Community Forums

Rookie RVer · 08-09-2022, 09:33 PM

I am running a 2007 Dynamax that is using a 2006 Ford F550 with 6.0L Super Duty Powerstroke. I am aware of the Achilles heel of the 6.0L and I am told it is not a matter or "if" but rather "when" the problems will show up. Ive only got 37000 miles on the rig. So do I bulletproof the engine and have it for many more thousands of miles? Luckily no problems to date but.... I have always thought it best to fix known problems before they blow up on you but I don't want to spend money I don't have to. What's the advice??

Arch Hoagland · 08-09-2022, 10:32 PM

Bulletproof the engine? Huh.

How do you bulletproof an engine?

Randalpho · 08-10-2022, 05:37 AM

https://bulletproofdiesel.com/

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/wh...diesel-engine/

Rockwood27 · 08-10-2022, 05:52 AM

It sounds as if you're seeking opinions. Instead, I'll pose a couple of questions for you to ponder.

Can you afford $10-20K for an engine replacement that hasn't been bulletproofed versus $1.2K, plus labor, for an EGR delete kit?

Is a 6 month or more down time to replace said engine acceptable?

Soppy · 08-10-2022, 06:09 AM

It would be a good idea to do it now before it fails on the road. I know of many 6.0 liter engines that have failed at various mileages. I have not seen ay failures of the engines that have been "bullet proofed". The worst of it is , it not a matter of if , its a matter of when the engine will fail.

Rookie RVer · 08-10-2022, 10:14 AM

If only my crystal ball had not broken a couple of years ago I would be able to predict. But all whom I have asked say fix it before it drops you. So, my first mate loves the RV and therefore I will bullet proof.

And bullet proofing is a sub industry (from what I understand) that arose out of Ford's attempt to meet emissions and power requirements with their 6.0L, 6.4L and 7.0L engines. The industry designed and implements fixes to head bolts, injectors, EGR issues and others that will cause failure of the engine. Once those things are resolved that engine reportedly will run for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Thanks for your inputs! This forum is invaluable to those of us who know enough to get ourselves in trouble.

Arch Hoagland · 08-10-2022, 10:29 AM

Color me skeptical....LOL

Edd505 · 08-10-2022, 12:01 PM

couple grand bullet proofing or 80K -100K for a new truck. I went the 6.0 route and didn't bullet proof just an egr delete. I'm in a 6.7 now and what a difference towing.

BEE1234 · 08-10-2022, 02:08 PM

I have a 2008 F250 6.4 that has 402,400 miles on it. It is deleted and tuned. We hauled a 14,000 pound fifth wheel (sold) all over the US. Hauling I get 11.5 mpg, empty 21 highway, 15 city. The power difference deleting the "EPA extras" is wonderful. My only issue with the truck has been oil cooling problems so I installed an aftermarket oil cooling system that has worked flawlessly. We replaced the internal oil cooler several times but finally bypassed it with the new system. Other great option added was a 60 gallon fuel tank in the bed. Just my opinion and experience.

Rookie RVer · 08-10-2022, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEE1234

I have a 2008 F250 6.4 that has 402,400 miles on it. It is deleted and tuned. We hauled a 14,000 pound fifth wheel (sold) all over the US. Hauling I get 11.5 mpg, empty 21 highway, 15 city. The power difference deleting the "EPA extras" is wonderful. My only issue with the truck has been oil cooling problems so I installed an aftermarket oil cooling system that has worked flawlessly. We replaced the internal oil cooler several times but finally bypassed it with the new system. Other great option added was a 60 gallon fuel tank in the bed. Just my opinion and experience.

WOW that is great input. So only EGR deleted and tuned but nothing with head bolts/gasket or other bulletproofing stuff? And from what I read the best thing to do is install the aftermarket oil cooler which helps the entire system. 400k miles? That is spectacular. Thanks for the input !

akgourmet · 08-15-2022, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rookie RVer

WOW that is great input. So only EGR deleted and tuned but nothing with head bolts/gasket or other bulletproofing stuff? And from what I read the best thing to do is install the aftermarket oil cooler which helps the entire system. 400k miles? That is spectacular. Thanks for the input !

the 6.0 had the head gasket issues, not the 6.4. Deleted usually refers to removing the DPF. The EGR can be removed or blocked off, but the DPF is the real culprit when it comes to mileage and longevity.

MevetS · 08-15-2022, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akgourmet

the 6.0 had the head gasket issues, not the 6.4. Deleted usually refers to removing the DPF. The EGR can be removed or blocked off, but the DPF is the real culprit when it comes to mileage and longevity.

Deleted also means the EGR and cooler on the 6.0L. You can also do it legally using one of the Bulletproof systems, that are more expensive. I had my 2005 6.0L modified at Bulletproof in Mesa, Az. Went the whole route with ARP studs, head rebuild, etc. If you choose to "Hot Rod" the engine with a tuner, you can gain huge amounts of torque, you will possibly need the ARP head stud modification. It was another of the weaknesses with the Navistar designed 6.0L. If I recall correctly the biggest issue with the EGR system was that the oil pump, oil filter and the EGR cooler were all integrated into single housing. With time this compromised the cooler and the hose that fed it. This was the primary failure mechanism with the factory design. This lead to overheating and loss of coolant into the engine block. The Bulletproof system moved the oil filter to a remote location. Again, that's if memory serves me correctly, which is sometimes questionable these days. I sold the F350 about 7 years ago but it was still going strong with no engine failures.

laj · 08-15-2022, 10:00 PM

If your going to “. bulletproof “ do your homework. Know what, and why your doing something. You can spend lits of money, and not get where you really need to be.

Personally i love the 6.0’s.

TXiceman · 08-16-2022, 09:23 AM

Make sure your shop knows the issues with the 6.0L and how to properly fix the engine. It does not need a tune kit, just some components upgraded.

If you go for a full bullet-proof and tune, the engine will no longer meet the federal emissions requirements which can make inspections not possible in some states.

Once a 6.0L is bullet-proofed, it is a good engine. It boils down to how long you plan to keep the motorhome and how much it is worth to get it fixed vs a total engine failure.

Ken