Engine Quit

[clutchcargo]

Greetings all,
This is my first post and I wish the circumstances were better. I bought this '04' 6.0 used about 16 months ago. It had 58k original miles on it, Ford had already replaced the engine, tranny and turbo for various problems, it now has 78,000 miles on it. I figured I had a 50/50 chance of getting a good running truck because the original problems had already been fixed.
The truck ran flawlessly until last week. I was going back to work after lunch and the engine started making a slight tapping noise when I got above 1400 rpms, like a lifter was hitting a cover or something. I only had another 1/2 mile to go so I thought I'll check the oil when I get back. Well, I never made it. About 2 minutes later I turned a corner and started to accellerate, I heard what sounded like a belt snapping and the engine stopped.
After looking the engine over, nothing leaking, oil and coolant level good, belts in place, I tried to start it. The starter tried to engage but the motor would not turn.
I got it towed to the dealer and they said the following:
1. The engine is still under warrenty.
2. Since I had a NAPA oil filter on it, it might void the warrenty.
3. The tech was only able to hand turn the engine about a quarter turn in either direction.
4. They are understaffed and it may take awhile to get to it.
5. They are going to try and see if an injector came apart without removing the cab.
6. If they have to R&R the engine, the approval process may be lengthy.

I have had the oil changed every 3000 miles, there are no mods and I take great care in operating the vehicle.

Any idea what may have happened and what are my options if they try to say the warrenty is voided?
I appreciate any responses.

[m-chan68]

The warranty will only be voided, IF IT CAN BE PROVEN THAT THE AFTERMARKET PART CAUSED THE FAILURE.

By your description of the symptoms, it sounds like your engine has hydrolocked, either by coolant or fuel. Is this an early-build '04 (equipped with an '03 engine) or a late-build '04? The reason I ask is because 2003 model year engines seem to be more prone to injector failures, particularly over-fueling, which sounds like what happened in your case. If this is the case, I highly doubt that Ford will void your warranty. If it's any consolation, aftermarket oil filters can potentially cause high pressure oil system starvation due to the oil pressure relief valve not properly closed, but not an injector failure.

For what's it's worth, STAY AWAY from aftermarket air, fuel and oil filters from this date forward.

[clutchcargo]

I don't know if it's an '03 or '04 build. The engine was replaced near the end of '06, so I really don't know what I've got in there. The new oil only had roughly 1000 miles on it and I've always had the same shop do the oil without any problems. I can give you the VIN if that will tell you anything.
From now on I will buy Ford filters and just make sure they put them in.
Thanks for the response.

[m-chan68]

Originally Posted by clutchcargo

I don't know if it's an '03 or '04 build. The engine was replaced near the end of '06, so I really don't know what I've got in there. The new oil only had roughly 1000 miles on it and I've always had the same shop do the oil without any problems. I can give you the VIN if that will tell you anything.

Yes, you can send me a PM with the VIN if you don't feel comfortable posting it publicly and I'll be able to tell.

Originally Posted by clutchcargo

From now on I will buy Ford filters and just make sure they put them in.
Thanks for the response.

Good Call!

[clutchcargo]

Got the truck back after almost 3 weeks, not too bad considering there's only one diesal guy. Reman engine and new starter. The service guy told me I would only get the rest of the 5 yr. 100k warranty (expires in July) on this install. I went to the Ford website and downloaded their reman engine warranty page and took it to the dealer. Clearly states the engine gets a 2 year warranty from time of install. Don't understand what that was all about. The dealer may get the shaft on all the 6.0 warranty work, but that's not the customers fault.