Heard About Ford F350 6.0 What About F450 6.4?

[Jhuff8181]

I've read about the pre 2011 Ford F350 6.0 engine problems, are there any problematic issues with the pre 2011 F-450 6.4 engines? I'm looking at a 2008 F-450 Lariat DRW, 4D Crew Cab, 6.4L V8 Diesel OHV, and 4WD with 62,000 miles. Any issues I should be aware of?

[SmokeyWren]

The only issues I've heard about the 6.4L is worse than expected MPG, partly caused by the diesel particulate filter (DPF) that uses some fuel to burn off the soot collected by the DPF - to comply with Federal emissions requirements. Later model diesel engines added diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to burn off the soot, so they get better MPG. Older model diesels didn't burn off the soot, so they got better MPG but worse emissions. So the 6.4L was caught in a technology switch that causes worse MPG than either older or newer diesel engines.

[jesilvas]

The 6.4 did have it's own little issues, and then the cab and chassis models (no bed from factory) had other ones too, but all are well documented, and not that bad.

[Jhuff8181]

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

The only issues I've heard about the 6.4L is worse than expected MPG, partly caused by the diesel particulate filter (DPF) that uses some fuel to burn off the soot collected by the DPF - to comply with Federal emissions requirements. Later model diesel engines added diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to burn off the soot, so they get better MPG. Older model diesels didn't burn off the soot, so they got better MPG but worse emissions. So the 6.4L was caught in a technology switch that causes worse MPG than either older or newer diesel engines.

I am towing a heavy 41ft 5th wheel so the F450 is appealing. So if I factor in the cost of DEF per mile how bad is the MPG difference? What would be a reasonable expatiation in MPG? Thanks

[jesilvas]

A 6.4 towing that heavy with a tall 5th wheel will depend on what RPMs you run, and what speed and rear axle.
If you average 2000RPM, you will probably get around 8MPG average? I've seen reports of 5MPG, but doubt those somewhat.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by Jhuff8181

I am towing a heavy 41ft 5th wheel so the F450 is appealing. So if I factor in the cost of DEF per mile how bad is the MPG difference?

Read my post again, and don't confuse DPF with DEF. The 6.4L did not use DEF. It was sold for model years 2008 thru 2010, when DPF was required, but not DEF.

What would be a reasonable expatiation in MPG?

Given the same axle ratio, my guess would be about one MPG worse with a 6.4 than with an earlier 6.0L or later 6.7L.

Pay attention to details. 2008-up 6.4L F-450 Chassis cabs had an optional High Capacity towing pkg, that increased the GCWR from the standard 26,000 to 30,000 pounds. 2008 F-450 pickups had various GCWR, depending on month of assembly. If you get a 2008 mode with automagic trannyl, be sure it was assembled in 2008 calendar year, so you will have 33,000 GCWR. For those produced in CY 2007, GCWR was 27,000 standard, or 30,000? with the High Capacity towing pkg.

Originally Posted by Ford 2008 F-450 Pickup Order Guide

JOB 3 ORDER GUIDE UPDATES – Effective on all vehicles built on or after Job 3 (01/02/08 – Subject to change)The High Capacity Trailer Tow Package (535) is no longer available. The standard max GCWR for F-450 PU with automatic transmission is now 33,000 lbs. The standard max GCWR for F-450 PU with manual transmission remains 27,000 lbs.

All 2009 and 2010 F-450 pickups with automagic tranny have 33,000 GCWR. So it's only the 2008 models you must be aware of the month of assembly posted on the same door sticker as the GVWR and VIN.

[jamesrxx951]

Change the oil every 5000 miles. Because of the DPF system extra fuel is added into cylinders 7 and 8 to burn off the soot. This can cause "oil grow". This is fuel in the engine oil because it has leaked passed the rings. Every 10K replace the fuel filters. I would also look into an aftermarket water separator because the high pressure fuel pumps are sensitive to water in the fuel. Drain the separator regularly, use only Ford fuel filters because they help to keep water from passing through the media. Ford fuel additive is also recommended.

[Roam America]

I had an `08 F-450. I currently have a `12 F-450. I got better MPG with my `08 than my current `12. Using DEF instead of fuel apparently makes no difference. I fell victim to Ford's claims of better fuel mileage.

As far a towing, my `12 (more torque and HP albeit lower GVWR) does a bit better but the`08 was awesome towing. My only issue as that it would suddenly pull to the right or to the left without notice and I had to struggle to keep it going straight. Three Ford dealers could not figure out what was wrong. Not a comfortable felling with a 39' 5er in tow. That was the main reason I traded for the `12 but I thought the better MPG's would help justify. NOT! I wouldn't hesitate to tow with a `08 - `10 F-450/6.4L

[Cummins12V98]

Run run run

[94-Newmar]

Originally Posted by Jhuff8181

I've read about the pre 2011 Ford F350 6.0 engine problems, are there any problematic issues with the pre 2011 F-450 6.4 engines? I'm looking at a 2008 F-450 Lariat DRW, 4D Crew Cab, 6.4L V8 Diesel OHV, and 4WD with 62,000 miles. Any issues I should be aware of?

I had a 2008 F350 with the 6.4L and it towed magnificently. I was most impressed with the off-idle turbo response with their new sequential turbo setup introduced on the 6.4. There was literally zero lag, as compared with the 2003-2007 6.0L International engines, and 200% better than the earlier 7.3L engines. I havent had the opportunity to drive the new Scorpion 6.7L diesel from Ford but many I have heard from say it's fantastic to pull with. I'd visit a few of the different Ford forums to see if there is any chatter about inherent problems with the earlier 6.4L from 2008-2010 as it was only built for 2 years and there is a limited number of them out there for sampling.

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Run run run

Very helpful.

[psaint]

I had a 2010 F450 and had no problems with it. As James above states there is a concern with some diesel in the oil and the mpg were low. The F450 has a 4.30 gear ratio in the diff and I was getting 6.5 mpg towing and about 11 empty.

I now have a 2013 F450 that gets 9.5 mpg towing, does a bit better towing with the extra power, and no concern about the oil level. Early 2008 F450's had an option for a 4.88 rear diff and they gave worse mileage.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Very helpful.

I thought so! Quick and to the point!

[Route 66]

Let's stay on topic please.