diesel truck, I don't know anything. Help me please

[JackOfAllTrades]

A lot of the reading I did when I bought my truck and long after I did, there were issues with all the big three diesels up north.. What I did read is that a lot of guys working the oil pipeline wanted the old Ford 7.3's back. The 6.0's where outfitted with EGR delete kits so they could idle for long periods. The same couldn't be done for the Ambulances and other service rigs in the lower 48, but a different egr valve was disgned and became available in mid 06. I have that one now. I am probably one of the more disciplined diesel owners that lets his truck idle/warm up when it's cold and the same for cool down and have not had a problem. Still not the same as the guys in the cold or service rigs but I'm happy so far.

I cannot bash any of the big three as they all have problems. But most of them that are taken care of will run circles around the gassers with more power and better fuel economy.

-Steve

[NWwildman]

the reason i didn't take it back to the dealer is because I live in Washington  and the pump was bought in another state and was twice the cost of my pump now. 15 hr trip with a pump that would stop  sending fuels didn't sound fun. They where not willing to let a local dealer work on it either.

[6x6in6]

the reason i didn't take it back to the dealer is because I live in Washington  and the pump was bought in another state and was twice the cost of my pump now. 15 hr trip with a pump that would stop  sending fuels didn't sound fun. They where not willing to let a local dealer work on it either.

I hope your running an Air Dog, Fass or the likes to feed that VP and those 150's because it's only a matter of time before you toast another one.

[MuleySniper]

the reason i didn't take it back to the dealer is because I live in Washington  and the pump was bought in another state and was twice the cost of my pump now. 15 hr trip with a pump that would stop  sending fuels didn't sound fun. They where not willing to let a local dealer work on it either.

I hope your running an Air Dog, Fass or the likes to feed that VP and those 150's because it's only a matter of time before you toast another one.

What exactly does the Fass do? And it the fancy Amsoil filter/recycler thing that loops to the filler worth it?
I hear of prolonged oil changes but honestly it seems a catch 22. Spend the money and use delo every 3000k or spend about the same amount switching to amsoil and do it every ten?

[6x6in6]

the reason i didn't take it back to the dealer is because I live in Washington  and the pump was bought in another state and was twice the cost of my pump now. 15 hr trip with a pump that would stop  sending fuels didn't sound fun. They where not willing to let a local dealer work on it either.

I hope your running an Air Dog, Fass or the likes to feed that VP and those 150's because it's only a matter of time before you toast another one.

What exactly does the Fass do? And it the fancy Amsoil filter/recycler thing that loops to the filler worth it?
I hear of prolonged oil changes but honestly it seems a catch 22. Spend the money and use delo every 3000k or spend about the same amount switching to amsoil and do it every ten?

No, the Amsoil bypass oil filter is not worth the expense.  Just by good Fleetguard filters from Cummins Northwest or on-line and your good to go.
A Fass provides extra filtration, a better water seperator and aids in eliminating air in the fuel delivery system along with greater psi of fuel to feed the injection pump so you don't drain the fuel rail (common rail engines) that feeds the injectors.  Basically, it aids from starving the injection pump of fuel and a better job of keeping debris from getting to your injectors.  Water and debris are the #1 cause of failed injectors which ultimately can kill your engine.   

[jackelope]

the reason i didn't take it back to the dealer is because I live in Washington  and the pump was bought in another state and was twice the cost of my pump now. 15 hr trip with a pump that would stop  sending fuels didn't sound fun. They where not willing to let a local dealer work on it either.

Warranty is good at any dealer nationwide if it is a Mopar part. You got fed the wrong info. Sorry to hear that.

[Woodchuck]

the nice thing about the amsoil system is that it starts generating oil pressure as soon as the key is cycled so especially in a diesel when you are waiting for the light it is already building oil pressure. peace of mind i guess, at least for me 

[NWwildman]

O just because that all i listed doesn't mean anything. My whole fuel system is upgrade including my lines and i am running Fass pump relocated by the tank. The Fass lift pump also provide a large amount of fuel compared to the OEM. The pump also are one of the only lift pump with a warranty for 2 or 3 years. They are worth every penny you pay for them. IF you own the Vp 24v trucks it the first think you should buy if hasn't been down. It will save you so much pain down the road.

[MuleySniper]

Good thread, great info.. Thanks guys!
MS

[Rick]

What is with all the trashing on 6.0 diesels I own a 06 f250 with the 6.0 and love it, I will agree the 03 was a bad year for them being new and all but the 06 model has fewest warranty claims than any powerstroke. I have owned a 98 dodge Cummings and will never own a dodge again.  That is my opinion we all have one, I guess I get sick of people talking trash about a truck that they don't own or drive. They just hear stuff and believe it all to be true thanks for letting me vent.

People talk trash,because the 6.0 was a POS. There is no debating that. The 6.0 broke a decades long partnership between International and Ford.

You sure you owned a Dodge? If you did,you should know,theres no "g" at the end of Cummins.

[NWwildman]

I just have be in two 6.0 fords that blow the head gasket while towing. They one blow pulling a jet boat and the truck only had 25k miles on it and the other pulling a 4 place up Stevens Pass. So I have a bad taste for every engine after the 7.3. last place i worked we had 4 7.3 ranging from 160k to 423k and they ran for the most part all the time. 

[bigpaw 77]

What is with all the trashing on 6.0 diesels I own a 06 f250 with the 6.0 and love it, I will agree the 03 was a bad year for them being new and all but the 06 model has fewest warranty claims than any powerstroke. I have owned a 98 dodge Cummings and will never own a dodge again.  That is my opinion we all have one, I guess I get sick of people talking trash about a truck that they don't own or drive. They just hear stuff and believe it all to be true thanks for letting me vent.

People talk trash,because the 6.0 was a POS. There is no debating that. The 6.0 broke a decades long partnership between International and Ford.

You sure you owned a Dodge? If you did,you should know,theres no "g" at the end of Cummins.

Yes I am sure I owned a dodge, I dumped more money in to that truck then I care to admit. Maybe you should be the spell check instead of the crappy one the site offers.

[bearpaw]

I have a few questions for you Ford 7.3 gurus. Mine is a 2003 F-350 7.3L.

At what temps should I plug the engine heater in overnight?

At colder temps (20 degrees or less) it starts hard if I forget to plug in. I may have to turn the key 4-5 times to warm the glow plugs, does this mean problems are brewing?

How long should the engine idle on freezing mornings before taking off?

How do I recognize if injectors are getting bad or if fuel pump is getting weak?

Thanks In Advance
Dale

[Pathfinder101]

glad you asked Bearpaw.  I have the exact same questions...

[Woodchuck]

not that i am a pro but...i ALWAYS plug my diesel in below freezing to keep it warm and oil will flow easier not that it wont start, and it gives the cab instant heat. if you have to cycle the plugs that often, yes i believe they are dying. if you change them buy the uber expensive valve cover gaskets. they are called "reusable" but they contain the wiring for the injectors in em and i just wouldnt take the chance on having to go back in