[and.decarlo]

Hey Everyone,

My wife and I are looking into getting a diesel truck and found one that looks nice. Its a 2003 F250 Lariat SuperDuty with a 6.0L turbo diesel engine. The truck has 125000 miles on it (which I hear is just broken in for most diesels). We currently live in the rockies of Colorado, and plan to move up to Alaska next year, so we will be living in cold environments. There are two things I could use help with.

1) I am new to Ford trucks, and I have seen some people complaining on the forums about their 6.0's and others saying they were great. What are your opinions? What should I be aware of and look out for when I go look at this truck tomorrow?

I also know that a lot of times what people get out of their trucks depends on how they take care of them. So...

2) I am new to diesels and have seen people posting about putting different things in with their oil in the winter. I have always been a bit hesitant to put any type of additives into my cars. Is this normal or recommended for diesels? I know we will have to get an engine block heater when we get to Alaska, would that be enough to take care of it?

If you have any other comments or things that might be helpful for a Ford or Diesel noob like me, let me know. Thanks!

 

[Bonesman]

Having owned two 6.0's, and still own one, I would walk away from a first year 2003 6.0 unless it has aftermarket studs and the emission junk removed. Too many issues to list with that engine--especially the 03-04's. Look into a 7.3, or at the least a 2005-2007 6.0. My remaining 2007 6.0 still runs great.

 

[RollinEarly99]

:ORG welcome:

Best single piece of advice is too do your homework on the 6.0 so you can make an educated decision on your purchase. Good luck :ford:

 

[SUPRA180]

some say the 03 was rushed and flawed ...I wouldn't personaly get an 03 simply for that reason , too risky ....6.0 is a great motor but if it was neglected they can be catastrophies .....look up powerstroke help on youtube for a breakdown of the differences ...only additive I run is diesel kleen which helps lubricity of the fuel and boosts cetane

 

[RRSA]

RUN,don't walk and never look back .

 

[juniorssrollin]

I love my 05 6.0. Maintenance is key

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[dnf12908]

Having owned two 6.0's, and still own one, I would walk away from a first year 2003 6.0 unless it has aftermarket studs and the emission junk removed. Too many issues to list with that engine--especially the 03-04's. Look into a 7.3, or at the least a 2005-2007 6.0. My remaining 2007 6.0 still runs great.

I beg to differ on that! My '03 is a fabulous truck! I've done studs & gaskets, EGR delete, coolant flush & filter, Amsoil bypass filter, etc. and it runs great. I think the later years actually had more issues (standpipes, dummy plugs, STC fitting, weaker EGR cooler, etc). Just do your research on the fixes.

 

[897.3alltheway!]

I beg to differ on that! My '03 is a fabulous truck! I've done studs & gaskets, EGR delete, coolant flush & filter, Amsoil bypass filter, etc. and it runs great. I think the later years actually had more issues (standpipes, dummy plugs, STC fitting, weaker EGR cooler, etc). Just do your research on the fixes.

well thats why it runs so good...cause you fixed all the problems it would have had

 

[BIG Laing]

Having owned two 6.0's, and still own one, I would walk away from a first year 2003 6.0 unless it has aftermarket studs and the emission junk removed. Too many issues to list with that engine--especially the 03-04's. Look into a 7.3, or at the least a 2005-2007 6.0. My remaining 2007 6.0 still runs great.

I beg to differ on that! My '03 is a fabulous truck! I've done studs & gaskets, EGR delete, coolant flush & filter, Amsoil bypass filter, etc. and it runs great. I think the later years actually had more issues (standpipes, dummy plugs, STC fitting, weaker EGR cooler, etc). Just do your research on the fixes.

.... really dnf? really? :liar:

 

[dnf12908]

.... really dnf? really? :liar:

All 6.0's need the deletes and studs, etc. If you would have read the rest of my post, you would have seen that I was making the distinction that, in my opinion, the '03's have fewer issues than the later models. That's what is relevant to the OP.

 

[Tim Mccaslin]

i am new to this site but could some advice too. I am lookin to get a power stroke and have found one i like but it has the 6.0 and its an 03. iv been told to not even look at it. the guy said it has a new ipr valve. high pressure oil pump. ficm. 4 new injectors. and an egr delete. and it has 214000 miles on it any advice..... Thanks

 

[dnf12908]

well thats why it runs so good...cause you fixed all the problems it would have had

Yes, I fixed it, but the main point I'm making here is that the '03's had fewer reliability issues than the later models. Therefore I'm suggesting that the OP need not be shy about looking at an '03.