03 6.0 issues

[ajetmech]

Ok not too sure where to start. I have am 03 6.0 with 140K on it. I bought it used in the end of July. First time I towed with it I got a coughing sound from what sounded like the air box area wile towing a 7k trailer up a small hill and check engine light came on popped code for EGR valve so I changed it and all good for a bit. I get the cough sound every so often while towing, it happens right around 60 MPH and 2500 RPM. I do not have any pods or gauges other than the stock ones. When it does happen my fuel economy goes to crap so I finally took it today. They want 300-400 just to trouble shoot and tell me what’s wrong. Not fix the problem it is just to find the problem. They said it is either high oil pressure or low fuel pressure causing it. I asked if the recall about reprogramming the computer would cause it or if it was an issue I was told that they never heard of that being a problem. This is my first diesel and I know just enough to get the feeling the guy is trying to take me. Am I on the right track or could it really be one of those issues? If so where is a good place to start?

[hanbanjula]

You should check is there engine light on or any pending code in there?

[ajetmech]

No codes or light. I check for pending codes and codes that pop. I haven't had any codes or light since the EGR valve change.

[hanbanjula]

So, only towing got this problem. No tow is fine right? When You chage EGR did You clean the EGR port also? HPOP is possible, fuel had water, air are also possible. PCM had no recall on this one.

[ajetmech]

Only happens while towing. I do notice one thing when I select tow haul mode I feel a big diffeance while driving with or without a load on it. The truck feels to be slugish. I know it changes the gearing on the tranny so it wont shift as fast but on other trucks I had I could not really notice a differance while driving it normally. I picked it up from the dealer last night and he was telling me they think it is a fuel issue and an injector intermittenly going bad and it will be around 600-800 to fix. I live in a small town an dthe dealers and repair shops here have a bad rap so I dont trust them. I did clean the port best I could i did not change the pulg to the EGR valve. What is HPOP? I also had the dealer change all the fuel fliters as well. he did say I need to change alot more regularly. I bought the truck used in late July and the dealer said that they changed all the fluids and filter before they put it on the lot.

[hanbanjula]

HPOP= high pressure oil pump. Fuel injector went bad? Did he told you which cylinder or not? Usually injector won't get bad on 8 at once. So which one is it? What is the dyno test result when they finished, did they show you? Your symptom like other post. He end up change FCIM end up good. But what I am trying to say is everybody had similar symptom but dyno test result can talk. Since You already dyno by them, they should told which exactly need to replace. I hope its not end up with trans solenoied, maybe i'm wrong because it will through out code with EGR first, but people change EGR and later tranny code come on. Your truck is 4x4 right?

[hanbanjula]

FICM= fuel injector control module. Try this link. Becarful not fry out the module.
http://www.bscustoms.net/diesel/FICM.pdf

[herman07]

Check ficm voltage, fuel filters, and fuel pressure. Get the blue spring upgrade for fuel pressure regulator. I have heard many speak of rev-ex to prolong the death of sticking or failing injectors. Never needed the stuff myself, but heard many with good reports.

The 6.0 needs clean oil, clean fuel at constant pressure, consistent voltage from ficm, and some good luck to run at peak.

Goood luck.

[ajetmech]

They did not give me any test results. The miliage was only 2.3 miles from when I took it in. I told they did the check as a favor to me so they did not charge me for those test. I did an oil and fuel filter change on it. As far as an injector how can I tell if one is going bad? I printed the stuff to to check the voltage for the FICM. What is the blue spring upgrade and is it pretty easy to do? I also was looking at the post about the EBP valve and line cleaning which I am going to do when I get home this weekend. If it is broke I will spend the money to fix right I just dont want to be nickled and dimmed to death.

[LHMissions]

Rest assured - 6.0's NEVER nickle and dime you to death. They are always $50 & $100 bills! Not trying to scare you - I have an early '03 6.0 and though I have dumped a rediculious amount of money in my truck in the last 2 years - I love my truck!

What area do you live in - first - you need to find a GOOD TRUSTABLE mechanic that knows these 6.0's. VERY important. Not just any mechanic will do. Chances are someone on here will know of someone that can help you better then the help you are currently getting.

I'm also curious what is the blue-spring upgrade???