Good info and tips for 6.0 owners

[raiderfan171]

Found this information on another site, and thought it was excellent information for 6.0 owners.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (w/ probable causes):
2005 Update Page 07 Diagnostic Codes P0046 thru P0275

1. EGR SYSTEMS
Prevent EGR Plugging/Sticking:
Get the most recent flash (it eliminates EGR operation at extended idle)
Use good quality fuel and occaisionally "drive it like you stole it"
Minimize extended idling - especially at rpm's under 1200.
Synthetic oil and fuel additives may help prevent soot which can deposit on your turbo ( exhaust side).
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-01.php


Resolve EGR Plugging/Sticking:
Delete it:
Do it properly by blocking off flow entirely to EGR valve and cooler.
Some 2005 and up vehicles will throw a code that can only be cleared w/ a tuner.

Disconnect it:
If you just disconnect it, do it properly. Even if it is disconnected, pressures can force it open.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/28...tructions.html


Clean it - Use Carb cleaner, not brake cleaner - keep the fluid out of the weep holes.
New o-ring. Clean EBP tube, MAP sensor hose & manifold opening.
FDDTS - EGR Servicing
FDDTS - 6.0L EGR Valve Cleaning
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/44...egr-valve.html
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/69...connect-2.html

2. Turbo sticking Prevent Turbo Failure:
Stay with your stock Donaldson air filter setup. No need for more unless heavily modded (500hp). Many (most?) after market filters do not filter as well as the stock system.
Use a synthetic 5W40 oil, change at 7500 miles - high temperature resistance.
After towing or running hard, idle for 5 minutes or so. Best to idle until POST-turbo EGT drops to 400.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/63...urbo+cool+down
Synthetic oil and fuel additives can help prevent soot which can deposit on your turbo ( exhaust side)
Get the most recent flash (it eliminates EGR operation at extended idle)
Open up the exhaust to drop your EGT's

Drive like you stole it would help prevent turbo sticking as well as help with the egr valve.

Reroute your Crankcase Ventilation
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/28...rerouting.html
Keep your EGR functioning OR delete it (do it properly by blocking off flow entirely to EGR valve and cooler). Some 2005 and up vehicles will throw a code that can only be cleared w/ a tuner w/ disconnected EGR valve. Resolve Turbo Problems:
FDDTS - Turbocharger Reconditioning
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/70...ing-turbo.html
VGT or PCM troubleshooting when having a turbo problem DTC P0046 (post 10 in link below)
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/70...-low-rpms.html

3. Injectors HELP Prevent Injector Stiction ( oil side):
Change oil at 5,000 miles, use OEM style filers
Use 5w40 synthetic oil
Oil temp gauge - alarm at 400 degrees
Heat induction flash (replaces the buzz flash)


Resolve Injector Stiction ( oil side):
Hot Shot's Secret Oil Additive
Diesel Motor Oil MSDS - Primrose Engine Oil Treatment - Small Waste Oil Heater
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...1/ai_n21119141
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/60...light=Hot+Shot
Prolong Injector Life:
Change fuel filter at 10,000 miles, use OEM style filters

Good quality fuel - purchase at high volume stations

After filter change, remove air before starting: 3 cycles of (ignition on for 3 sec, ignition off for 15 sec). Then ignition off for 3 seconds and START.

Find a good additive for lubricity and in event of getting bad fuel (w/ water, low cetane, additives not added, etc).


According to the manual - use an additive when suspect fuel quality problems : non alcohol, water demulsifier
Do not run your tank empty (below 45 psig fuel pressure ruins injectors)

Install a fuel pressure gauge with an alarm point you can set. Stop if it drops below 45 psig

Biodiesel is a great lubricity additive, just remember it can gel. Use an antigel additive, especially in winter
Mods -- ITP Return Regulated Fuel System (equal pressure to all injectors), FASS System - pressure control, air removal Resolve Injector Failure:
Replace them yourself
Used Injectors - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
http://www.FTEs diesel forums.com/forums/f50/injector-replacement-pictures-172748/

4. Head Gaskets (weak in this area - all suggestions welcome) Minimize Potential for Head Gasket Problems:
Keep turbo system clean and healthy

Install gauges and alarm at 28 - 30 psi boost (if not running a tuner)

Properly programmed custom tuner can help keep cylinder pressures down and improve reliability in head gaskets.

Let coolant temp and/or oil temp get to operating temp before you start to rag on the truck otherwise you run the risk of stretching the headbolts

[Streak]

Great post. Wish I'd seen it whenever I first started posting here.

[CLIPPERS]

Thanks, great info!

[bismic]

This is my post on FTE (it actually made it to the TECH folder there). I have it and MUCH MUCH MORE in a spreadsheet w/ more than a dozen individual worksheets and maybe a thousand links. It can also be yours if you just PM me w/ your email address. It really can save a new owner a TON of time on the learning curve.

STREAK - you sent me a PM on it a week or so ago - just no email address.