[jsmithis101]

I'm thinking of buying a F250 Crew cab, long bed, with the 6.0 in it, This would be my first Diesel, and have some questions regarding it.

1.First and for most, I live in MN, where during the winter months it can get as cold as -25F below, I'm wondering how the diesel is to start ? I do realize there is the engine block heater that should be pluged in for exteded idle times, But lets say I leave the truck at the Airport for a week, when it is on average -10 for a week, how hard would it be to start ? Would the glow plugs make it OK ? or would I run into a problem

2.second, at what Temp would I have to worry about Diesel Fuel jeling,does it matter on the contenent of water in the fuel ? Does any "winter" blend of diesel have anti-jel in it ? also, would I need to add any additives to the fuel during normal months ?

3. Third, What kind of MPG can I expect with this truck ? I'm looking for mostly High-way miles, As I travel back to Iowa every other weekend.


4. How much more would Maintence be with a diesel, I do know that diesel have a higher oil change cost (the dealer im looking at has free oil changes for life), What about other costs ? I do not plain on towing with this truck. Also, What about the Water In fuel seperator, how often does that need to be emptyed ? does it depend on the diesel fuel ? and how hard is it to empty ?


5.How are the 6.0L for reliabilty now ? are they good ? or still have there issues ?

 

[ljack10270]

1. I think you'd definately need a block heater in -25 degrees.. WOW thats cold!

2. Im not 100% sure but it hink it starts jelling at like 5 degrees and below

3. According to my trucks computer, I just hit 21 MPG going down 75...

4. Diesels are more expensive to maintaince than gassers.. I dunno about the HFCM, but I know if you get diesel from a place that doesn't sell alot of diesel you'll probley have to empty it more ofter.

5. My 6 oh Runs great! Havent had any mechanical problems.. Got about 600 miles on it.. It was making a slight noise upon start up and dealer replaced part.. No mechanical problems at all. I had an 05, I didn't have any problems out of it either. Great trucks!

 

[hitecdan]

Right out of the owner's manual:

The engine is designed to use low sulfur number 1-D or 2-D Diesel fuel only. At temperatures below -7°C (20°F) , number 1-D or winter blend number 2-D fuel is recommended.

At temperatures below -7°C (20°F) , Number 2-D Diesel fuel may thicken enough to clog the fuel filter. Your vehicle is equipped with an HFCM which acts as a fuel filter/heater/water separator to keep the wax melted which will help prevent fuel filter clogging. However, if the engine starts but stalls after a short time and will not restart, the fuel filter(s) may be clogged. For best results in cold weather, use Number 1-D Diesel fuel or "winterized" Number 2-D Diesel fuel which has an additive to minimize wax formation.


Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle.

Now for the opinion piece:

Mileage will be less with a winter blend fuel. Expect to get between 19 to 23, may 24 mpg on the highway with #2 diesel. The best mileage is between 60 and 65 mph. After that mileage will start to drop off. If the truck your looking at is a 4x2, expect 1 or 2 mpg better then the 4x4 version.

 

[TommyBoy68]

May I ask which dealer you're shopping at? Free oil changes for life sounds like a great deal!! I've been considering an '06 Superduty too, and if the dealer is in my area at all, I'd be ALL over that oil change deal!

 

[arfmel]

That's incredibly good mileage...we get more like 15 to 16 mpg in highway driving using cruise at 70-73 mph. So do the other guys I know in this area.

 

[6gunstroker]

Just bought my 06 and traded in the 04. My recommedation is buy what you will use. I don't tow alot with mine either but I like the better mileage than that of a a gas engine. The power's there if you need it and with the increased GVW you can haul almost anything!. Just my 2C. The temperature issue can be dealt with using an inline heater. As for mileage my best in my 04 was cruise set at 65, empty. 4x4 CC tqshift tranny and got over 23 hand calculated. You're lucky to see half that in a gasoline engine. Granted most of my tanks have been in the 17-19 mpg for highway trips.

 

[jsmithis101]

The dealership is Charles Gabus Ford down in Des Moines... About 4 hours away from MSP.

They do free oil changes for life on all of their gas sales (even used) and I verified that they do it for diesels too.

The family has bought a few vehicles from them over the years. Generally a reasonable dealership.

 

[kmwharley]

I agree with all above statments and I have owned 2 chevy duramaxes and now have a ford and love it!!!! Living in Michigan I have had a winter gel problem 2 times when it gets really cold. I would always recommend that you use an anitgel addative in the winter or you WILL get the old "choke and puke" in those extreme temps. Other than that love those diesels.

 

[JimmyRice]

You've got plenty of info already...and all good. I've run both my trucks in very cold climates and never had a problem but I have never left them at the airport for a week in sub-zero weather. But look around your area and I'm sure you'll see lots of these trucks running flawlessley. You will get less fuel economy with winter blend. That's the breaks. The only reason oil changes on these big trucks is more expensive is they take more oil...way more oil. Still, it's easy. I change it myself. Not sure driving 4 hours one way is worth a free oil change but that's up to you. I'll drive my truck anywhere, anytime, just to be out driving it.

 

[MDblackd]

The mileage quoted here is a little high for these trucks. Highway speeds you should see 17-19 in the 65-80MPH range. Better mileage if you keep it @ 60MPH. Your pushing a heavy high drag vehicle.