The Power Stroke was replaced by the beginning in the second quarter of the 2003 model year. The 6.0L Power Stroke, was used in Ford Super Duty trucks until the 2007 model year but lasted until 2009 in the Ford Econoline vans (model year 2010) and in the Ford Excursion SUVs until after the 2005 models when Ford discontinued Excursion production. The engine has a bore and stroke creating a displacement of . It utilizes a
variable-geometry turbocharger and intercooler, producing and torque with an 18.0:1
compression ratio, with fuel cutoff at 4,200 rpm. Many 6.0 L Power Stroke engines experienced problems.
Key specifications • Fuel injection system: Split-shot HEUI (hydraulically actuated electronically controlled unit injectors) • Valve train: OHV 4-valves per cylinder, 32 valves total (16 intake valves, 16 exhaust valves) • Turbo configuration: Single; variable vane geometry (VGT)
Common issues •
/ – The sources of the main issues with the 6.0L were the in-block oil cooler, and the EGR cooler materials. The oil cooler is located in the valley of the engine block, underneath the cartridge oil filter set up. The sealed outer portion of the oil cooler is submerged in engine oil, with coolant flowing through the center passages. Over time, the coolant side of oil cooler would plug up with sediment. This would reduce the flow of coolant through the oil cooler and cause higher oil temperatures. This sediment would also reduce the flow of coolant through the EGR cooler resulting in premature failure due to thermal expansion fatiguing the heat exchanging core. The early EGR coolers (2003-2004.5) were also susceptible to premature failure. '''' – With the use of split-shot HEUI fuel injectors, high-pressure oil is required to pressurize the fuel injectors. The main high-pressure oil (HPO) system components are the high-pressure oil pump (HPOP), HPO manifolds, stand pipes, and branch tube. The HPOP is located in the engine valley at the rear of the engine block. Early build years (2003.5–04.5) are well known for premature HPOP failure. This is due to the poor quality materials used in manufacturing. The HPOP is pressurized by a rotating gear, meshed with a rear camshaft gear. The early model HPOP gears were known to be weak, and develop stress cracks in the teeth resulting in gear failure, thus causing a no start issue for the engine. Early models also had the ICP sensor located on the HPOP cover. The high amount of heat in this location, combined with the exposure to debris in the oil was known to cause ICP sensor failure also resulting in a no-start condition. This issue was addressed by Ford with the late-2004 engine update, bringing a new HPOP design, along with relocation of the ICP sensor to the passenger-side valve cover. The newly designed pump is not known for frequent failure, however a new issue arose with the update. In the late model engines, Ford also redesigned the HPO stand pipes and dummy plugs in the HPO manifold, using poor-quality O-rings. These O-rings were prone to failure causing a HPO leak, and eventually a no-start condition. Ford addressed this concern with updated Viton O-ring washers fixing the issue. With the new HPO system design also came a snap-to-connect (STC) fitting. Some models had the issue of the STC fitting's prongs breaking, causing the fitting to lose its sealing property and again, a no-start condition for the engine. Another frequent (but not always catastrophic) issue with the HPO system is the injection pressure regulator (IPR) screen. The IPR screen is located in the engine valley with the oil cooler. The material used was susceptible to failure and neglecting to replace the screen during an oil cooler replacement could lead to the debris being sent through the HPOP causing complete failure. If the HPOP does not fail, another common failure point is the IPR that, if contaminated by debris, will not be able to seal completely and will then "bleed off" oil pressure causing a no-start condition. '''' – Ford/International used four Torque to Yield (TTY) cylinder head bolts per cylinder for the 6.0 and 6.4. TTY bolts offer some of the most precise clamping force available but can be problematic. In certain situations—such as the failure of the oil cooler or EGR cooler, or high boost/load levels brought on by performance upgrades—TTY bolts can be stretched beyond their torque mark by increased cylinder pressures (commonly from coolant being introduced into the cylinder). This has never been addressed by Ford because other malfunctions or abuse must occur to stretch the bolts. Some in the aftermarket will replace the factory bolts with head studs in an attempt to protect the head gaskets from future failure. If this is done without addressing the underlying issue, the head gaskets may fail again bringing along a cracked or warped cylinder head. In contrast, the 7.3 and 6.7 have six head bolts per cylinder while the 6.0, 6.4/VT365, and IDI 7.3 only have four.
Electrical and fuel Numerous
PCM recalibrations, attempts to "detune" the engine, fuel injector stiction (caused by lack of maintenance and proper oil changes), along with several other drivability and
quality control problems, have plagued the 6.0. The FICM (fuel injection control module) has been a problem, where low voltage in the vehicle's electrical system due to failing batteries or a low-output
alternator can cause damage to the FICM. In addition, the placement of the FICM on top of the engine subjects it to varying and extreme temperatures and vibrations causing solder joints and components to fail in early build models; mostly in the power supply itself. The FICM multiplies the voltage in the fuel injector circuit from 12 to 48–50 volts to fire the injectors. Low voltage can eventually cause damage to the fuel injectors.
Lawsuits and litigation Many owners who purchased their trucks equipped with the 6.0L Power Stroke engine new have received class-action lawsuit payments. Some owners have opted out of the class action lawsuit and went straight to a fraud case: one example is Charles Margeson of California, who was awarded $214,537.34 plus legal fees ($72,564.04 was for repayment of his 2006 F-350). Margeson, along with 5 other owners who opted out of the class action lawsuits, have been awarded over US$10 million. ==6.4 Power Stroke==