Opinions please.... - Diesel Forum

ace13 · 12-07-2006, 03:21 PM

Can anyone give me a quick summary of what I can expect with my 2003 F-250, that I recently purchased? Specifically known/common issues you may have experienced or heard about? What is your opinion of your own truck?

I'm fairly confident I made a good choice based on my research I've done already. But I didn't find this site until later, and must admit that I am a little overwhelmed and nervous about some of the things I read on here.

I should probably add that this is my first diesel truck. My old truck was a Dodge 1500. This one is a 2003 Crew Cab Lariat Long bed. It's a beast, alright. Thanks for your help.

2004Ex4x4 · 12-07-2006, 03:49 PM

From what I've seen, you either get lucky and get a good one, or you get unlucky and get one that has problems.

Common problems it seems are usually computer-related, software-related, and injector-related.

I had a 2004 6.0, for example. My sister had a 2001 7.3. She had many fewer problems than I had, not sure if that's the luck of the draw, or an inherant difference in the quality of the two powerplants.

I used to be active on these forums, but forgot my password so I resigned up [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I really like the design of the trucks, but I think I was one of the unlucky ones. When mine ran, it ran like there's no tomorrow!

You've found a good place though, lots of good info and people here.

curdog · 12-07-2006, 03:58 PM

And I on the other hand have had no problems as of yet (knock on wood) and my truck has 110K miles and still leaving riceburners at the lights.
One problem you will more than likely have is some oil on the bellhousing, in most cases its just a drip here and there, no puddles or anything. The fuel filter on the frame is somewhat of a pain to change.
Don't compare your truck to some of the problem trucks mentioned on here unless you actually start having the problems. These trucks are just like anything else, not all of them are perfect and may or maynot have an issue. Hope that helps a bit.

ryandye · 12-07-2006, 04:30 PM

Seems to me that the biggest known issue with the 6 liter is the EGR system. The valve can carbon up and get stuck open, which will make the truck run like crap. Mine was recently replaced for that reason. The EGR cooler can also cause coolant puking at high EGT levels. There are fixes for this - talk to some of the performance shops like Innovative Diesel or Elite Diesel, or visit their websites.

Other than that, I'd say just drive the truck and enjoy it. Other than a few niggles, unrelated to the drivetrain, mine has been great. I recently broke the 36k mark, so I hope it stays that way.

OT · 12-07-2006, 07:05 PM

Get an OASIS report. It should show repairs done by FMC dealer/svc. Your gonna get real [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]here if u have no prior maint records. JMO!

ta152h0 · 12-07-2006, 07:36 PM

the truck is a 2003 and this is 2006 and running good, you can expect a few more years out of it. As mentioned before, get an OASIS report from the dealer and run it thru the Diesel stop here. How many miles on the truck ?

PSD2004 · 12-07-2006, 07:45 PM

Had an 03, early build, all my problems were electrical, and emissions systems related, and then the injectors. My 04 has run great.
The single most important aspect of owning a 6.0, make sure who ever services it has a good tech, and a good solid service department. Other then that enjoy the beast, they are one heluva a ride. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

jmcholden · 12-07-2006, 07:45 PM

Welcome,
I'm one of the unlucky ones and I won't rain on your parade. Congrats on the new purchase. Don't worry about what could happen. If problems show up ask for help and until then enjoy your new ride!

Runk · 12-07-2006, 07:58 PM

what mileage is on the truck you bought, and how much ( if i may be so rude) did you have to pay for it??

ace13 · 12-08-2006, 10:23 AM

The truck, as I mentioned initially, is a 2003. It's got 64K miles on it. I got it from a Ford dealer for $27K. I've had it for about two weeks now, and the only thing I can say that I noticed is that I think the batteries might be shot. It struggles real hard when it sits for a couple days. Lights dim, and what not.... Other than that, it seems GREAT.

ta152h0 · 12-08-2006, 02:38 PM

from previous postings here on TDS, replace both batteries and you will be happier, along with the person ridin' shotgun. And in my own opinion, have the dealer replace them, he can clear any codes right there on the spot. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

jmcholden · 12-08-2006, 07:38 PM

If its an 03 you are on borrowed time,do your self a favor and replace the batteries before it leaves you somewhere.

grounder · 12-10-2006, 02:42 AM

[ QUOTE ]
And I on the other hand have had no problems as of yet (knock on wood) and my truck has 110K miles and still leaving riceburners at the lights.
One problem you will more than likely have is some oil on the bellhousing, in most cases its just a drip here and there, no puddles or anything. The fuel filter on the frame is somewhat of a pain to change.
Don't compare your truck to some of the problem trucks mentioned on here unless you actually start having the problems. These trucks are just like anything else, not all of them are perfect and may or maynot have an issue. Hope that helps a bit.

[/ QUOTE ]I got to hand it to you on the Oil leak or infamous drip that in most cases never drops.You got the right mindset Bud. aint no big deal yet some people want there tk bought back over it.Run it and enjoy it as your doing.Dont sweat the small stuff [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]