Ford 2003 6.0 diesel ???

[Dave Turner]

I have one; same year, now has almost 300,000 kilometers(186,000 miles). No tranny issues, replaced injector seals, injector harness repair once - generally no big problems. Never installed a programmer.

[magnumv8]

We run an upfitter shop and we have done hundreds of Ford diesels....starting with the 6.0 in 2003 don't touch 'em...the 7.3 is tough the 6.4 is not bad, but very hard on fuel and we are upfitting a dozen or so 6.7's, that now have UREA injection so the jury isn't in on those since they are now built by FORD and have a radical cylinder head difference from previous models....from the factory (new) the 6.0 had so many different issues most dealers couldn't repair them,we had an '03 that we bought new and in the first year we had it, it was at the dealership 8 months....they had the cab off and on so much they finally told us not to bring it back(this was under warranty, but Ford had over $500,000,000.00 in warranty claims on this engine and gave up, eventually suing International over it)....we had new trucks blow head gaskets just moving them in and out of the shop during upfitting....the spring clamps they used on the radiator hoses were broken on quite a few of them among the various other issues that would pop up on these things......they can be made to hold up, but it is REAL expensive....

I am not bashing this issue because I make my living on these things and customers demand a dependable vehicle, but the 6.0 Ford truck is making some guys a lot of money replacing the 6.0 with a Cummins engine( makes a nice package).......


D L Rambo.....

[CycloneFE]

I purchased a 2005 a year ago Christmas (F-350) with the 6.0. I am loving it more daily. I had only one issue so far with the high pressure oil that goes to the injectors, but warranty covered it. I have gotten 16-17mpg with the 3:73 gearing (4X4), on the highway and less than 15 intown. I have not pulled enough to give any thing there.

The 2005 had some changes in the chassis that made the ride a little better. I also suggest that you only get the one that has the 5 speed automatic at a minimum. It gives a better first gear for towing when starting out. My local dealer suggests that more frequent oil changes including filters really help the 6.0, and especially pay attention to the fuel filters. I have switched to a local fuel station that is seeming to produce more consistent results.

My previous owner had all records and was very meticulous with the oil changes and I weighed that into my purchase decision. Now I need a 28 footer for the car and I am ready for 11,500 towing capacity, legally.

[Mike Pearson]

If you are thinking about purchasing a used diesel dually I would highly recomend a chevy or GMC with a duramax. They are very durable and powerful. I have a 2005 with 160,000 miles on it. I have had no problems at all with this truck. I haul a 40 ft goose w/ LQ. It weighs about 15000 lbs. 9-10 mpg towing. 17-18 just truck. The allison trans is fantastic and the brakes stop the rig flawlessly.

[EdgarTurbo]

I have a 2000 f350 7.3, I love this truck, the only problem I got so far is the glow plugs relay( about $40 dollars) and still pulling strong, no dissapointments on this one.

Edgar

[Adger Smith]

Talked to customer of mine yesterday with a 2010 F-450 Ford.
all under warranty, less than 50,000 miles. 2 short blocks and 1 set of heads.
Pitched stuff 3 times. Said the injectors were the issue. finally got approval to change them "all" the last time it lifted the heads. They were replacing them in 1-2 the other 2 times... What gives? Is this a problem everywhere? Oh and it has killed 3 radiators, too. Something about fittings cracking.

[FED 387]

Radiators cracking are/were a problem with 6.0-6.4 and maybe 6.7 vehicles---I found oil rails to injectors get clogged as the injectors work off oil pressure-any particles clog up the screens in the oil rail--YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST CHANGE OIL & OIL FILTER AT LESS THAN 5000 MILES!!!!!!!!!! Regardless of what the owners manual says(7500 miles) and you must use an antifoaming engine oil too---If you do not change the oil you are asking for catastrophic engine failure---the injector cloggs up refuses to work the engine runs lean the temp goes up and the head gasket then fails dumping water/antifreeze into the engine--next Kaboom!!! also found out these are zero tolerance engines like some of the other Ford gas engines---ya cannot surface the head cuz there is not gonna be enough clearance in there and parts start hitting each other---comp 387

[Dyno]

I know of 4 people with the newer Fords, nothing but problems. Buy a Chev or Dodge, stay away from the Ford.

[W J]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

If you are thinking about purchasing a used diesel dually I would highly recomend a chevy or GMC with a duramax. They are very durable and powerful. I have a 2005 with 160,000 miles on it. I have had no problems at all with this truck. I haul a 40 ft goose w/ LQ. It weighs about 15000 lbs. 9-10 mpg towing. 17-18 just truck. The allison trans is fantastic and the brakes stop the rig flawlessly.

Mike, we have a '05 GMC Duramax/Allison bought new. Light towing only---all services performed. Was disappointed to lose Allison trans after a trip from Ma to NC and back. Failed off 72k warranty at 85k miles. Just put in a Allison factory re-build----very pricey project. Love the truck, but disappointed....the Allisons aren't supposed to fail that quick, just bad luck, I guess.....WJ

[Mike Pearson]

Yes I would say bad luck. Even the best equipment sometimes fails. I have only heard good things from other owners of the duramax/ allison combo. Goes to show nothing is perfect. I have not heard of anyone having an issue with the duramax engine. I drive slow especially when towing. Maybe thats why I get such good service from my vehicles.