I’m looking into getting a 2005 F-250, but I keep hearing mixed opinions about the 6.0 engine in it. Some people say it’s trouble from the start, others seem to love it. So, is it really that bad? Is there any way to make it last longer or improve its performance?
A lot of people actually like the 6.0. I’ve owned four of them myself and never had any major issues. Honestly, it’s got a bad rep, but that’s what keeps the price down, so they’re some of the best-value pickups you can get for around $5-7k.
If you’re considering it, look for a ZF6 manual model if you can find one.
@Nova
From 2004.5 onward, they made some upgrades, like a better HPOP (high-pressure oil pump) and a few redesigns. I just bought one last week, and it came with ten years’ worth of maintenance records. Ideal situation! Also, avoid buying from younger owners who might have thrown tuners on them and driven them hard before selling them.
I had a 2004 F-250 with 170,000 miles. In just a year of owning it, I ended up spending almost the same amount I bought it for on repairs. HPOP issues, injector failures, wiring problems, turbo issues… the list just goes on.
Fun truck when it’s running well, but I’d only get a few good months out of it before something else would break. I know people who’ve had zero issues with their 6.0s, though. Personally, I ended up switching to a same-year Cummins 3500, and it’s been smooth sailing with just a water pump change in the last five years. Good luck!
@Zeke
It really can be hit or miss with these trucks. I’ve got an ’07 with about 170k. I bought it in 2017 when it had 107k, and I’ve only had to replace the driveshaft, front calipers, and a couple of fuel injectors. I mostly use it for camping trips now.
It does start rough in the winter unless I plug it in, but other than that, it’s been pretty solid. I guess I got lucky!
Do some serious digging online. Check out the Ford truck and diesel forums, you’ll find threads that go on forever. I went through all that research last year and ended up buying a 2007 6.0 with 92k miles. So far, no horror stories here… fingers crossed!
The one I’m looking at has 190,000 miles on it. Still worth a shot?
Quincy said:
The one I’m looking at has 190,000 miles on it. Still worth a shot?
With that kind of mileage, you’re probably going to be looking at repairs down the line, especially if you’re not doing the work yourself. I’ve got an ’04 with 245k, and New England rust is my biggest enemy here. It’s doable, but it might be a money pit depending on how well it’s been maintained.
I’ve got the same truck! Mine’s at 319k miles now. It’s a Lariat with a 6.0, and it’s been in the family, mainly as a farm truck. It’s been babied and has only needed an alternator and EGR cooler replacement, nothing major.
Most issues come from folks modifying the heck out of these and pushing them too hard. Take care of it with regular maintenance, and it can last. I find it pretty easy to work on, too. For anyone who can keep up with the maintenance, I’d say it’s a solid truck.
A 6.0 can be a great engine… but only after you sink about $10,000 into fixes. You’re looking at head studs/gaskets, upgraded coolers, HEUI pump, injectors, and a delete to get it reliable. The 2005 models specifically have a fuel-in-cooling issue linked to injector cups, so factor in those costs if you go for it.
Yep, it’s rough. Sure, it looks like a good deal upfront, but you’re either going to pay for repairs down the line or fork out a lot for the initial buy. It’s like, truck + $$$$$$, pick your poison!
When Ford ended things with Navistar, they went with the 6.0, which needed a more refined diesel fuel than what’s common here in the U.S. That’s where the EGR issues started. Soot clogs everything up, and the cooling system gets contaminated, leading to stretched head bolts and eventual head gasket breaks. Oil cooler clogs, injectors fail, you name it. If you want to fix it right, the Bulletproof (or Gorillaproof) process is worth it, but it’s around $12k.
I had mine Bulletproofed at 312k miles, and it’s still going strong at 445k now. RIP to Bill Hewitt and Diesel Ron – real legends in the diesel community. Their videos are worth watching if you want to understand what you’re getting into.
@Zephyr
Pretty sure Navistar International actually built both the 6.0 and the 6.4. Ford only started building their own diesel engines with the 6.7 in 2011.
I had one and loved it, but I’d say a little prayer every night hoping I wouldn’t wake up to an oil or coolant leak in the morning. Let’s just say it didn’t always work out!
6.0s are solid once they’re bulletproofed. We have one on the farm that’s been tuned, and it’s still kicking after 340k miles.
I’ve got an 06 with about 205k miles on it, and honestly, it’s been manageable. Had to replace an IPR valve, some injectors, and the fuel pump, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a northern truck. Rust is a bit of a battle, and the driveshaft carrier bearing and U-joints are next on my list.
If you’re up for doing the repairs yourself, it’s totally worth it. Get yourself a scan tool and watch for issues. Fuel filters every 2-3 oil changes will help a lot too!
I have an ’06 F350 Lariat 6.0 with 176k miles, 40k of that after it was Bulletproofed. I paid a bit more for it, but it came with all the receipts and photos of the work done. I drive it every day even though I have a Toyota FJ as a backup.
Here’s my take: if you love it, go for it. At this age, you’re going to have to put money into it, like it or not. Diesels aren’t cheap to maintain, but nothing quite matches the experience of driving one. If that’s what you want, go for it.