I have been searching for an E450 and found one priced around $6,500 with 158k miles. Are there known issues with these engines? I have seen mixed reviews about the 6.0 Powerstroke, especially in earlier models. Some say they are unreliable, while others argue they perform just as well, if not better, than the 7.3.
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I have had my 6.0 for 3 years and have only done studs as a personal choice. I have not had to do anything else to it. On the other hand, my 7.3 has been constantly dealing with oil leaks. There was only one major leak, the rest just left a spot on the driveway overnight. I’ve had the 7.3 for 9 years and 100k miles with no major issues, just minor problems all the time. Now that I own both, I wish I had gotten a 6.0 sooner. The drivability and towing experience are much better with the 6.0. Both trucks are crew cab short beds with 250s, autos, and 3.73 gears, so the only difference is the engine and transmission. I worked with someone who also had both trucks and said his 6.0 was his favorite. He put it perfectly, his 7.3 seemed allergic to oil.
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Thank you for the feedback, Which year did you own the 6.0?
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My number is 06. The best course of action for a 6.0 is to monitor it and make repairs before there is a problem, based on the advice of persons I have spoken to and my research. The problems appear to exacerbate one another. An egr bursts due to an example oil cooler plugging up, blowing head gaskets. It surprised me if my grandfather did anything more than change the oil and filter on his brand-new 2006 that he drove for years while towing his fifth wheel camper. He sold it for between $150 and $160k.
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If it was not maintained properly, you might end up spending a lot of money and time trying to fix various issues. However, if it was well-maintained though the price tag raises some doubts, it could be a decent purchase.
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Since the owner used to reside there and is now selling it, I am thinking it was kept up reasonably well. The solar panel and everything else included reduce the actual car price of $10,000 to roughly $6.5k, since I would have purchased those items anyhow. I messaged them to find out what kind of maintenance they performed. Regarding maintenance that they ought to have completed, what should I be on the lookout for? I’m not a gearhead, therefore I don’t know too much.
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To put it mildly, 6.0s can be quite temperamental. Regular oil changes every 5k miles are crucial, but proving that maintenance can be tricky.
It’s been a while since I have dealt with them, but I think the E series is based on the ambulance platform, and it is similar to the trucks. Issues like head gaskets, EGR, stand pipes, dummy plugs, and FICM can be problematic.
In short, it could turn into a real headache.
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Head gasket has less problems in the vans because they are rated to 235hp like international intended. Ficm is much more reliable on vans because it is rigidly mounted to the frame instead of the valve cover
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I am happy to hear that. As I’m buying a bus, I am guessing it’s the same as the vans. Thus, the stand pipes, egr, and dummy plugs are the primary things I need to care about? Is there anything more I should know?
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Yes, it’s the same chassis. The EGR system is less problematic in vans because it doesn’t face the high exhaust temperatures that trucks do. The first step is to get a live monitoring system to assess the health of the FICM, HPO system, and especially the oil cooler. Perform full synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles and use only OEM Motorcraft filters. Don’t ignore the upper fuel filter, even though it’s hard to reach. Look for white powder around the coolant bottle, as it may indicate head gasket or EGR issues. Inspect the coolant and the inside of the coolant bottle for any signs of buildup, and consider switching to ELC coolant.
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The engines have been bulletproofed with a kit, and maintenance is required every 3.5–5k, I recently learned. Completely understanding. Thank you so much for the advice, I will use it for future maintenance, starting with the gasoline filter.
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When you mention bullet proofed, what exactly do you mean? Some people refer to ARP head studs as bullet proofing, but I have the complete bullet-proof setup in mine. What kit are you talking about?
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It would be helpful to ask him what type of coolant is currently used. He seems like a knowledgeable owner. I’d also recommend running a live data scanner before purchasing it, as the vehicle could run smoothly while still needing an oil cooler. The 3.5k - 5k maintenance intervals are a good indicator that he understands the vehicle’s needs.
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I will ask him about the coolant, but if the coolant is not up to grade, I am willing to pay the $2–4,000 in components and labor for an oil cooler. Without a doubt, I’ll get a live scanner and keep an eye on it while traveling from Oregon to Central California. I think it’s worth it considering all the other advantages this equipment has to offer. Is there anything else that coolant could wear down?