Need help on deciding which Diesel engine is better (less problems)

[Terry Crouse]

I am looking for a new or used pickup with a diesel. I like F-250's but have read alot about all the problems PSD is having. Never had a Dodge but, is the cummins better than PSD or should I stay Gas. I pull an older travel terailer(24 ft.) and looking at going larger. any suggestions, also where can I find unbiased info about the trucks.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome Terry! To be honest I don't think you'll ever get a COMPLETELY unbiased opinion. My '05 PSD is my first diesel and you mentioned that you've read about a lot of problems with them....well mine rocks. It's an amazing rig all the way around. I've only got 20K on her but I have a pretty good feeling that in 100K I'll be telling someone else the same thing. The early 6.0's had some issues but anyone that tells you that the 6.0 is junk are making it up I don't care who they claim to be. There are literally hundreds of thousands of them on the road so don't be fooled. Cummins makes a great rig too and those guys will be glad to tell you just that. Stay gas? Aw HECK NO. Diesel is the only way to go. I'll never own another gasser unless it's a restoration project trust me. It's a whole new world.

[Worm Drowner]

All of the big three make good trucks. I have a friend with a 6.5 GM that wouldn't trade it for the world. I bought my 96 7.3 at 74K miles and have put 45k more on it myself with only glowplugs and the CPS to change. I don't know anyone who doesn't like the 5.9 Cummins. I really think it's a matter of personal taste. Many Ford guys don't care for the styling of the Dodge & GM/Chevy but that doesn't make them bad trucks. The best advice would be to look at all three and find one that has been taken care of and that you are comfortable with and buy it!

Good luck and welcome aboard!

Regardless of your choice, just remember: Real trucks don't have sparkplugs!

[Lindsey1953]

Hi Terry, Like you, I am new to this forum. I purchsed my 2005 F250 6.0 CC 4X4 LWB last August. I love the truck but have serious concerns regarding the 6.0 engine. After only 2650 miles, the truck left my wife and I stranded in Death Valley. It would not start after pulling off the road for about 10 minutes worth of picture taking. The very problem is addressed in an article at the following site: www.forddoctorsdts.com. "6.0L ICP System Leaks"

As I was told at the Ford dealer, an o-ring in the high pressure oil pump failed. This is not an inexpensive repair. I don't know what the part cost but the repair takes about 11 hours.

As I said, I love the truck and my preference is to keep it However, and I didn't realize this when I bought the truck, it sat on dealers lots for 11 months before I purchased it. The truck has a September 2004 build date.

What I'd really like to know is whether the early 2005 model still has some significant issues.

If other early build-date 2005 owners have had problems, I would appreciate your comments. My appology for not creating a new post. I have not figured out how to do that.

PS. The last 2000 miles, including an 1150 trip to Flagstaff, have been perfect. Best mileage without a load is just under 18.5 at a steady 68. I was hoping for more, but this is a heavy truck. 7650 pounds on a CAT scale. That's with a full load of fuel and no passengers.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Hey Terry the 6.0 is a great engine, and the 05+ engines have a lot of the early problems worked out of them, but not all of them. They still have the head bolt issues, where the torque to yield bolts can stretch under high boost situations and cause head gasket failures. This only happens when owners put the higher powered chips on them and it forces the turbo to create more boost. You up the risk when you chip it, but that's not a sure thing that you're gonna have problems. Like Rodslinger said, his engine rocks and he's standing by it. He may or may not have problems down the road of miles. I personally would get a newer 7.3 in a 350, which is what I have...a 99. The only 2 things I have had to change in it since buying it used on July 1 of 04 are a cam sensor, and a belt tensioner last week at 142,000 miles. Other than that, it's just been routine maintenance, not down time in a shop.

[wesjones]

The 7.3 is a very reliable engine... they often last for at least 300 05 400k miles...I can't say i would recommend a cummins; this is a PSD forum afterall, so Rodslinger's right, if you're pining for a Dodge, than you may not get the answer you want Happy Shopping

I would check out ebay, they have a ton of trucks from Ford, Chevy, GMC, AND Dodge

wes

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I can't say I would reccommend any of the big 3's diesels over the other. It's what suits you best. But I can say i'd reccomend a 7.3 over a 6.0, a 12v cummins over a 24 valve, and a duramax any day over the old 6.5. And if you get a cummins, please try not to fall into the ****y cummins club. Most cummins guys seem to be so stinkin ****y...not all, just most

[andrews4691]

The Cummins will get better fuel milage because its a inline 6 and differnt rear gear ratio. The PSD is a rockin motor. Pulls like a mother (I use mine for work) pulls a 40 ft gooseneck that gets loaded with about 14k, truck and trailer emty weigh about 17k it will still do 65-70 mph with no problem. thats just my opion I could be wrong...

[mschn99]

i work on fords and have driven all the major brand diesels. in my opinion, nothing beats a 99-03 7.3. you can do so much with them mod wise, and even stock they are extremely reliable and have plenty of power. i dont own a diesel, but if i was to buy one, this is the only one i would consider myself. the 6.0 and duramax have more power, and feel a ton stronger since they respond more like gas motors, but they have quite a few consistant problems. you could not pay me to own a dodge, they have tinney bodies, i can dent a fender with one finger, and the rest of the drive train besides the diff's is not as sturdy as the ford.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I agree....the 7.3 will go down as one of the best engines ever produced. I do like the duramaxes and 6.0s cuz they are some quick responsive engines. But if I was ever going to have a dodge, i'd choose a 12v first. I'd actually love to find a 50 something power wagon and stuff a cummins in it. It's been done, I have a link to the site of a really nice one a guy built. Anyone intersted in seeing?