What to do? Another blown 6.0 diesel truck...

[kevinw1]

My Dad has the 04 6.0 ford F-250 super cab 8 ft bed. He bought it brand new, of course got it paid off. He pulls a 30 ft 7000lb (empty) trailer for weekend camping trips and some trips to Florida. The head gasket and egr system has blown 20000 miles ago and again now, so 20k apart it has blown. The truck has 88k miles total and is excellent condition cosmetically. He has decided that he is not going to pay the 4k to get it fixed for the 2nd time. Of course ford is offering him 8500 trade in on a new diesel or gas truck. I am trying to get him to make a smart decision financially and one that gets him a good truck. What would you guys do? The kbb value is 16-18k if the head gasket is not blown. If he gets is repaired the head gasket will blow again. Do you think someone would buy it with the blown head gasket?? I am located in the St. Louis area. Would it be worth paying to get a 7.3 liter engine put in it or gas truck possibly???

Thanks

[diablos30]

the headgaskets are fine if they are fixed properly.

[Evil Eye]

I've been running mine for 70k+ miles with head studs and NO issues AND I tow a heavy 12k lb toy hauler here in desert heat. By fixing the reasons that cause blown head gaskets, you can have a VERY reliable truck.

[kevinw1]

Originally Posted by diablos30

the headgaskets are fine if they are fixed properly.

Ford fixed them the first time, 20k later the system went wrong again, all maintenance has been done at the dealership too. Is the problem eliminated in the new diesels?

[diablos30]

i havent heard of any headgasket issues in the '08 and up diesels (ford). however, with the new diesels the emissions equipment ruins fuel mileage.

trust me, that 6.0 can be made into a very reliable motor for much cheaper than what you'll pay in payments on a new truck. pull up a chair and start reading here. if you somewhat handy with a wrench you can perform these upgrades/repairs yourself. or if you post your location we can recommend a good shop for you to take it to. dealerships are usually not the place to take your truck if you want to have upgrades done.

[kevinw1]

Were in the St. Louis area, so your saying that getting some type of upgrade to the egr/ oil cooling system could solve the problem of it failing every time we pull the trailer?

[diablos30]

thats exactly what im saying

here is a little reading to give you a better understanding
Things to consider about owning a 6.0L
6.0 coolant flush write-up

[kevinw1]

Where can I have my dad bring his truck to get looked at to get the problems fixed/upgraded in the St. Louis MO area??? I really appreciate the help, what would the approximate cost be to get this upgrade done and would it possibly be warranted?

Thanks
Kevin

[diablos30]

ask about a shop over here Show Me State Strokers - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

if you were in nc i'd tell you to head up to trucks unlimited.

as for price, each shop will be a bit different and it will also depend on if the heads are still good.