Thinking of going to the "dark side"

[azkick-n40]

I have a '03 F250 6.0l and it has treated me just fine so far (27500 miles), but for some reason I have lost faith in it.

I live at 7000 feet elevation where it runs good (once it warms up), but when I go to Phoenix (1500 ft.) it idles VERY rough. I recently was stuck in a 4 hour traffic jam and felt like I was riding a mule. Brought it into the dealership in Flagstaff (all recalls done except most recent) and they can't find the problem and tell me to bring it back to Phoenix to a dealership there. Easier said than done w/ young family, coaching, running a company, etc.

Any ideas about rough idle?

I am contemplating buying a '06 GM Duramax/Allison. The $15k additional I have to spend is kind of like insurance to not get stuck on the side of the road with a 5 1/2 and 3 year old.

Am I being paranoid about something that hasn't happened yet?

Should the injectors go bad, can I at least limp it into a dealership?

Thanks!

Brian

 

[DaveBen]

I would bet you have a bad EGR valve and that and the EBP sensor will cuase vibrations in the engine. EBP = Exhaust Back Pressure sensor.

Dave

 

[TexasExcursion]

The $15k additional I have to spend is kind of like insurance to not get stuck on the side of the road with a 5 1/2 and 3 year old.

I've got little kids, too, so I understand what you're saying. However, buying a new truck isn't much of an insurance policy, IMO. You could very easily have the same problems on a different truck--regardless of manufacturer. I'd run this problem to the ground before giving up a truck that hasn't given you any problems until now. GM and Dodge are having their individual problems with trucks just like Ford is.

Welcome to SDD, by the way.

 

[powerboatr]

I've got little kids, too, so I understand what you're saying. However, buying a new truck isn't much of an insurance policy, IMO. You could very easily have the same problems on a different truck--regardless of manufacturer. I'd run this problem to the ground before giving up a truck that hasn't given you any problems until now. GM and Dodge are having their individual problems with trucks just like Ford is.

Welcome to SDD, by the way.

yep
go read the cheby and dodge stuff at our sister site
gm is having egr issues, overheating etc, the little allison they put in the trucks is great, but they have tried to boulevard it to much to make it soccer mom friendly (sorry) so its having issues dealing with tq.
dodge
well we all know , great little cummins engine, just a bad set up from there back. everyone is going through the (70's emissions laws syndrome) remeber when cars kept running when you shut em off, poor economy bad power, overheating etc.
well we are now up against another hurdle environmental wise. it to shall pass, but unfortunately so will alot of cars and trucks
airplanes etc.
IMO this year and last are probably going ot go down as the best overall for light duty trucks and power, for at least the next 6 or so years. the newer EPA mandates will take a few to get right, just like when carter was in office...
ever heard of hex chrome?

 

[azkick-n40]

I've got little kids, too, so I understand what you're saying. However, buying a new truck isn't much of an insurance policy, IMO. You could very easily have the same problems on a different truck--regardless of manufacturer. I'd run this problem to the ground before giving up a truck that hasn't given you any problems until now. GM and Dodge are having their individual problems with trucks just like Ford is.

Welcome to SDD, by the way.

Thanks for the welcome and good advice.

 

[azkick-n40]

I would bet you have a bad EGR valve and that and the EBP sensor will cuase vibrations in the engine. EBP = Exhaust Back Pressure sensor.

Dave

DaveBen,

Are you speculating that the EBP may be bad as well as the EGR, or just the EGR?

Any ideas how they may be able to diagnose it up here in Flagstaff, where it runs great?

Brian

 

[Shawnrans]

I think Dave is right. It seems as though it must be an air issue due to the fact that it only seems to act up when there is a significant change in altitude. My Duramax goes back to the dealer this Friday on a Lemon Law
that took 6 months to handle. My '05 Dodge blew a transmission and an
Intercooler the first time I pulled my fifth wheel. You have a superior product,
even though it is the first model of the 6.0. Make time to get it to Phoenix
and ask to speak to one of the diesel mechanics. You will probably get the
answers you seek and get your truck fixed.

 

[W4RLR]

I concur. A $15 large "insurance policy"? Woof! You can get better odds in Lost Wages!

 

[DaveBen]

Well after those guys, yes I think your EGR is dirty and maybe you have a bad EBP.

Dave

 

[TexasExcursion]

Well after those guys, yes I think your EGR is dirty and maybe you have a bad EBP.

Dave

Warranty.