'04 6.0 No power from 0-3000 RPM

[Big-Tom]

Hi everyone!

I bought a 2004 F350 Duallie 4x4 AT SB in January. It has always ripped out from a stop under full acceleration. The only mods is has is a K&N Intake and no muffler with a 4" exhaust. It has 100k and can pull my 9,000lb TT like it's not even there. It gets around 14mpg around town and close to 20 on the highway(without the trailer). I really love this truck.

Went to NYC on thurs pulling 3500lb box trailer, and did around 900mi, non-stop except for fill-ups. Yesterday, on a pull-out, it was dead till I hit about 2500-3000rpm, shifts to 2nd gear and spins the rear wheels. Yes, at that time, I can hear the turbo spool up. No turbo whine till about 3,000 rpm. If I'm rolling 20mph and hit the gas, I get whiplash(It's great like before). The problem gets a little better when the truck warms up, but not totally normal as before.

This morning, I went to get an oil change and replace the fuel filters. Much to my surprise, my animal was back. From a cold start, power was instant and the turbo was whining to beat the band. I still replaced the oil and filter, and changed the fuel filters(they were clean).

After replacing these items, my first pull out was the 0-3000 turtle again, and 2nd gear spinning tires once the turbo kicked in. Again, after warming up, the problem slightly remedied itself, but no way near normal.

Holy Smokes what's happening? (BTW, It's not blowing any smoke and there's no oil splash on or around the motor, the tranny is starting in 1st gear and the tank was down to 1/2 when this all started) When I bought it, I got an oasis and showed a similar problem(no power on pull out) in December of 06, at which time Ford replaced the turbo. Is my current turbo buying the farm?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated? I know many of you get down and dirty with these babies, and I'll bet some of you are Ford diesel mechanics...And if you're near Pittsburgh, I'll be over to see you tomorrow? Please HELP....

Thanks in advance
Tom

[Big-Tom]

Just spoke to a Ford diesel mechanic. He said it sounds like a sticking VGT(I think). He said the high RPM turbo is overboosted and can cause you to blow your head gasket. He said there's a lot of tsb's on this. Least case scenario is to replace some module and clean the turbo vanes(approx 3-4 hours labor) Worst case scenario, replace turbo...yuck!

Any collaboration my powerstroke hommies?

[powerhoghp]

First thing would be to test the function of the vgt solenoid, if it sticks or the wiring is frayed/ shorting out, the turbo will not spool. I assume you can check it first with a multi-meter for current flow, the try just tapping lightly with a hammer. Drive it for awhile and see if that helped at all. Next check for any codes, regardless of a CEL or not. Finally you can try replacing the solenoid and cleaning the vanes.

['04STROKE]

Mine did the same thing, and showed no codes. Pull your VGT actuator, make sure it doesn't have trash stuck in it, hose it out with carb cleaner, reinstall (be careful with the bolt that holds this thing on the turbo, it's easy to drop on intallation). Next, I know this sounds dumb, check the connection where the plug goes into the accelerator pedal. The pins get loose and don't make a good connection, this can cause the same type of problem you are having. Hope this helps.

[Big-Tom]

Took it to dealer today and gave diesel specialist your recommendations, which he totally dusted away and stated: "I will find the problem...I've never missed yet" He reminded me so much of Don Knotts when he played Barney Fife, that I broke down and started laughing. He could pass for his twin. He said he was NOT trying to be humerous...OH Well? I let you know what deputy Fife says.

Thanks Again everyone...you're an awesome group!

Tom

[Big-Tom]

Just received a call from the dealer. It was an EBP sensor. They said it's fixed and running just fine. I guess I'll find out when I pick it up tonight. $300.00 out the door...phew, not bad. Barney said VGT and turbo were fine.

Thanks again everyone for your input!

Tom