replace the EGR valve. I am planning on taking it to the dealer next week as I have not been able to find the problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DaveBen]

to SuperDutyDiesel, Rugrat. My only thought would be s slipping belt causing the burning smell and the loose of cooling power. But who knows?

Please fill out your signature here: http://www.superdutydiesel.com/foru...eres-how-add-custom-signature-your-posts.html
so we can better help you.

Dave

 

[RugRat]

I had the belt replaced around 38K and it appears to be ok. It isn't a burning smell, but an awful rubber type smell. More chemical than burning.

 

[RoyBoy]

You're sure its not an exhaust smell? Cracked exhaust y-pipes are fairly common on the 6.0.

 

[fordtrucker4life!]

Like copper wire insulation burning?

 

[RugRat]

Just got back from the dealer and the only good thing I can say is they didn't charge me for looking at it. They could not reproduce the smell, but told me my coolant level was low. Now I am wondering if the smell is related to the low coolant. I don't see any leaks on the ground and the smell isn't they typical syrup smell you associated with coolant leaks. Any thoughts? The heat seems to work properly again.

 

[kenholl]

Possibly a leak in your heating core. When towing up-hill, higher temps may have been forcing fluid to leak from your heater core, causing you to smell it. That would also explain the loss in fluid.

Next time you smell it, set your heater to blow out thru your dash vents. See if that is how the smell is expressing into the cab. If it is, your problem is surely the core.

 

[bushpilot]

dont panic over the spilt coolant...YET....
check this TSB <link> to determine if the degas bottle
has been overfilled.

FDDTS - Recall In Review - 05B32


look for white deposits around the coolant degas bottle...
this is an indication of coolant being "forced" outta the bottle...
some refer to this a "PUKING"

if the coolant bottle has not been over filled then further determination
needs to be performed to check for combustion gases in the
coolant.

you can test for combustion leaks <in the coolant> via the following kit
and "diesel" test fluid -->

75500 Combustion Leak Detector KIT
75730 Combustion Leak Detector Fluid For Diesel

you can also check for coolant in the oil via an oil sampling
and testing --> Blackstone Laboratories - Diesel Engines

the above test will help in determining if you have a cracked
egr cooler or blow head gaskets (whats causing them will require
further diagnoses)

 

[bushpilot]

Possibly a leak in your heating core. When towing up-hill, higher temps may have been forcing fluid to leak from your heater core, causing you to smell it. That would also explain the loss in fluid.

Next time you smell it, set your heater to blow out thru your dash vents. See if that is how the smell is expressing into the cab. If it is, your problem is surely the core.

havent heard of any busted heater cores <yet> but it a good place
to check.

also if the heater core is leaking wouldnt the carpet be wet in the
cab (passenger side floor board) ?

 

[RugRat]

Called the dealer back today and was able to speak directly with the mechanic. He stated to bring it back in and he would replace the EGR cooler to see if that fixed the problem. If that isn't it, then they would replace the head gaskets. I did see some evidence of where it looked like it might have blown some coolant out of the cap.