Ford 2500 6.0 diesel....

[Mobjack22]

I know this motor is much maligned but I have also read some good reviews.

In my area there are lots of them for sale at reasonable prices.

I have been ignoring them accepting that they are a no go but are they as bad as folks say?

Many advertise that they are bullet proof but that seems to mean different things to different folks.

Would y’all consider one and under what circumstances?

Any happy owners?

[Super Thirty]

I have a couple of friends that no longer drive Fords because of their experience with the 6.0l diesels. When I went shopping they strongly advised me to to stay away from them. I took their advice when shopping for ours.

[CharlesinGA]

I would not consider a 6.0L unless it has been modified, such as the Bulletproof modifications. ie. EGR cooler replaced with a heavy wall Stainless steel one, APR cylinder head studs and nuts to replace the torque to yield (elastic) head bolts, a through cooling system flush, and a new oil cooler (or preferably the oil to water cooler replaced with an oil to air cooler kit) and the installation of a non silicate antifreeze.

This is based on what I have read, did a fair amount of research on whether I should consider buying one or not, and finally decided I didn't want the problems or chance of them nor the work modifying them, and passed. I bought a '03 Ram 2500 5.9L HO (Cummins) instead.

Might consider these videos (Long, Long, Honeymoon)

https://youtu.be/Ig_eyniW1ao

https://youtu.be/-GCk5u9icU8

https://youtu.be/-ifJJcLk__Y

https://youtu.be/egypz5muiEE

Charles

[Old-Biscuit]

Much maligned for good reason!
And there resale value tells the tale


Now IF you find one with the 'documented' modifications as posted by 'CharlesinGA'

MAYBE........

[tuffr2]

If you were not a truck guy before this you will be a truck guy by the time you pick a truck.

I know you are feeling pressure if you are looking at the Ford with the Navistar 6.0 diesel.

Anyone know how much to get the 6.0 litre bullet proofed? My guess is about $8,000. And what does that mean? Will a newly bullet proofed engine give 100,000 miles of trouble free operation? I do not know. If yes, maybe it is worth it.

I say if the price is 8k less than you may have your repair money. And just maybe you can get some use out of it before something breaks.

[60sumtin]

I can't remember the year of the truck but a friend purchased a well taken care of F350 with the 6.0 and had to have it bullet proofed 6 months later at 80,000 miles. So in my mind not a good truck to own unless you have deep pockets. The procedure cost him a lot of money but he feels it was worth it.

[Scoobert]

If you can find one that has been bullet proofed by a reputable shop I would take it in a heartbeat. OR if you can find one cheap and have it BP'ed by a good shop.
A BP'd 6.0 is a fantastic engine with a better tranny behind it than the 7.3 along with more power and a smoother ride.

[chboone]

Originally Posted by Mobjack22

I know this motor is much maligned but I have also read some good reviews.

In my area there are lots of them for sale at reasonable prices.

I have been ignoring them accepting that they are a no go but are they as bad as folks say?

Many advertise that they are bullet proof but that seems to mean different things to different folks.

Would y’all consider one and under what circumstances?

Any happy owners?

When I was looking for a truck was not looking for a 6.0 because of the problems I had heard about. Came across the F450 6.0 that had been largely been bulletproofed with only 74,000 on it. It had the bulletproof EGR Cooler and ARP studs. Here Is two places to read and watch videos about bulletproofing and maintaining the 6.0. I am very happy with my Powerstroke 6.0

https://www.bulletproofdiesel.com

POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners & Mechanics

[xrated]

Originally Posted by Mobjack22

I know this motor is much maligned but I have also read some good reviews.

In my area there are lots of them for sale at reasonable prices.

I have been ignoring them accepting that they are a no go but are they as bad as folks say?

Many advertise that they are bullet proof but that seems to mean different things to different folks.

Would y’all consider one and under what circumstances?

Any happy owners?

If it was almost free.....AND.....I was a skilled Diesel Mechanic!

[JSM180]

I have owned mine since 2012 and put 65k miles on it, most of it towing, now has 215k miles. Still has the original head gaskets and tty bolts. I do all the maintenance.

First off, there is no such thing as "bullet proofing" a 6.0, the term is a marketing gimmick for sellers and parts suppliers. The key to keeping a 6.0 alive and dependable is maintenance, good clean coolant and oil is critical. Neglect either and it will get expensive.

If you intend to do all the maintenance on the truck yourself it is a great buy, if you plan to take it to a shop for everything, shop for something newer. Very few shops understand the 6.0 and the only thing worse than neglect for a 6.0 is taking it someone that doesn't have a clue how to fix it. Throwing parts at it only empties your wallet.

Check out this site https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum107/
for info on the 6.0, plenty of happy owners there willing to help and answer your questions.

[450Donn]

Friend spent a fortune on his "bulletproofed" 6.0. After he still spent a fortune trying to keep it running. Crazy, but he bought another Ford two years ago and loves it.
There are much better alternatives out there, namely 7.3 if you insist on a Ford
Any Cummins would be 10 times better as would most Duramax.

[mrgrayaz]

My 2005 6.0 cost the previous owner and I (he gave me all the records) $.44/mile to keep running with dealer maintenance from 132k to 187k miles.
Now we tow heavy constantly as fulltimers, so perhaps for a "weekender" it would cost less. You the math how much money that was. Hint: A LOT.

At 187k it blew it's 3rd OEM EGR cooler, popped both head gaskets and I traded it in non running on my 2017. Absolute money pit. Didn't get jack for the trade in either.

I'd avoid em *shrug* - there is a reason they are cheap.

[iamblum]

Dont forget the turbo lag....

[60sumtin]

Originally Posted by JSM180

First off, there is no such thing as "bullet proofing"

There's enough evidence out there that says otherwise.