Oil as the culprit

[turbohunter]

Hi Folks
I own a 2008 6.4
Just joined up because I had a high pressure pump go bad and am looking for answers.
I change my fuel filters every 10k and they look OK when coming out.
Could the reason be oil?
More specifically synthetic vs regular.
My brother is a trucking company owner who tells me he does not use synthetic in his rigs and they last forever.
Are we being sold a bill of goods on synthetics.
Is air a problem that should be dealt with?
And finally, I know water is a problem but have had no sign of trouble from it.
thanks for your time

[smotrs]

Typically it's related to water in the fuel. Since you say water is a problem, it sounds even more likely.

[turbohunter]

Thanks smotrs
Water hasn't been a problem to me yet ( at least that I know of ), but reading about other guys problems I see that it can be.
Since it's in the shop now, I will make sure that it's fully checked.
Thanks again

[smotrs]

Oh, sorry, I thought you wee saying water was a problem, I re read it and I see you were commenting that you know water is a problem but that you haven't had it be a problem on yours.

BTW, Welcome to the ORG.

[turbohunter]

Roger that
Thanks for the welcome

[Big Angry Hillbilly]

Probably your crappy California "Green" Diesel fuel

Low fuel pressure and fuel contamination (water, gasoline, etc.) are the two biggest killers of diesel fuel injection systems.

So, after verifying sufficient clean fuel, fuel delivery system checking is the next big step. Fuel pressure should be between 3-8PSI, I like to see it a little bit on the higher end usually... when you're dealing with fuel pressure that low, a couple extra PSI isn't gonna kill it, or cause much in the way of driveability concerns.

Synthetic oil wouldn't play much in a part in a fuel system failure... these are common rail and not run by oil like the previous Powerstroke's HEUI system. I am neither here nor there on synthetic products, I know it cost me over $100 to buy just the oil to change the oil in my rig, so I stick with conventional, and change it every 3k miles. I was changing it every 3k miles with the synthetic as well, and I put a bagload of miles on my truck, so it was getting pretty pricey.

The water seperator system on these trucks is piss-poor, at best. The updated fuel filters (FD-4617 I think is the number) have an o-ring land in the bottom of them, that seals the filter to the HFCM, to prevent water/debris ingestion. The HFCM will suck unfiltered fuel/water past the filter when the filter gets plugged up, or the water trap gets over-filled. There's not much room in the HFCM for water. In my personal opinion, I think an Airdog is a good buy, for even a stock truck. It's pretty funny, actually. Airdog is sold in the Ford accessories catalog you can get at the dealer. It ain't cheap, however.

Some stuff to think about, anyways. Being as how it's 4:12AM, I don't have a whole lot more to add at this time. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Welcome to the site, by the way.

[turbohunter]

Thanks Big and Angry
I do only buy the big brand fuel, but as you suggest, it is Kaalifonia. Don't get me started. :-)
I'm going to make myself familiar ( pain in the A ) with my local Ford mechanic and find out all I can about this beast.
It's funny, I bought a diesel for the power and the ease of maintenance.
I guess 1 out of 2 isn't bad. Not that I mind at all. It's a beautiful machine.
I've always been a regular oil changer but both you and my brother are more frequent than I am.
Guess I'll step up my game. And I'm thinkin an Air Dog set up is in my future.
Thanks for the info and numbers I really appreciate it.
Happy trails