Reliability of 2005 6.0 Diesel Engines

[Silver350]

The Bed Plate is a casting which incorporates the crank bearing caps. So technically it is not part of the block but if it wasn't built this way, the block would extend further down. Either way, you cant pull the oil pan and access the crank bearings because the Bed Plate holds it all together. Not that you would need to, I'm just describing it compared to a conventional design. The problem is that you can't just pull the bed plate and replace a gasket like you would if the oil pan was leaking, because the bed plate is holding the crankshaft in place. It is probably a very strong design, just not very servicable.

[Skywagon]

Bed plates are common on race engines. Actually, they are a VERY good idea. What seems to be a poor idea is the sealant used between the mating surfaces. Race car guys figured this all out years ago. Ford is waiting for a better idea...
Bill

[Silver350]

It seems that Ford's better solution has been to drop Navistar as their supplier of Diesel engines, suing them and coming up with their own design. I'm sure that a Bed Plate design shines in certain applications, but in an application where the user is looking for a very long service life, output is relatively low and repairs become cost prohibitive, it is not a very good idea.

[Skywagon]

That was kind of my point. If Ford had done it right the first time around, there wouldn't BE any bed plate leaks. Service life would be extended, and without the leaks there would be no need for repairs. The bed plate makes for an incredibly rigid bottom end. Crank flex is eliminated, and in the pickups especially, with their higher power, that is a really good thing.

While they were at it, they could make the thing easier to service: i.e.: one wouldn't have to take the entire engine compartment apart to change a fuel filter that for some reason they put in the valley between the heads. As we've all no doubt said countless times, They ought to make the guys who design 'em WORK on 'em.
Bill