just picked up an 03 6.0, where do I start?

[jmpf250]

I just picked up a 2003 6.0 F250. I have read a lot of info on this site and it's quite overwhelming. It has 117k and I have no history on what was done to the truck previous to me. Just curious what I should start with as far as maintenence and trying to prevent any type of head gasket failure that seems to be a common problem with the 6.0s.

[White7.3stroker]

If it were me i would do a egr delete for sure just to get that out of the way before it give you trouble but then again it may never give you trouble..but i dont have a 6.0 i just know what my buddys have done! Maybe a 6.0 guy help you out! Is the truck stock as far as you know? No tuner,exhaust, intake that will prolly help these guys help ya out!
And Welcome to the Org!!
Sent from my DROID X2

[Fishermedic]

First off get a monitor so you can find out what you need to do. If you've read a lot you've seen something on the importance of gauges and you ECT/EOT delta.

After you know your oil cooler situation you can start making plans. You might want to change the fluids and filters (oil, trans, etc.) if you don't know when they were done.

Post up some pics of the truck!

[jmpf250]

The truck is pretty much stock from what I can tell, the only mods I see are superwinch manual lockers unless that came standard on the powerstrokes. There is also a K&N but I may go back to stock on that because I am not sure it's the right one for that truck, it just doesn't look like it was made for my motor.

[jmpf250]

Originally Posted by Fishermedic

First off get a monitor so you can find out what you need to do. If you've read a lot you've seen something on the importance of gauges and you ECT/EOT delta.

After you know your oil cooler situation you can start making plans. You might want to change the fluids and filters (oil, trans, etc.) if you don't know when they were done.

Post up some pics of the truck!

I will post pics tomorrow, any special place to get gauges? What gauges are most important on the 6.0?

[tazme695]

I also Just picked up a stock 06 F250 6.0 It has 76,000 OTC. I got the oasis report before I even bought it. The good news was that the Engine and turbo were replaced 30k ago! bad news is Ford puts a new LB in so its like starting from fresh! It does have updated TSB for HPOP and EGR Cooler! My question is I have the SCT X3 and I run the street tune. I am Amazed!!!! by the power but hold back from pouring the coals to her! My street tune was set up by Mike from Sinister. I adjusted my line pressures and my shift points and all is good I want to prevent any problems from happening my dash has Tranny temp, ECT temp I want to add EGT gauge and Oil temp to keep a close eye on everyone! any suggestions on a good gauge set or should I just buy the Insight and be done?

[Fishermedic]

Your most cost effective way to get gauges is with the Scangauge or Edge Insight. Both will monitor everything you'll need and read and clear DTC's. The Insight CTS is the most expensive choice but has a touch screen so it's a bigger screen to show your data on. The insight CS is not a touch screen so the data is a little smaller. The Scangauge is the least expensive, smaller screen like the Insight CS and if you want to add fuel pressure and EGT sensors it's a little more work that the Insight (if I understand correctly). I have the Insight CTS, I wanted the bigger screen, and it paid for itself on the test drive when I bought the truck. Since then it's paid for itself again when my FICM went and again when my alternator started heading south.

If you were to buy regular gauges for everything you wanted to read it'd cost you a lit more than the Insight CTS and you wouldn't have anything to read and clear codes. If you like the look of gauges then by all means get some but the monitor is still an essential tool.

[brogers7870]

You could get sct livewire that u can put custom tunes on later down the road itll let u monitor the truck and will save u money so u don't have to buy tuner and gauges. That's what I'm gonna do. Then egr delete and straight pipe is a good place to start. I'd say oil cooler, studs and head gaskets should be next on the list after that. I would look in to coolant filter as well. Its expensive to do all that but if u have the cash they r definitley the mods to start with as far as reliability goes.

[tazme695]

I agree my research has led me to the CTS plus it has the A/v input for my back-up camera! Thanks for the advise and your opinion! I just ordered my lift and my shocks and Steering stabilizers! (truck sits to low!)

[jmpf250]

Originally Posted by brogers7870

You could get sct livewire that u can put custom tunes on later down the road itll let u monitor the truck and will save u money so u don't have to buy tuner and gauges. That's what I'm gonna do. Then egr delete and straight pipe is a good place to start. I'd say oil cooler, studs and head gaskets should be next on the list after that. I would look in to coolant filter as well. Its expensive to do all that but if u have the cash they r definitley the mods to start with as far as reliability goes.

Are headgaskets that common that I need to replace them as preventive maintenence?