I've seen a LOT of posts on here lately about failed headgaskets, and nearly all are from guys running tuners, except SCT. It seems obvious that if you want to run a tuner you need to get some headstuds and make sure the heads and block are machined in spec, or get a SCT and even then studs would seem wise for the agressive tunes. I myself run a stock tune, but after running a predator for a few miles and then taking it out I have the power bug! If you look on the Diablosport website under "Forums, Ford Diesel" they tell you there is a TSB for headgasket problems. I take this as saying that "the headgaskets could blow anyway, so our product is O.K. I think you can't blame the guys who were reassured the tuners are OK by the manufacturer IF they haven't been on this site. I read the predator forum and was very surprised by how many guys were posting complaints about their tuner that I haven't even seen here! If you read this forum, listen to everybody else who has experience and cut your losses before they happen.

 

I really think its truck by truck and early 6.0's are even more likely. Especially tuned early 6.0's. That said i had a 04 with a scmt that ran the wheels off of. It did have egr problems and a turbo replaced but no headgaskets or overheating. I would race every ls1 car in town, then the next day tow our 10,000 pound trailer 500 miles. This really makes me believe its truck by truck.

 

most commonly know cause of HG failure(on the 6.0) is one of two things a overboost condition or a aftermarket chip.Not likely to just fail for no reason unless it was a manf defect which would show up prob within the first 5kmiles.

 

That's what I think from seeing other's experiences on this site.

 

Almost from the first 6.0 I got elbow deep in, I asked the hotline about fuel quality creating all of the 6.0's problems. The reply was astounding. The areas that were notorious for poor fuel quality, also was where most of the warranty issues were occurring. Along coast states, Wisconsin in particular, Oregon, washington, were some the hotline engineer told me. From that point, I started pushing the fuel additives. If you think about it, the problem areas were all things that fuel touched. Injectors, pistons, turbos, and egr valves indirectly. Turbos sticking causing overboost, blowing headgaskets, cooking egr coolers. Fuel pumps failing, eating injectors along the way. I for one was pleased when the government mandated fuel quality standardization. Our headaches arent over however. With an engine that is so sensitive to fuel quality, enter bio. Im not saying bio is bad, just use restraint. It will run on bio, quite well as a matter of fact. Damage may or may not occur quickly on mixtures over 5%, but why risk it? Remember, a 6.0 isnt an over the road truck, it isnt your grandfathers john deere. Because those used bio with no damage, does NOT mean the 6.0 and the 6.4 can.

 

The SuperChips 1704 (SCMT) was a very good "canned tune" out of the box that performed very well in the 6.0 as you proved out.

 

Very well stated Vince, fuel quality and properly perfromed manintenance at correct intervals is extremely important to todays modern diesel and all the emissions components that are installed on them. Neglect proper maintenance or run poor fuel in the 6.0 & 6.4 will lead to problems quickly.

 

My question is how do you now when you are getting good or bad fuel. I am up in Michigan and always fill at the flying J's they are always busy so they turn over there fuel fast.

 

Best thing you can do is buy from stations that sell alot of fuel daily. Also the new ULSD fuel standards make the fuel much better quality. For insurance run a fuel additive like Power Service or Stanadyne or Howes.

 

I had a super chip 1704 (SCMT) in my 03, and had a turbo failure, several injectors replaced, till the heads had to be replaced, so my experience was sour, I now run my truck with out any mods, learned the hard way. my 0.02
I don't think a can venture to install another programer, it is an expensive risk, althoug I love to have that power again. It is addictive.

 

The '03 I had spent more time in the shop then it did on the road (fuel pump,injectors(4 total),hfcm(replaced twice). Tech told me to go somewhere else for my fuel. He recommended fords recommendation on fuels.Ran a few tanks of bp fuel changed the filters. It did not see the dealer again for almost a year. Traded on an '06

 

I've never really thought of that. Do you remember how bad the Cincinnati/Northern KY area was before the ULSD stuff? That could explain why I have witnessed more 6.0 failures around here than seems to be the norm.

Mike

 

think about it, why are some areas overrun with 6.0 issues, while others have little to none? The only common denominator would be fuel distribution.

 

Out of all the 6.0s that I've driven and all the people I know personally with them, only one hasn't been back to the dealer with engine problems. The rest have been injector, EGR, and turbo problems mainly.

Then there are the 2 chronic 04s that blow head gaskets around every 20-30K, but they are ambulances that get run very, very hard. It's no excuse, but that's the reason.

I'd think that the ULSD would have cut down on the soot in the engine and oil.

Is there a map of fuel quality nationwide or somewhere else to get info on the net?

Mike