6.0 tips

gregsmith212 · 03-20-2010, 02:03 PM

Hi, I just bought a 2006 6.0 diesel SMB and was wondering what people are doing as far as fuel and oil additives? Or just some random tips.... Thanks for the help and looking forward to seeing you in the mountain’s

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-20-2010, 02:21 PM

No oil additives here. But, always use high quality diesel oil (opinions vary).

Opti-Lube Summer blend in every tank of diesel.

Mike

UJOINT · 03-20-2010, 02:55 PM

I use the RBP fuel additive in every tank. Other than that, use a good quality oil & change it every 5K, and fuel filters every 10K. I only use Motorcraft or Wix filters.

saline · 03-20-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJOINT

I use the RBP fuel additive in every tank. Other than that, use a good quality oil & change it every 5K, and fuel filters every 10K. I only use Motorcraft or Wix filters.

X2

I use Motorcraft Cetane boost for cleaner combustion as an addative.

A few things to help the finicky 6.0L stay healthy:

1. Change oil, oil filters and fuel filters religiously.
2. Don't idle at low rpms for more than a few minutes.
3. Install a coolant filtration system ASAP. http://www.dieselsite.com (this is pretty important as it can prevent the VERY common problem of Oil cooler/EGR failure )
4. Drive it at least every 6-10 days. (prevents VGT sticking)
5. Don't "chip" it or run a tuner.
6. Clean your EGR valve once and a while.

gregsmith212 · 03-20-2010, 03:53 PM

Thanks guys, all good tips! if anyone is ever in the Tahoe area and needs a base camp let us know. Lots of fun thing to do year round in or out of a SMB

jage · 03-20-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saline

2. Don't idle at low rpms for more than a few minutes.

Hmmm, I'd always heard that you shouldn't idle for long periods and then shut the engine off because cooling causes the carbon to stick, whereas idling and then driving is not a problem.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-21-2010, 09:27 AM

In general, idling is bad for the 6.0.

At idle the 6.0 doesn't generate enough heat to burn off carbon and condensation - both are bad for it.

My only idling is at stoplights/signs. Start it up and drive away gently. If I pull up a long hill, drive a few minutes at light throttle to cool the turbo before shutoff. No idling.

Mike

saline · 03-21-2010, 10:06 AM

Idling causes a lot of EGR valve failures with our ambulances. They have a high idle function but truth be told they don't get used nearly enough. The low idle does not allow for efficient combustion, this causes a dirty burn and produces carbon bulidup on the EGR valve.
For the most part newer EGR and particulate burnoff system diesels are not designed to idle for long periods at lower rpm's.

**daveb** · 03-22-2010, 10:32 AM

I quit long long term Idle times with my van after EGR failure. But I still give it a 5 min cold start up idle before hitting the road and let the turbo temp cool to 400 before shutting down. Also run Ford fuel additive now.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-22-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

I quit long long term Idle times with my van after EGR failure. But I still give it a 5 min cold start up idle before hitting the road and let the turbo temp cool to 400 before shutting down. Also run Ford fuel additive now.

Dave,

I think the cold idle is the hardest on the engine. I simply start up and drive away. It takes me 5-10 minutes of easy city streets before I can get to a freeway and gently run up to speed.

Mike