New to Diesel - Questions

[Steve Edwards]

I just bought a 2013 F-250 with the 6.7 Turbo Diesel.
First question: When I bought it from Ford dealer, they tried selling me a $2500 extended warranty, and I said "no thanks". The salesman said are you sure, because if you have to replace injectors, that can cost about $6000. Should I have paid that for an extended warranty that I believe was for 3 years, or not worry about it? I have always worked on my own gas vehicles, as long as it was not extensive. I know NOTHING about what is involved in the operation and maintenance of a diesel engine.
Some thoughts would be nice.
Only reason I bought this vehicle is, that we are thinking of buying a toyhauler 5th wheel.

 

[DaveBen]

Maintenance is the key to a long engine life. Do your own oil and filters per the schedule in the maintenance book. This should get you many miles. I have been doing my own since I bought my 2004 F-350 in late 2003. I have not yet needed to change the injectors or the pump. The salesman's job is to SELL! He makes $$$ on everything he sells.

 

[Steve Edwards]

So don't be worried that I shouldn't have bought a diesel? I am getting between 19-20 mpg on the highway, is that pretty much it? And not sure about this DEF fluid thing, and when to add it. What is the best oil to use in a diesel? Sorry just gotta get some of these questions out there. Is there any reason to run some injector cleaner through it, or just assume that the dealer may have done that before they put out on the lot for resale? Dealer selling was an actual Ford dealership.

 

[DaveBen]

You can use any oil weight that works with your engine (owners manual) as long as the oil is Diesel Rated. I used to use 15W-40 but I got romps when it got cold soI switched to 5W 40 and it runs perfectly. I have a different engine so what works for me might not work for you. I don't know anything about DEF. Mileage sounds about right. Your right foot controls the MPGs.

 

[Steve Edwards]

You can use any oil weight that works with your engine (owners manual) as long as the oil is Diesel Rated. I used to use 15W-40 but I got romps when it got cold soI switched to 5W 40 and it runs perfectly. I have a different engine so what works for me might not work for you. I don't know anything about DEF. Mileage sounds about right. Your right foot controls the MPGs.

Yea, I baby everything that I own. Any reason to put injector cleaner in, or leave it alone? Don't want to cause the injectors to clog, because I may dislodge some crap in the fuel line.

 

[troutwest66]

Instead of cleaner I would research what fuel conditioner works for the 6.7. I use Power Service/ Diesel Kleen in my 6.0 and I used it with my old 7.3 IDI. In Michigan you'll want something for the winter for anti-gel like we do here in Idaho. Power Service has worked for me very well so far. Maintaining fuel filters properly helps keep water out of your fuel system which protects the injectors as well.

 

[RSG]

Yes, fuel conditioner/cetane boost keeps our fuel pumps...pumping. Like DaveBen says, follow manual for oil recommendations and change intervals. My new '17 has a much longer run time than I'm used to. Put 18k on it so far this year and 3 oil changes. Your mileage is as good or better than what I see. I love diesels, and no I don't think it's a mistake. But that's just my 2cents!

 

[01yellerCobra]

This is my first diesel and it takes some getting used to. I do my own maintenance as well. I'm at 52k on my 2015 and I've been using Motorcraft oil and filters. This last change I went with Shell T4 because the store didn't have the Motorcraft diesel oil. I usually run the 10w-40 since it never really gets cold here and its listed in the manual.

As for the DEF it uses about 1 gallon per 1000 miles. At least that's how it is with my truck. I check the information occasiaonlly and once it goes under half full I put in 2.5 gallons. Which is what most jugs I've found are sized at.