Ok... from the start I'm a newb here and a newb to the 6.0. Used to own a 97with a 7.3 (NT). Never had to do any maintenance other than normal service. Wish I would have kept it. Was only a standard cab though. Still enjoyed it.
I just bought a 2004 F250 6.0 with 64,000 original miles. It looks very clean in and out and doesn't look like it towed anything. It drives well and haven't noticed any issues. Fluids look good, no leaks... but heck I just got it from a dealership
The car fax came back with only service records from the dealership I bought it from (not a Ford one). No other service records.
The Oasis report was emailed to me (upon request) and has nothing on it other than vehicle specs/options etc. No record of service as far as what Ford replaced at their cost, as is what I understand is listed on the oasis (not customer paid repairs).
So, what say ye about the lack of records? A good thing, a bad thing...?
I have read about the various problems the 6.0 seems to be plagued with. Seems the EGR and oil cooler are the most common. When money allows, I will probably get those items addressed, God willing before they are a problem. For now... just good maintenace.
So would you guys suggest having a mechanic do a good diagnostic check and vehicle inspection along with a coolant flush for starters?
Anything else you'd advise having checked/done for a new buyer with this year and milage? The dealer said it had gone through an inspection (before they can sell it), but I'm not too trusting of what dealers say.
I'm in the same boat as you. My first choice other then general maintenance was to buy a scangaugeII to monitor the truck. Mainly the EOT(engine oil temp) and ECT(engine coolant temp) these will let you know if you are heading for a EGR cooler failure. If the EOT is 15 degrees higher then the ECT cruising at 65 mph on flat ground for a 30 min trip then you are heading for a EGR cooler failure.
Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely buy a guage and do some reading. Sometimes it seems overwhelming.
Its not a daily driver... yet. Prob will be by the end of the year. Would like to make sure its in top shape by then.
Any comments as far as a lack of records go? Is that uncommon?
First of all, 04 was a great year! second, a lack of records mean nothing, you will never see any info on a carfax report on my truck.
Being almost 10 years old I would immediatley start with some CHEAP fixes/maintenance. FLUSH FLUSh FLUSH. Remove the EGR. Replace with a new oil cooler.
This could be done for $500 - $600. and thats NOT buying knock off parts!
Piece of mind is worth that. Think about it, Low miles lots of years, old cruddy coolant just sitting on an engine that has idled for who knows how long.
Well I used to turn wrenches in the Navy working on hydraulic systems and such but haven't really ever done too much motor work. I once did a too end (wih some help) on an old IH Scout II I owned. That's about it. Not too sure where that classifies me... prob a greenhorn
There's so much information on here I wouldn't be afraid to do any project myself. The guys on here really know their stuff, and seem very eager to help.
Here is a good write up from Southend for doing the oil cooler. Pretty sure half the guys on here aren't mechanics by trade but with some common sense, some basic tools, and the ability to read and follow directions you can save a boat load of money and know the job was done write.
As far as parts I like Tousley ford. They are obviously OEM, have great prices, and fast shipping. A lot of people use sunrise ford and there are even some guys that work for International that are offering to sell parts. Just poke around a bit and welcome to the .org :thumb:
I am blessed with two left hands. I bought a monkey wrench and was disappointed that I didn't get a monkey. I'd sooner think an air compressor was for drying my hair than turning wrenches. With all that I did my EGR delete with up pipe by myself, and damned I have to say I did it well. Can you follow directions well? Can you study up on extremely useful sticky threads? Do you take enjoyment in reading long threads that seem way above your mental capacity over and over until one day you realize "hey, I get it! And I need to do this to my truck now!"?
I'd say if I could do it, someone who has vast experience on hydraulic systems in the Navy can CERTAINLY do it. My 2 cents from all the studying and asking I've done here-Hold off on that flush until you are ready to do your oil cooler. It will likely clog it up, and you want to be ready to change it out when it does. Also, do the oil cooler and the EGR together. You're already right there for both. I personally have changed out my entire exhaust from tubo back, did the blue spring update, deleted EGR, changed out the air intake, replaced a rear diff cover, and probably a couple other things I am just forgetting...all on my own. If I can do it, anyone can.
First thing on your agenda-Get a monitor. It is a must. Consider it a mandatory expense. I went with the Edge CTS and I love it. Monitor ECT, EOT, FICM voltage, and battery voltage. These are musts! Beyond that everyone has a preference, but those 4 are absolute must watch at all times. I had a recent thread where my alternator was not putting out a full charge. Turns out there was some crud at the alternator battery connection, but I would have never known if I wasn't monitoring it and it could have cost me my FICM or left me dead on the road unexpectedly.
Thanks for the replies! Sounds very "doable". :thumb:
So, first step... get a gauge and monitor. Will do ASAP.
Do you guys recommend taking it in and having it looked over? Or is this pretty much a waste of money?
And I shouldn't have the coolant system flushed? Especially if everything gauges normal... as flushing the coolant would probably end up clogging the oil cooler. Am I understanding this correctly? The coolant flush would be something just before the replacement of the old oil cooler since doing it after the replacement would probably clog the new one?
Totally appreciate the help here guys. Doesn't seem so much like a mountain anymore... just a hill :icon_ford:
Personally I think buying a monitor will tell you everything you need to know about what is going on inside your motor. I bought the Scan Gauge II from advance auto. Look for coupon codes online for them. Picked mine up for 109 bucks. The monitor will let you know the health of your oil cooler, ficm, batteries, tranny temp, etc.
What color is your coolant? If its green odds are its the wrong coolant. Doing just a flush with tap and distilled water will not clog your oil cooler. Using chemicals such as restore and restore plus will loosen the gunk inside your motor and it will land in the cooler. The chemicals should only be used if you have checked your deltas and realized that your oil cooler needs to be replaced. Once flushed properly get some Extended life coolant with a Cat EC-1 rating (I used Zerex ELC Concentrate from Napa) and top her off. Also A COOLANT FILTER IS A MUST!!!!
^ This was what I found after my first coolant filter change.
I'm pretty sure in the sticky section there is a very good write up on flushing these trucks. If not, google it and there will be lots of good stuff that pops up.
Thanks for the advice. I'll have the gauge by Saturday. Then I'll monitor and see what happens. Again, thanks for all the advice!
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