Fix it, new engine, or junk it?

[Dave1960_Gorge]

I have had an '08 Ford F-350 (6.4 l diesel) for around 5 years. I think I paid around $35k for it. So far, had to replace the oil cooler (requires the motor being torn apart) three times, and the turbos once. Last time had a diesel truck speed shop do the work, changed the air flow, chipped it, and installed another loop in the coolant system with a filter. Made it fun to merge on the highway! The oil cooler was clogging due to "casting sand " in the coolant system, which would clog the oil cooler; now I could just change the filter instead of tearing apart the motor.

Finally thought I was done with major repairs when the overflow coolant tank started over-pressurizing and blowing coolant through the cap. The speed shop had another look, suggested that I likely had a bad year for the motor, and that they advised putting in a new motor for about $15k because the cylinder heads could be cracked. I ended up going with another garage that has done a lot of repairs for me; they thought it might "just" be the seals, a $6400 repair to tear it apart, grind the engine core, reassemble. Then I get a call that the twin fuel pumps are shot, $1700, then a test was done (the top end was already at another shop to be machined), and turns out the top end is cracked. Another $2200 for a top end assembly, heads and cylinders. So now I am up to a bit over $10k to get it on the road.

I have also invested in a lift kit, my third set of tires, custom headache rack, custom front bumper and 6500 lb winch, and all the "little" repairs. Serves as a workhorse for chipping off road, and pulling over big trees. Used it as a crummy but don't have a big crew anymore. Also used it as a spray truck with a 50 gal sprayer strapped to the bed ( but I am getting a trailer built so that I can tow it behind my jeep -- more maneuverable than the 10k lb, 26.5 ft. beast).

So you can picture the truck. Shop wants a deposit on the fuel pumps and head to proceed.

Fix it, new engine, or junk it?

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

I have had an '08 Ford F-350 (6.4 l diesel) for around 5 years. I think I paid around $35k for it. So far, had to replace the oil cooler (requires the motor being torn apart) three times, and the turbos once. Last time had a diesel truck speed shop do the work, changed the air flow, chipped it, and installed another loop in the coolant system with a filter. Made it fun to merge on the highway! The oil cooler was clogging due to "casting sand " in the coolant system, which would clog the oil cooler; now I could just change the filter instead of tearing apart the motor.

Finally thought I was done with major repairs when the overflow coolant tank started over-pressurizing and blowing coolant through the cap. The speed shop had another look, suggested that I likely had a bad year for the motor, and that they advised putting in a new motor for about $15k because the cylinder heads could be cracked. I ended up going with another garage that has done a lot of repairs for me; they thought it might "just" be the seals, a $6400 repair to tear it apart, grind the engine core, reassemble. Then I get a call that the twin fuel pumps are shot, $1700, then a test was done (the top end was already at another shop to be machined), and turns out the top end is cracked. Another $2200 for a top end assembly, heads and cylinders. So now I am up to a bit over $10k to get it on the road.

I have also invested in a lift kit, my third set of tires, custom headache rack, custom front bumper and 6500 lb winch, and all the "little" repairs. Serves as a workhorse for chipping off road, and pulling over big trees. Used it as a crummy but don't have a big crew anymore. Also used it as a spray truck with a 50 gal sprayer strapped to the bed ( but I am getting a trailer built so that I can tow it behind my jeep -- more maneuverable than the 10k lb, 26.5 ft. beast).

So you can picture the truck. Shop wants a deposit on the fuel pumps and head to proceed.

Fix it, new engine, or junk it?

Correction: 16,500 lb. winch, and the heads are $2700, so around $10,800 for the latest round of repairs.

 

[woodsplitta]

Depends on if you still need a truck....replacing it out rite is gonna be spendy... what's left of it now isn't worth much as is. Get it up and running again and use it awhile, (don't beat on it) and then sell or trade and you'll recoup SOME of the money. Modding a modern diesel to make more horses seems to cost more than it's worth as the next weakest link becomes apparent fairly quick and the thought of not pouring the beans to it to make it last goes out the window as soon you feel the power as it's addicting. I know it hurts but a new engine is the right play and should give the best warranty. My 2 cents...good luck.

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

Depends on if you still need a truck....replacing it out rite is gonna be spendy... what's left of it now isn't worth much as is. Get it up and running again and use it awhile, (don't beat on it) and then sell or trade and you'll recoup SOME of the money. Modding a modern diesel to make more horses seems to cost more than it's worth as the next weakest link becomes apparent fairly quick and the thought of not pouring the beans to it to make it last goes out the window as soon you feel the power as it's addicting. I know it hurts but a new engine is the right play and should give the best warranty. My 2 cents...good luck.

Thx Woodsplitta. Already gave the shop the go ahead. They think the rest of the motor will be OK. Could be... but I’ll take your advice and drive it with a light foot and sell it in a few years before something else blows. Of course, being that it is a work truck there is pine or fir pitch on all the seats, some bar oil on the back seat, and some yahoo backed into a tree with the tail gate down ( me), so it is no “road queen”. The latest investment may be its value. So be it.

 

[Harmon]

Ouch!

 

[sean donato]

Would have sold it after the first round of issues. The 6.4l was not a great engine. My uncle works for a shop that does a limit of pickup and medium duty work, hes told me frequently he would rather have a 6.0 then a 6.4. If I was at the point I had to swing an engine in it, I'd be swinging a 6.7l ford diesel, or a common rail cummins in it, whichever I could do cheaper. I know the 6.7l ford will physically bolt right into the truck and trans, but beyond that idk. The cummins swap isnt terrible to do either, helped with a few of those in fords, as well as doing my own in my 79, but that was much needy then the newer trucks. At any rate, best of luck with your repairs. I hope she holds up for as long as you Intend to keep her.

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

Would have sold it after the first round of issues. The 6.4l was not a great engine. My uncle works for a shop that does a limit of pickup and medium duty work, hes told me frequently he would rather have a 6.0 then a 6.4. If I was at the point I had to swing an engine in it, I'd be swinging a 6.7l ford diesel, or a common rail cummins in it, whichever I could do cheaper. I know the 6.7l ford will physically bolt right into the truck and trans, but beyond that idk. The cummins swap isnt terrible to do either, helped with a few of those in fords, as well as doing my own in my 79, but that was much needy then the newer trucks. At any rate, best of luck with your repairs. I hope she holds up for as long as you Intend to keep her.

Thanks for the feedback. At the time, I thought I the 08 with a 6.4 was not one of the “ bad years”. Apparently, my particular truck was indeed a bad one, if at under 150,000 miles I have had to replace the oil cooler twice, turbos once, brake calipers (one seized), radiator (one of them) and now the seals, fuel pumps, and top end of the engine all in 5 years or so. And it is an auto transmission, and sometimes shifts hard—- hope that is a minor adjustment!
With all the $ I have put into it, I should really find a new tailgate.

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

Thanks for the feedback. At the time, I thought I the 08 with a 6.4 was not one of the “ bad years”. Apparently, my particular truck was indeed a bad one, if at under 150,000 miles I have had to replace the oil cooler twice, turbos once, brake calipers (one seized), radiator (one of them) and now the seals, fuel pumps, and top end of the engine all in 5 years or so. And it is an auto transmission, and sometimes shifts hard—- hope that is a minor adjustment!
With all the $ I have put into it, I should really find a new tailgate.

Here is a pic of it ( if it loads!) set up as a spray truck; the sprayer is out of site in the back. Made some steps to level it off.

 

[sean donato]

It's a shame its giving you so much trouble, they sure are sharp looking trucks.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

There were no good years for the 6.4. I believe it was made for 3 years and scrapped. Sucks now because you’re kinda stuck with it. The good news is they’re fast when built and not blown up. The 6.0 also got a bad rap but done correctly it’s a great engine and it’s also one of the best sounding diesels.


I loved my 15 6.7 250 but I’ll likely never buy another American vehicle so hopefully Toyota brings a diesel truck to the US!

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

There were no good years for the 6.4. I believe it was made for 3 years and scrapped. Sucks now because you’re kinda stuck with it. The good news is they’re fast when built and not blown up. The 6.0 also got a bad rap but done correctly it’s a great engine and it’s also one of the best sounding diesels.


I loved my 15 6.7 250 but I’ll likely never buy another American vehicle so hopefully Toyota brings a diesel truck to the US!

My hope is no major repairs on the engine for several years — if you do the math, they have averaged nearly $3,000 a year since I bought it, on top of maintenance. And I also maintain 4 other vehicles including a chipper. Cheapest to maintain has been the chipper— but I bought the Bandit Eliminator (15 in) new. I grease the hell out of it! Those $6 tubes are a lot cheaper than a rebuild, but it is annoying that Napa doesn’t discount it by the case.

 

[blades]

casting sand left in engine - man that has been going on for years by all 3 of the big boys. I my ex brother in law was a mechanic, heard war stories about it all the time. 08-6.4 first year production- lot of changes made during that time period. Friend of mine had the hpfuel pump go south- that pump is running at near max and in that eng it is the fuel pressure that actives the injectors. When it goes it quite litterly implodes- the entire fuel system has to be scrubbed or replaced from the tank forward any small shards left in the system will take out the injectors and or more in short order. his cost including up grades was 11 grand. just about everything was replaced new except the block. heads should be machined and double o rings installed. ( not on top of each other but very close to side by side. I have a 6.0, ya I have 10 g in the engine also. By the way Napa oil filter caps are not compatible-thanks to an oil change place that cost me 4g. ( the 6.0 uses sump oil pressure to run the injectors) The napa cap does not seal off the filter allowing by pass of unfiltered oil, of course that jammed up a couple injectors both banks. $1600 just for rebuilt injectors ( not available new anymore) mine is a 03 f250-262000 miles. I need it to pull the trailers and such - can't justify the cost of anything newer, but I could be persauded very easily to drop back to the 7.3 not that are not issues there either but sure do not cost as much for the most part. My old 85 6.9 F350 was darn near bullet proof eng wise, but the red rot took out the rest of it. rolled the speedo over on it.

 

[sean donato]

Between work and my dads vehicles weve owned or ran every diesel option ford had till the 6.7l. Never had major issues with the 6.9/7.3 idi save they were gutless. They just ran and ran. The 7.3 ps was great till you got a lot of miles on them. The 6.0 was good once it was bullet proofed and well maintained.

 

[Justin Taylor]

Stay away from the 6.4 unless if you want unreliable power and want to go fast. Get a 6.0 or a 6.7. Everything you did to that truck will bolt onto a 6.0 or a 2011-2016 6.7 it’s all the same exact frame/chassis. Don’t waste you time into a 6.4 for a work truck. But tbh go get a gasser you really don’t pull that much weight and the Ford 6.2 gassers are great.

 

[capetrees]

Local municipalities are going with gas engines. The diesels aren't worth the up price on the original cost ($10K) and then the fuel is more expensive, the DEF, recalls etc.. Not worth it. The 6.2 gas is a strong engine. My old V10 Ford is solid as a rock. I see Ford has now made a new 7.3 gas engine, the Godzilla. $1100 up price and around 14 MPG.

 

[Stump Grinder52]

6.4s are bad news, like previously posted their's no bad years, there all bad, what your doing doesn't mean your troubles are over.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Local municipalities are going with gas engines. The diesels aren't worth the up price on the original cost ($10K) and then the fuel is more expensive, the DEF, recalls etc.. Not worth it. The 6.2 gas is a strong engine. My old V10 Ford is solid as a rock. I see Ford has now made a new 7.3 gas engine, the Godzilla. $1100 up price and around 14 MPG.

For fleets the gas engine are great. The new 7.3 looks great spec wise too but my personal opinion is it shouldn’t have spark plugs if it’s a 3/4 ton+ truck.

 

[Harmon]

Where else would you put such a large gas motor? In a Mustang? That would be sweet but it would be weird to have a gas motor in a F650 or a Freightliner FL80 but an F350 is still just a pickup truck.

Some engines are just turds, like the 6.4. Municipal or personal use, the question remains does one wish to pay twice as much for fuel or twice as much for parts? (or the taxpayers...) Did you want to get 200,000 or 400,000 miles out of it? Depending on what part of the world you live in the price of diesel compared to price of gasoline can vary a lot and also DEF aint really that expensive compared to some previous emissions schemes from them EPA.

I have some of each, just to be safe.

 

[capetrees]

Where else would you put such a large gas motor? In a Mustang? That would be sweet but it would be weird to have a gas motor in a F650 or a Freightliner FL80 but an F350 is still just a pickup truck.

Some engines are just turds, like the 6.4. Municipal or personal use, the question remains does one wish to pay twice as much for fuel or twice as much for parts? (or the taxpayers...) Did you want to get 200,000 or 400,000 miles out of it? Depending on what part of the world you live in the price of diesel compared to price of gasoline can vary a lot and also DEF aint really that expensive compared to some previous emissions schemes from them EPA.

I have some of each, just to be safe.

Municipal vehicles rot out before the mileage gets up there (other than police cruisers) The diesel engine is nice to use but not worth it. The work trucks don't get to the 200,000 mile "worth it" level. Diesel is over $3/gal while gas is still under $3. The DEF isn't expensive but it's another part that can break down.

I just know I'll never get a diesel and a lot of mechanics I know think the same.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

That winch, bumper and slightly larger tires added ~3000lbs to the weight of the truck?