New '05 F250 6.0L owner - what to do next?

[briany]

I am sure there are numerous threads with newbies asking this question, but every engine is different so I'll tell you what I know about mine.

It is an '05 with 128,000 miles. I took it to a diesel mechanic in town before purchase for an inspection and they were impressed with its overall condition. It has an aftermarket air filter, but has not been chipped.

The Oasis report shows the EGR cooler was replaced at 81K. The headgaskets blew at 84K and were replaced. The mechanic assured me the warranty work at that time would have included the beefier studs. Two fuel injectors were replaced at that time as well.

So, it is an engine that has seen some repairs, but have largely fixed the big issues. The EGR could go again, so I plan on doing the block at the mechanics shop and he advised a new oil cooler at the same time.

What do you all think? Are these the right things to do and what else would you consider doing as preventive maintenance. I plan on doing complete fluid and filter changes as well just so I know where I'm starting.

Any advice is appreciated, as I have never even owned a pickup truck before, let alone a beautiful beast like this!

Brian

[Chango]

Brian first off welcome to the site. You are correct some motors have their own little quirks but being that your trucks past issues are cookie cutter as far as what happens to our trucks your best bet is to grab a 6 pack and spend some time reading thru the wealth of information here. When you see something you want to read more about, there is a search feature in the upper right corner below where it says your name. Good luck !

[Lilpooh]

Things to consider about owning a 6.0L

[FordWake]

yeah read that..


Also if you do tear into it.. I suggest STC fitting. Its not hard and your right there anyway.

Oh and welcome THIS IS THE BEST FORUM FOR INFO ON YOUR 6.0 hands down . These guys are great and help out everyone.

[Weberman3]

First welcome to the sight. The first thing I did when I first got my 05 Powerstroke was get a EGR delete Onyx Head Gaskets, and ARP Head Studs. So far no problems at all. Now im working on getting a Edge CTS with EGR probe and fuel pressure. Then maybe some Aussie Stacks. Just a few things I am doing. Basically all my mods are major steps in bulletproofing the 6.0.
1. Get rid of the darn EGR
2. ARP Head Studs so the head gaskets will not blow(theres still a chance)
3. Onyx Head Gaskets (barely a chance of the gaskets being blown now)
4. A tuner or custom tune (not necessary but really helps)
5. Exhaust System (once again not necessary but really helps)

Some people say a coolant filter but I believe if you just get the system flushed, you should be okay. If your having problems with your oil cooler, replace that right away.

[Weberman3]

First welcome to the sight. The first thing I did when I first got my 05 Powerstroke was get a EGR delete Onyx Head Gaskets, and ARP Head Studs. So far no problems at all. Now im working on getting a Edge CTS with EGR probe and fuel pressure. Then maybe some Aussie Stacks. Just a few things I am doing. Basically all my mods are major steps in bulletproofing the 6.0.
1. Get rid of the darn EGR
2. ARP Head Studs so the head gaskets will not blow(theres still a chance)
3. Onyx Head Gaskets (barely a chance of the gaskets being blown now)
4. A tuner or custom tune (not necessary but really helps)
5. Exhaust System (once again not necessary but really helps)

Some people say a coolant filter but I believe if you just get the system flushed, you should be okay. If your having problems with your oil cooler, replace that right away.

[briany]

Thanks to all for the thoughtful replies. I have no doubt I will learn immense amounts here. I paid about three thousand less than the Kelley Blue Book retail, so I am still hoping that I got a "good deal".

It's a little painful to pay that kind of money for a vehicle that has more miles than the 2003 Jeep GC it will be replacing, but I have needs now that the Jeep simply will not accommodate. I fell in love with the first King Ranch I saw and that was that. I won't be pushing it at all with my current towing needs, but I simply wanted to know that my ~5000lb boat/trailer behind me will have all it needs to be towed safely.

Thanks again,
Brian