Engine Problems: Are the stories true?

[mn_voyageur]

I have spoken with two of my friends. One owns a F250 and the other an F350. Both are considering leaving Ford once the warranty is over.

Both trucks have been in and out of the shop for various factory service bulletins. Neither has installed chips or other modifications. Straight factory trucks.

I need a diesel to tow a 5th wheel trailer. Should I find a 7.3 and use it?

Mark

 

[WD40]

I don't think so. My trailer is about 16,000 LB and my 6.0 does a great job of it and it's all stock except for the 4 in EX and a sat of gages that I had put on it. If you can find a 06 or 07 I think you will be very happy with it.
Good Luck

 

[bushpilot]

there were some early problems...and like anything NEW there are
training & experiance pains...never EVER buy 1st model year anything
(is my rule....ever since '99 when i got burnt by a bmw motorcycle).

most problems are now worked out or easily solved...if youre looking
for used, consider learning about all the TSB's and makeing sure the
unit has has the work performed.

its not just ford...GMC had issues w/ early model year duramax's and the
tranny on the dodges continue to be weak (not to mention their rattle
trap bodies)

the 6.4 is shaking out VERY VERY NICELY...its a complecated engine
no doubt...but its had VERY FEW issues (considering its a 1st mod. year).

no matter what you buy 6.0 or 6.4 if you start mod'ing the motor youll
increase your chances of having problems (and you likely will be left
w/out warranty coverage).

the 6.4 has grown on me but i see NO reason to get rid of my paid for 6.0...
its been a GREAT <problem free> truck since DAY ONE !

 

[fly boy]

My 07 just rolled 17K miles with no problems. It was getting 13-14 miles per gallon but now that it is getting broke in it gets more like 17-19 mpg. She runs great and pulls like a pissed off mule!

 

[F350DRW1]

My 04 just turned 200,000 and the only real work done was an EGR cooler. And that was at around 170,000. Its used for towing about 60% of the time, and not babied. I run a Banks 6 Gun with a speed loader, MBRP 4" exhaust turbo back w/out a cat, Airaid intake, zoo-dad mod, and a Banks intercooler. The vehicle is never abused, but is very well maintained.

 

[Scooter]

My thought on the 6.0 is that if you totally baby them, never tow a trailer, never step on it, etc. all the things that constitute hard usage, they do not like it. I tow a trailer probabyl 80% of the time with my truck, I step on it to get around traffic, and just generally give it a chance to stretch its legs and have had excellent luck with it.

 

[bushpilot]

My thought on the 6.0 is that if you totally baby them, never tow a trailer, never step on it, etc. all the things that constitute hard usage, they do not like it. I tow a trailer probabyl 80% of the time with my truck, I step on it to get around traffic, and just generally give it a chance to stretch its legs and have had excellent luck with it.

i would agree...I perform the scheduled maint. myself and i make
SURE it sees full boost every time it goes out...its too fun to drive
NOT to run up the boost <often>

I dont tow alot, about 15-20k miles, since ive owned the truck...its
the family car for the most part !

ive had less problems w/ this truck than i did in 150k miles w/ my
96 f150 2wd 5.0L gasser

 

[bern rattler]

Mine is THE BEST truck I've ever owned, bar none. I drive 85 miles round trip up to 6 days a week, mostly interstate and for 83,000 miles she's never had a hickup! I had the glowplug harness replaced when it had 40,000 because of an oil leak that that's been it.

BUILT FORD TOUGH!