So I go to the Ford Dealer today and - Diesel Forum

mikefd024 · 03-22-2007, 06:47 PM

I went there to look and possibly buy an 08 F-350 PSD 6.4, and they tell me I can't even drive it because of the exhaust recall. Well being a prior 2003 F-250 PSD 6.0 owner that had alot problems, got to thinking why would I want to put myself through what I went through 3 years ago. The truck sounded good when he started it, did not hear the high idle I don't think, but it was only running for about 5 minutes. The interiors looked nice the leather seems alot softer than the older model years leather. I am a Chevy owner now and hate the looks of the new Chevy's, but the GMC's arent so bad looking. Just wondering if I should wait until 09 to work out the bugs. What do you all think.

CaptSkup · 03-22-2007, 07:09 PM

I think you should buy what you like. I never felt the need to ask anyone else what I should by. I do my homework, research reliability and repair history(not what strangers post on a website), carrying capacity for your needs, durability of the trucks underpinnings(do you want a street cruiser with a nice ride(Chevy/GM) or a strong backbone(Ford) or low cost of ownership(Dodge). I think Chevy has done a good job with the new heavy duty's(much improved from prior years), they have a great drivetrain, though they are limited in their towing ability when it comes to heavy trailers. I am buying a 6.4, my current truck has been terrific, I expect the new truck will be just as good. Though I do think how well a person performs preventative maintenance and drives their trucks has a lot to do with it's long term reliability. I think both the Chevy/GM and Ford trucks are great vehicles, the Dodge is more on the level of last generation refinement with a durable engine and new transmission.

bogg · 03-22-2007, 07:15 PM

I did the early 03 also, but not much for problems really. Would still have it today if my trailer werent so big. I decided to grab an 07 and might jump on an 09 when the time comes. There are many things that I like on the 08, but still think I have made the wisest choice...maybe by then we will be able to spec a CAT?! here kitty kitty...

CaptSkup · 03-22-2007, 07:42 PM

I have been curious for a long time with people's fascination with Cat engines. While I think they are good, I don't see where they are any better than Volvo, Mack, Cummins, or International. Plus I do not want to go back to the supposed awful( [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]) injectors. I would rather have a nice compact, lightweight gas turbine, something in the T700 size, under 500lbs developing 1800-2300shp.

GaryCrow · 03-22-2007, 07:48 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I would rather have a nice compact, lightweight gas turbine, something in the T700 size, under 500lbs developing 1800-2300shp.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm sure that .2 MPG you would get with that thing would take all the gloss off after the first tank fillup. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

CaptSkup · 03-22-2007, 08:02 PM

You play, you pay. Mileage will vary.

bogg · 03-22-2007, 08:11 PM

The CAT fascination for me comes from 30 years in trucking, both as a driver and as a buyer with drivers to keep happy...

Rutcutter · 03-22-2007, 08:12 PM

I love a CAT engine also...

Wreckingball_psd · 03-22-2007, 08:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I have been curious for a long time with people's fascination with Cat engines. While I think they are good, I don't see where they are any better than Volvo, Mack, Cummins, or International. Plus I do not want to go back to the supposed awful( [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]) injectors. I would rather have a nice compact, lightweight gas turbine, something in the T700 size, under 500lbs developing 1800-2300shp.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that...i run into alot of people that want CAT in their ford/chevy/dodge. I've found alot of it boils down the this same logic- People think tractor, they think JD green...people think engine, they think CAT yellow...therefore they want

Sorry if my 'logic' offends anyone...just sharing an unbiased opinion [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

I make my living working on trucks, and in my adventures i have been to cat school...i still don't see the fuss, especially in their smaller engines. When i worked at freightliner, i did a 'self' side by side with a C7 cat and a MBE900 benz...the 'merciless benz' as we called it left that kitty in the mirror [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

99SD · 03-22-2007, 09:54 PM

I'll second or third to the question why does anybody want a C7 in a truck, much less a pickup. I've been a diehard cat fan, and have spec'd nothing but med duty cat engines. I started getting a bad taste with the 3126B- constant problems. So I bought 3 C7's, in 2004. The C7's are just plain nasty, and wouldn't work in a pickup. They have so much blowby that when one works hard, and then comes to a stop, smoke or mist from the blowby tube comes rolling out the front fender, and looks like its on fire. Also, the oil mist smell gets in the cab and really burns your eyes! Don't say they can be fixed. They're in garbage trucks. If it was a school bus or rv, all Cat does is to take the breather tube, and runs it into a filter, and then the other side drains to the road and most of the smell is gone. But not on a garbage truck. And here on this forum we're complaining about 5 or 6 seconds cranking with a 6.0, it takes these engines at least 9 or 10 seconds to crank, and then they crank like a flooded gas burner, hitting a little, a little more, then finally roars to life. One of them stayed at the cat distributor. Grind the dipstick - recalibrate. Didn't work - regrind - recalibrate. Let's put a HPOP pump on it. Well maybe its... well who knows. And it's not the chassis. 2 are in M2's, and one a T300. Since then in 05 and 06 we've solved the problem. MBE906 engines. Light years ahead of the cats. Smoother. Better fuel mileage. And no problems. I'd be in line to order a dodge or whatever if they used this engine. Most of the people who want cats, haven't lived with one of the new ones. Sorry for the rant. Thanks for listening.

brnscofrnld · 03-23-2007, 08:34 AM

I think the color of the CAT engine is what does it for everyone. Who wouldn't want that beautiful color peaking out from under the hood...

barneybadase · 03-23-2007, 03:09 PM

Back on topic,

I would wait until at least late summer or fall. Get some teething out of the way. Plus, maybe some rebates will be out by then.

I want one, but I'm going to wait. BTW, my 04 has been just fine, my dad's early 03 on the other hand has always been a problem child. New models always need some time to work it out.

CaptSkup · 03-23-2007, 04:10 PM

The way things are going, my Job1 may turn into a Job2 order. Might just be a mid-summer delivery.

RVrs R US · 03-23-2007, 04:59 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The way things are going, my Job1 may turn into a Job2 order. Might just be a mid-summer delivery.

[/ QUOTE ]

Skup, I've already called my cousin (the Ford Dealer) and told him to delay placing our order from May until the Fall. That probably will mean spending another winter in Rochester [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] but better that than trying to chase down unfamiliar Ford dealers on I-95 to fix unknown 6.4L launch issues.

I'm getting close to 70 so this will most likely be our last Tow Vehicle. Be really nice to have the last 10 years of full time RVing be as memorable as the first 10 years. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vulnerable.gif[/img]

MackE7 · 03-23-2007, 08:06 PM

99SD: well said. I totally agree. My friend has C7s in his trucks and he says the same thing about long cranks when starting. And the dealers don't have a clue.