Talk me out of it: 6.0L Powerstroke?

[Jurfie]

I've been in the market for a new truck for a while now, and as much as I'd like to buy new, prices are just too crazy right now. I'm also working on a startup small business, so I am not interested in financing anything and want to pay cash.

I've come across a minty-fresh 2005 F-350 SRW Super Cab Lariat with an 8' bed and the 6.0L Powerstroke. Shockingly, it has less than 60k miles on the clock and a sub-$15k asking price, which seems reasonable these days. No DPF to worry about is appealing, and this is really the only reason I'm considering the diesel (most use would be for short trips except for occasional longer-distance trips and periodic 8-10k towing). If buying new, I'd get a gasser, but this one seems like it deserves consideration.

Naturally, I start researching the typical 6.0 issues (EGR, FCIM, oil cooler, head gasket/studs, etc.) and their fixes.

Anyone own a 6.0 PS and have real world experience with them? Would you do the common preventative maintenance upgrades and feel confident in its reliability, or should I run away from the 6.0 and put this one out of my mind?

 

[Todd780]

Talk me out of it: 6.0L Powerstroke?​

Okay. Don't buy a 6.0L Powerstroke.

 

[Jurfie]

/thread (?)

 

[Todd780]

I worked in the auto industry between 2003-2014. Seen many a 6.0 go through the shop. I guess it's better than a 6.4 but still.....

 

[eodcoduto]

The local diesel mechanics around Muscle Shoals, Al still have their lots filled with 6.0 powerstrokes. They are probably the minority but they don’t have a great reputation.

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

Don't do it.

Don't even think of doing it.

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I've owned one. They can be made reliable through various "bulletproofing" options. Read a lot about it, the info is out there. You can find them with the work already done in some cases, just verify all the steps were completed. Hundreds of thousands of them still running out there but understand most of those issues need to be addressed. Also beware of "deleted" ones. Can't get them past inspection/emissions in most urban counties nowadays and a growing amount of rural. And resale is much harder even if your response is "my county doesn't care".

I have my 3rd 7.3 power stroke. Love it. My favorite engine of all time. The auto tranny (4r100) is a legendary turd though. The tranny in the 6.0 is awesome. It's all a balance. All trucks have issues.

 

[Jurfie]

Appreciate the replies from everyone thus far. Elaboration would also be appreciated!

@DirtWhiskey : bulletproofing would be the plan, using this kit from BCDiesel. They’re relatively local to me, so I’d get them to install. I’ll be calling them on Tuesday (after the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend) to hear their advice.

Deleting the EGR is “for off road race use only”, but we don’t have vehicle inspections here unless you get pulled over and issued an inspection citation by police. I don’t foresee it being an issue as I (a) plan to keep the truck mostly stock (ie not turn it into an attention-grabbing heat score), and (b) not do a crazy performance tune that makes it roll coal.

I’m also closing in on 50, so I drive like a turtle and don’t draw too much attention to myself on the road. Lastly, I live on a somewhat-remote island of about 400 people and drive less than 3,000 miles/year, and most of that is in my Jeep or other car. This will be for towing and hauling crap on and off island, and the odd weekend camping trip.

In all honesty, the only reason I’m even considering it is due to the super low mileage and the fact that it looks practically brand new. No rust, not worn out interior, bone stock. But not if it is going to cause more headaches than it is worth.

 

[Buddha.]

I wouldn’t own one. I was doing recovery work in ‘08 and we were using these things then. They didn’t like to start in the winter and had mechanical problems. Things have come a long way since then.

Unless you want a high maintenance hot rod truck That probably has other problems at this point I’d pass.

 

[badm0t0rfinger]

Unless you want a high maintenance hot rod truck That probably has other problems at this point I’d pass.

That's one of the things I've noticed too. Either they're trucks with 1000 hp and everything that can be done to bullet proof it has been done. The costs a premium and you're left with a truck that wasn't economical to start with even more of a money pit.

Or you find these trucks that nothing has been done to and are hanging onto dear life with a thought and a prayer.

 

[Jurfie]

Alright. Y’all have convinced me to keep looking. Too bad, it was a good looking truck that ticked a lot of boxes.

The search continues. There’s a 2020 F-350 XLT FX4 with the 7.3L that’s also caught my eye. 30k miles, sub-$40k. More money, but less headache.

 

[TexasSixSeven]

Alright. Y’all have convinced me to keep looking. Too bad, it was a good looking truck that ticked a lot of boxes.

The search continues. There’s a 2020 F-350 XLT FX4 with the 7.3L that’s also caught my eye. 30k miles, sub-$40k. More money, but less headache.

That’s a good price, and definitely worth a look. I’ve had a 6.0, 6.4, 6.7, and now a 7.3. My 7.3 is my favorite in stock form, but a tuned 6.7 is definitely my favorite of all. I’m very happy with the 7.3 though, but I didn’t hate my 6.0 either. I made it to 180-190K before it ******** the bed on me. It lived with a fifth wheel or 36’ gooseneck on it damn near all the time as well.

 

[workerdrone]

I really liked my 6.0, it was fully bulletproofed (cab off, studs and gaskets, upgraded cooler, etc.)

Never had any issues with it. A lot quieter than the 7.3 imo and got good mileage, with great power.

Did use a pricey fuel additive for injector stiction, and I watched the engine monitor for temperature deltas, it was always good.

IDK, if you take good care of them, are aware of what to watch out for, and are the type who enjoys maintaining things properly (not necessarily doing maintenance galore, but just keeping up on things and only happy when knowing your rig needs nothing) I still think they're a good choice if you want a simpler, no DEF, quiet enough, strong motor with good mileage.

If you'd rather not think about your motors at all and just use the rig, I'd stay away from diesel, period. The extra $ at the pump is probably well worth it for most.

Also not sure the 7.3 are less headache these days - legendary motor but they're getting old.

@Jurfie , send me the link to that 6.0 if you're not buying lol - that's what I'm always looking for - longbed supercab 4wd

 

[charlieaarons]

Not that I’m terribly interested in Ford trucks these days, but I think there’s been some cross-confusion the last several posts between the pre-2000 7.3 diesel, and ~2020s 7.3 gasoline motor.
As far as the 6.0/6.4 questions, those were the last years one could get a manual (ZF-6) transmission.

 

[NORDFORD]

For gods sake, don’t do it. Unless you can work on them yourself….