Keith Browning

Jim you're killin me! We must be reading some of the same stuff. In all of my sixteen years with Ford, the only customers that have had problems, or thought they had problems were the ones that had a better idea, special fluids and were always screwing with their trucks. Honest to God guys, the owners who come in every 5000 miles (approximately ) and get their oil changed with good 'ol Motorcraft 15W40 and filters never seem to have no major problems.

 

Now I don't have anything against synthetic oils or playing with different weights but it should be done for the right reasons. If you live in the great freezing north and the temps never reach above zero for the winter I think it's wise. To extend your oil change intervals? Not worth it in my opinion.

 

 

Now, we have all seen that guy who has neglected his servicing to the point his engine has used about seven quarts of oil and won't stay running? I know you have. THAT'S the truck I would be interested in seeing an oil analysis on. In fact, I just might take a sample the next time I see that and also do a truck I know is regularly serviced to see the difference. $18 bucks a pop? Why not! I'll use the Diesel Stop discount! First I'll need to get my hands on two kits.

 

Sniff sniff...I smell another article! LOL!

Is anyone familiar with The Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis and do you know anyone that uses this service? I have been reading a few sources about oil analysis and it looks to be a good way to track problems before they become catastrophic. At least it makes for interesting reading. Any opinions about this? Would we recommend regular oil analysis?

 

www.blackstone-labs.com

I have been fighting myself not to mess with the A/C but thanx to you guys I am gonna try it next time. That crank sensor connector is a pain in the butt to get at and I sometimes waste a lot of time due to my persistence, soooo YES! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/notworthy.gif I will try it with the compressor out...I will try...I will try....really I will!

Let us not forget that diesel engines are all about pressure. We know about injection needing high pressures for good atomization and fuel quantity so if I were to base MY guess the new system if what I am hearing is true, will eliminate some of the typical actions in the injection process that we are used to. If fuel can be pressurized to the high pintle opening pressures we see in modern engines, that would enable the removal of oil and mechanical methods of raising injection pressures at the injector. This might be key in the science of fuel rate, timing and combustion shaping. If the only thing an injector has to do is open a fuel valve, then the injection process has just become about as simple as you can make it for a computer controlled system. I would guess that will allow for fuel injection capabilities like no other system.

This is my best guess and opinion! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cool.gif

Jim,

 

What are you doing to clean out the cooling systems on these trucks? What soap or chemicals have you found work best and what is your procedure? I have yet to see an oil cooler fail but from what it sounds like there is the likelihood many of us will be seeing this unfortunate failure too! Does Ford pay for the soap and how are you getting paid the unpredictable time to flush the systems?

Jim,

 

I haven't the faintest idea but when I eventually have to add a forum here for this engine I will bet it's gonna get real busy real quick! I am sure that as time goes on that more details will come to light. If Ford has their way, we won't know much until the damn thing hits the street. Heck, I still have yet to see the 6.0L in a classroom environment! Now it would be a waste of time for me.

I have no clue on the reverse parking aid system as to what is required to add a factory system. I would think that to do so would be way too costly and troublesome for what it is, especially when there are excellent add on systems available. Maybe I'm wrong - but if the wiring isn't there then the job is going to get a lot harder than that rear bumper you are going to have to drill holes into. In comparison, adding the Tow Command system is far worth the cost and effort. From what I have been hearing, it's worth every penny and NOTHING comes close to it's effectiveness.

 

Wow! Did Ford just come up with a better idea that is!?!?

A "little bird" has informed me that the 6.0L replacement is indeed a 6.4 twin turbo that is built by Navistar and the short block appears to be based on the 6.0. Say goodbye to HEUI. The upper half looks totally different and described as much worse than the 6.0. Development is reportedly on schedule for the '07 model year. We can expect to see a mild power increase with hopefully increased reliability.

 

I'll bet it only takes them one and a half model years to figure out how to shove this one in an Econoline! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/hammer2.gif

Well, it turns out that the only thing that this debris could be from is in fact, a valve tappet. Marty from the the Hot Line called back to follow up a couple of days later - they don't even want to send an inspector out. Instead they are sending an engine. My guess is Ford wants to turn these types of jobs around quickly to avoid some of these buy backs and sticky customer relations situations.

 

By the way, the oil filter looked like it was covered in silver glitter. This engine had to have been running funny but the owner said nothing.

According to the bulletin as I read it, the trailer brake control system can only be added to the 2005 models and likely upcoming model years. You can add all of the hard parts but I believe the cluster is is the limiting factor if that is what you are asking. The instructions in the bulletin have you configure the cluster by "turning on" the trailer brake control. I don't think this option was available in 2004 and definitely not in 2003, so those clusters wouldn't have the option. Perhaps some snooping around in a 2004 cluster configuration should provide the answer.

You know Dale, come to think of it, I am positive I read somewhere (at work or on an OASIS) that there was a different EGR valve for some earlier build trucks. I do remember a Hot Line Engineer telling me that the 2005 EGR valve was supposed to have been improved in some way. Unfortunately as a tech I rarely pay very close attention to part numbers. I still have my suspicions about a recall or a TSB too!

Hey FordMastertech, What's the highest EGT you have seen on a 7.3 without your chip or tuner?

 

...and what's the threshold, or maximum temperature you want to avoid before pistons start to melt? I know you spend time in the upgrades board on TDS web site and I think I saw that posted some time ago. I am just curious because on occasion a customer might ask me. Since I don't see any trucks with mods or own one I have no idea what to tell them!

2003 Excursion with no base engine oil pressure due to debris in the relief valve in the oil pump. The debris looks like a small needle bearing about 1-mm thick. Hotline engineer thinks it may be a valve tappet coming apart. I also found a considerable amount of metal particles in the oil filter housing. I was advised to remove and inspect the oil pump and drain the oil and check for additional debris. I'll keep you posted on this one which may be a while, I still have six more trannies and a blown 6.0L in a van to do. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/puke.gif

 

 

Anybody see something similar to this?

Hey, don't ever hold back if you think something anywhere here on the site is wrong. Even if a topic ends up in a heated debate, remember, debate is good. That's where some of the best ideas and solutions come from. This web site is about sharing ideas and information.

Your idea about running the engine is a good one because if you have a small leak, filling up the balloon could take a long time. Running the engine would speed that up I should think. I personally didn't think this engine would start on one bank. If we can get some more opinions and experiences on this I will definitely amend the article. By the way, that balloon test is Ford's procedure so maybe we can show them something!

Okay, I'll play...

 

-engine harness?

 

-fuel injector harness?

 

-EBP sensor?

 

-EGR valve?

 

There are so many problem areas it's hard to choose just one! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif But seriously, I hear about most recalls the same place our customers do, on the NEWS!

Okay, I'll play...

 

-engine harness?

 

-fuel injector harness?

 

-EBP sensor?

 

-EGR valve?

 

There are so many problem areas it's hard to choose just one! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif But seriously, I hear about most recalls the same place our customers do, on the NEWS!

Has anybody been buying anything from the Rotunda Technician Tool Program on the PTS web site? Have you been checking it out? I can't believe how much their selection has grown in the last six months or so! They started out with pretty much just Special Service Tools but now they have a lot of stuff you might buy from the guys on the trucks. The prices seem pretty decent too. I bought a 5-PC. hammer set, paid no tax and no shipping, had my tools next day. I am actually impressed with Ford for doing this.

 

( I can't believe I said that )

 

So I am slowly browsing the site and adding things to my shopping cart that I am interested in so I can compare prices when the tool guys roll around to my dealer this week. I'll let you know how they stack up.

What you originally couldn't add if you didn't order them from the factory you can now on 2005 Super Duty's and up. This is that bank of switches mounted in the dash for customers and upfitters to hardwire accessories and equipment to.

You will need the following parts:
 

• Switch assembly: 5C3Z-13D730-AAA
• Harness: 5C3Z-14A303-AA
• Storage bin for trucks without TBC: 5C3Z-2513546C-AA

This equipment should take less than an hour to install as it is all factory stuff and the harness apparently plugs into the back of the Central Junction Box. I like these switches and I can't think for the life of me understand why Ford didn't come up with this YEARS ago. Perhaps I'll add the info in an upcoming article on Fuse Box Problems.


  I would like to credit Dale_Lakin for the information who posted this over on TDS... but not here?

I think this is VERY important!

 

 

I have been contacted by two visitors of another popular 6 Liter Powerstroke Diesel web site (cough-cough) concerning whether the build dates that are mentioned in the recall are for the truck or the transmission. I know the dealer letter is not worded very clearly but it makes sense if you read it as if you are speaking the words. I know what the answer is but I'll take this one step further because misinformation is one of my pet peeves!

 

After being asked I started second guessing what I already knew... (I hate when that happens!) so I looked up and reread the dealer letter again myself. Then I got to the bottom of the letter, still confused, I spotted the "Questions" part and a phone number.

 

Special Service Support Center(Dealer Only) Questions:..........1-800-325-5621

 

• Prior Approval
• Warranty Claims Questions
• General Field Service Actions, Questions, or Comments

 

I picked up the telephone and dialed the number. I asked about the recall and the build dates and without missing a beat they replied that the recall is dictated by the TRANSMISSION BUILD DATE not the vehicle's. As I stated in another post, guys, ask questions, lots of questions!

I think this is VERY important!

 

 

I have been contacted by two visitors of another popular 6 Liter Powerstroke Diesel web site (cough-cough) concerning whether the build dates that are mentioned in the recall are for the truck or the transmission. I know the dealer letter is not worded very clearly but it makes sense if you read it as if you are speaking the words. I know what the answer is but I'll take this one step further because misinformation is one of my pet peeves!

 

After being asked I started second guessing what I already knew... (I hate when that happens!) so I looked up and reread the dealer letter again myself. Then I got to the bottom of the letter, still confused, I spotted the "Questions" part and a phone number.

 

Special Service Support Center(Dealer Only) Questions:..........1-800-325-5621

 

• Prior Approval
• Warranty Claims Questions
• General Field Service Actions, Questions, or Comments

 

I picked up the telephone and dialed the number. I asked about the recall and the build dates and without missing a beat they replied that the recall is dictated by the TRANSMISSION BUILD DATE not the vehicle's. As I stated in another post, guys, ask questions, lots of questions!

Funny you should ask Ed, I have been asked that a few times There is no apparent difference internally having anything to do with the plow package. I fear your suspicions are correct however the only ones failing are the trucks with the plow prep package and they do seem to fail, well, only when plowing or shortly thereafter! It has to be something about the constant forward and reverse shifting that walks that snap ring out.

 

How do I know? I asked a Hot Line Engineer.Ask questions. Lots of questions guys. When you call the Hot Line about a vehicle concern ask them lots of questions. Those guys love to share information that they feel we are not getting and desperately need. That is their job!

Funny you should ask Ed, I have been asked that a few times There is no apparent difference internally having anything to do with the plow package. I fear your suspicions are correct however the only ones failing are the trucks with the plow prep package and they do seem to fail, well, only when plowing or shortly thereafter! It has to be something about the constant forward and reverse shifting that walks that snap ring out.

 

How do I know? I asked a Hot Line Engineer.Ask questions. Lots of questions guys. When you call the Hot Line about a vehicle concern ask them lots of questions. Those guys love to share information that they feel we are not getting and desperately need. That is their job!

Sounds like you spun yourself into an endless spiral of confusion. Been there myself and thank you for the reminder. You want to tell yourself that "it can't be" but just because it's new doesn't mean it's still working. Debris travels and it usually goes with the flow. You ALWAYS have to keep the bigger picture in mind and remember that components are part of a system and they can affect each other.

 

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif I wish I could always remember that advice!

Part Number 4C3Z-9J460-A

Yes, I just read that thread on 6LPSD. I won't comment on where it seems to be headed but I think see the relation between that post and this one, correct me if I am wrong. I sense a little frustration with the constant fiddling by owners and attempts to tweak their engines in ineffective and sometimes damaging ways. We all frequent the popular web sites and there are new posts every day by people who don't know what they are doing. The DieselStop is the worst for that and 6LPSD is in my opinion a much better site for advice for the general public. But you still get the back-end engineers and Shadetree Juds. Accept it, live and let live.

 

So to take this off topic for a fleeting moment, I will add, that is the main reason I created this web site and made these Forums exclusive. I screen each registrant and sometimes I exchange several emails before deciding to let certain people to join us or to decline their registration. I sometimes feel bad and I have also been criticized for doing so. Here is a quote: "While your "society" may look cool to some, it is merely a group of condescending, self proclaimed experts ( pricks ) trading FMC intellectual property over the WWW. But if it helps you fix your own messes, I guess it is good for something." That one took a couple days to roll off my shoulders but I am convinced that I am doing something different here and I am committed to sticking with my original concept. One of you here has commented to me that "you seem to be headed in a different direction with this web site, and that is a good thing." I hope you all agree. I always encourage you to speak your mind and freely share knowledge but let us remember to be polite and professional. If we can help each other on dealing with customers, owners or coworkers and I am all for it. Our job's are not just all about nuts and bolts and this web site does not have to be either.

 

Thanks for reading my rant!