Blew it up good. HELP!

Well less then 2 years ago I bought a 2003 F 350 with 6.0 Diesel. Coming home from my sister-in-laws I blew the 6.0 up. We had plenty of smoke on the way home and now I have been told it is toast.
I am NOT going diesel again. This one really hurt me in the heart and pocket. Costing over $1000.00 a month for having the truck plus fuel, oil, filters, wipers, tail gate ($1000.00).
Sorry I had to vent a little.
Now I am looking at a Chevey 2500 HD or A HEMI 2500. Not sure which will pull my small cat. I know it will take a lot of fuel to tow and less power. Can I enjoy the 2500 HD as much as my Dearly Departed F 350?
Would I be happy with the HEMI?

Please Help!

Thanks Gang

Bear

wow! beartoo dont see that to often...sorry about your truck...

I have a 2500hd gasser and have always had great luck with it...I would hate to ever part with it...

But let me say this... its gonna have to go...it is seriously lacking in the power department when it comes to towing.

If you are on flatlands all the time then you'll be fine but get ready for 7 miles a gallon or less possibly...

I think you'll miss a deisel when towing...and the same blow up could have happened with any make model and engine...I would say its more apt to happen with a gasser hauling heavy loads all the time...

an engine overhaul is way cheaper than buying any used truck these days...

Like Tim said, if you’re only towing in relatively flat terrain the gasser will be OK. After having a diesel I don’t think you will be too happy towing on mountain grades with a gasser. Gas engines turn much higher RPM’s to develop the horsepower needed for uphill towing.
I thought my old Dodge with the V-10 gasser was a beast but my current truck with the diesel makes me think that the Dodge was really just a fuel thirsty pussycat. I couldn’t go back to towing with a gasser.
One of the many benefits to having a diesel is not have to worry about having enough maneuvering room at the gas pumps. Truck stops are great.
I’m sorry to hear about the demise of your 6.0, that really, really sucks.

I have a Chevy 2500 HD, but it is a diesel. The truck can handle my 31TS just fine. As far as the engine, that's up to you, but as mentioned above I think you will miss the power of the diesel. I went from gas to diesel when I had my TT and I would not go back. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sorry to read about your problem. Those kind of mishaps are probably rare, but could happen with any vehicle. Don't get discouraged. Do some research on gas vs diesel, and on the different brands. Then make your final decision, and stick with it. Best of luck.

Tater

Sorry to hear about your 350 eating it. We have a 250, but it's a gas engine. Without the WC I get about 17-18mpg on the highway, mixed mountains/hills/flats, cruise control, at 55-75mph. With the WC that will drop to about 9mpg. When I bought the truck I ordered, and I did a factory order just for the 2WD truck, automatic, cruise control, a little extra chrome, wider tires, tow package, limited slip differential, and A/C. We even have the standard cab/bed with a bench seat. The seat is great since our cat rides between us. Why a 2WD truck? Simple, I don't plan on getting very far off of pavement, in the winter when the "S" word flies we're somewhere warm where it doesn't, and at about 500lbs less truck weight there less stuff to wear/tear/break/waste gas.

Consider the engine rebuild from a good diesel shop. I just had mine done to the tune of $10K, but that is much cheaper than another truck with payments.

Plenty of people use gassers for pulling 5th wheels, and the 24rl could probably be pulled with a 1/2 ton if it had to be done (don't know about weight limits though). If all you do is stay local and go out 2 or 3 times a year, then a gas engine would be just fine. If you are going to do serious traveling, the diesel is the best option. Just my 2 cents.

A lady I know just had her 6.0 go out from a broken injector, estimated cost is $14,000 and she hasn't had the truck but about 90 days it was a 2007 with 100K on it, now she is stuck in DalharT Tx.

Bill

stuck in DalharT Tx.

That is about as close to nowhere as you can get.

Right BobnPi, I think there is only one RV park there, we usually use it going to and from Colorado as its $20 full hookups for the night but it is Nothing Special.

Bill & Pat

Portagie1968 wrote:Do you know why it blew up?

It blow up because of the #5 injector tip fell off and into the cylinder. The injector were replaced about 3 years ago. Ford knows this happen so they do not cover it under the extended warranty. Four other injectors are also bad.

My nephew who is a Ford mechanic is steering me towards an 2005 Ram Diesel. He has one being traded in that was used just for pulling a 5 er. I just not sure if I should get it or not.

Do you know why it blew up?
Unfortunately Ford had mucho problems with 6.0's until about ?June? of 04. All most all of the Ford problems they took care of by then and the new updated engine was better. Fuel injectors was a biggie.

beartoo wrote:My nephew who is a Ford mechanic is steering me towards an 2005 Ram Diesel. He has one being traded in that was used just for pulling a 5 er. I just not sure if I should get it or not.

You'll be getting a 5.9L HO Cummins in the '05. I had the same engine in my '04.5 and had 118K miles on it when I traded it for a 6.7L HO Cummins 2010 Ram 2500. The later 5.9L engines were great. I had no major problems with my '04.5.

Be careful if it has the 48RE auto tranny. Dodge has had trouble with those. I had the NV5600 6 speed standard in mine. Was a dream to drive.

beartoo wrote:Can I enjoy the 2500 HD as much as my Dearly Departed F 350?

Chevy's are nice trucks. Yes, it will pull a 24' trailer, but not like diesel. I would work on Ford a little bit more; they fixed a lot of those engines under warrenty; the 6.0's had problems. I'm not sure I would put the money into an engine with known problems.

Good luck.

Bear, sorry to hear of your situation. As to diesel versus gas, there are several threads in the tow section of the forum. While many, maybe most, are strong on the diesel, I think a great number feel it is a personal preference, and you need to have a tow vehicle that you like and will handle your RV. That said, you asked several questions specifically about the 6.0 gas engine. I will give you my take on this.

I have the same model Wildcat as you. I tow with a 1500HD, 6.0 gas. This truck is configured the same as the 2500 but with a softer suspension (nicer ride). I have 100K on the truck with over 70K in tow mode. The truck has towed Canada and Alaska, New England, a trip to Newfoundland (really steep country), again through New England, 2 runs on the Blue Ridge Mountains, the coastal range of California up into BC, southern Colorado, Utah and northern Arizona, pulling Monarch, Cottonwood, Wolf Creek, Cochetopa and North passes to name a few. My toughest pull was probably going into San Diego on I8 in 120 degree weather this summer. Most everyone stopped for a breather on that run. I am usually running 3-3700rpm and about 40-45 mph when on steeper climbs.

I have 2 BIL's who run the duramax. We tow frequently with one or the other. I do not try to keep up on a steep grade. They either wait at the top, or we catch up on the down hill. We are retired and max speed is no longer important. When we stop for fuel, I usually require $2-4 more, as I burn more, but they pay more per gallon. When we do a routine maintenance, they will pay 2-3 times what I will pay.

I keep looking at the diesel but with the increased emissions control and initial price, I doubt it is in my future. The new 6.0 gas has more HP and torque than my current vehicle and it now has a 6 speed auto tranny. I have ben looking at year end models, but nothing available. Will wait on the 2012 and if things are right may trade for the 6.0 gas. If not we will possibly go back to Alaska with this unit. My wife has compressed vertebrae and the only seat she is comfortable in is the GM, so I have not looked at the Ford or Dodge.

Best wishes on your decision.

I feel like I am doing a tail spin. I said no more diesels, but today I drove a 07 Chevy with a Duramax.
I am I making a mistake if I were to buy this since I had so much trouble my 6.0 F 350.
How does the Duramax hold up compared to the Ford junk?

Does not matter what you drive you will always find someone who has had a problem. Gasser? Maybe a Ford V10. Ford Diesel? 7.3.... Dodge Ram? 5.9 Cummins. Don't know enough about Chevies other than a friend of mine swears by his. A hemi is okay for a 1/2 ton rated pull, they are not the high performance engines of yesteryear and if they were you won't pass a gas station. In my years I have "blowed up" a few trucks.... I'll take a diesel, any make, over a gasser any time.

Maxtor is 100% on the mark. Good and bad in them all.

Bear

I think you woud be disappointed in any gasser after towing with a diesel.

The 07 Duramax/Allison is a very dependable truck with a good reputation for reliability. They are a proven combo with few known troubles.

The 6.0 Ford on the other hand is known and well documented with many troubles including exactly what just happened with yours. I know it has left a bad taste with you for all diesels but I can assure you other diesel engines are a much better design. Including other Fords. The older 7.3 has an excellent reputation as a reliable engine.

When I purchased my truck a few years ago I had researched many hours. The only truck I had completely ruled out was the 6.0 Ford. Too bad because the used car lots were then, and still are, saturated with 6.0 Fords. Too many complaints and troubles from too many owners. Some from die hard Ford guys I had known and trusted for years. I know not all 6.0's were lemons but too many for me to risk taking a chance on one.

If it were me, I would be looking for another diesel. I would just stay clear of the 6.0 Ford. Any others, I would only consider the best shape for the price.

I agree with Mountain Man. I have the same truck and love it. I have been traveling in California this month pulling my 5er. I couldn't imagine not having a diesel to go over some of the passes. Diesel is the best if you can afford it!!

I bet your 6.0 blew a head gasket, they are known for this. like everyone says the 6.0 is full of problems we have them in ambulances and cant keep them on the road. all the duramax seem to hold up well to the abuse of EMS. I personally drive a cummis dodge and love it, it has a edge pro-comp programer

beartoo wrote:How does the Duramax hold up compared to the Ford junk?

The 2008-2010 Ford 6.4 diesels did not have many problems and the new 6.7's have been great (I have one). My tow vehicle is a 7.3 which has proven bullit proof; even with mods.

Duramax's have their problems too, but since you had a bad experience with the Ford 6.0 (I would have told you to avoid it) I suggest you go with a Chevy and hope you get a good one. I can almost guarantee you won't be happy with a gas engine; I wouldn't.

Is it possible to replace your 6.0 with a 7.3 from the junkyard.
You can pick up a 7.3 engine for cheap. i'd say you could find a solid low miles engine for 5K or less.
As stated above they are darn near bullet proof.
also I'd ditto the diesel as stated before. A gasser is nice but a diesel is built to haul.

Well I put a deposit on the 2500 HD with the Duramax and an Allison trany. I drove it over night an it seems like the truck for me.

Thanks to eveyone for your help.

Bear

I am happy with mine and I hope you feel the same after towing. The mileage isn't very good, but the power and historic reliability are what I went for. BTW, what year model are you getting?

Well it's a 2007:
Duramax, LMM, New Style, Very Clean.

beartoo wrote:Well I put a deposit on the 2500 HD with the Duramax and an Allison trany. I drove it over night an it seems like the truck for me.

Thanks to eveyone for your help.

Bear

Glad you went with the diesel. We've never regretted getting ours.

1985sj wrote:I bet your 6.0 blew a head gasket, they are known for this. like everyone says the 6.0 is full of problems we have them in ambulances and cant keep them on the road. all the duramax seem to hold up well to the abuse of EMS. I personally drive a cummis dodge and love it, it has a edge pro-comp programer

Depends on how you drive them and how U maintenance is on them. Your work occupation is one of the hardest on engines and trannies.