I've got a 2006 6 liter diesel SMB with 35K miles. My number 7 cylinder has lost compression and I'm being told the engine needs to be pulled to find out what the problem is. This feels to me to be quite an expensive undertaking and I'm wondering if any of you out there would suggest i do something else during this process. Maybe I should get a new engine? (this engine has been buggy, I've had all the injectors replaced, and the turbo replaced twice). Or maybe I could bullet proof it? Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Seems like now's the time to do something right(er).

Whoa, injectors and 2 turbos within 35k? Has the same person been working on it the whole time? Have you gotten any 2nd or 3rd opinions?

Any specifics on how they diagnosed the cylinder to be bad?

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Chris Steuber
02 E350 7.3 (V4)
17 Focus RS, 90 SHO, 49 CJ2A, 89 LSC, 20 T250 AWD
ujointoffroad.com

I was on my 3rd turbo by 35k miles. Ford warranty work never lasted long.

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2004 SMB 4x4 RB 6.0 PSD; ARP Head Studs, Gen 3 Cylinder Heads, BPD Oil Cooler connected to AMSOil Bypass, a whistling Wicked Wheel Turbo, Coolant Filter, Upgraded alternator, ScanGauge, SCT custom and SMB Fox shocks.
BFG 285/75 R16 KM3 Mud Terrains on ProComp 7069's

Greetings lobo, I would agree with the advice to get another opinion. However I would encourage you to go to a mechanic that is referred to you by someone who has a 6.0 and that mechanic remedied their problem. The 6.0 PSD has been out a while, which has grown a strong aftermarket for upgraded parts and more importantly a community of mechanics that are more like 6.0 whisperers. The 6.0 is also a complex system of a motor and often the "problem" that is obvious is actually a failure that happened because something else is not working normal. Like a chain reaction of failures. So finding to original bad part is what a mechanic must do. And good 6.0 mechanics do all the time.

I was in a predicament over the transmission in mine a few years back. I was freaked out about the cost of a new transmission and wanted to make sure I was going to it once. The internet community said, "oh, your in so Cal (at the time) go to John Wood." Not cheap and I had to arrange for a long tow, but so far best transmission ever.

So to me the challenge of your project is for you to get in contact with one of those type of whisperer level mechanics. The members of this forum and perhaps a ford truck forum would probably a great resource for finding this level of mechanic. It looks like your in So Cal so I would imagine there would be mechanics close to you, but be prepared to tow/drive a distance to their shop.

Please follow up on your progress, sharing your experience will likely help someone else.

-Eric

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2005 SMB RB 4x4 6.0 PSD
A rocket on the pad is safe,
but it's not what rockets are built for.

35,000 miles in 9 years? The 6.0 does not like to sit. Anyhow, sorry to hear about your issues. I agree with the above and get it to someone that knows the 6.0. That said, loss of compression means cylinder or piston damage or both. The head gasket is probably done as well. Did they peak inside the cyclinder with a borescope?

In all likelihood, that engine needs to come out. You have your choice of a rebuild with a reputable mechanic that also has a good rapport with a top notch machine shop, or buy a long block from Jasper or Blackwater.
http://www.blackwaterengines.com/produc ... ck-engine/
http://www.jasperengines.com/diesel-engines

With the latter option you put all your top end stuff back on. Including injectors and turbo which you've replaced. I recently went this option; mainly because Jasper offered a long block with headstuds. Or, you can buy a whole new turn key engine.

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2005 E350 RB 6.0 PSD for extended fun
1989 Landcruiser FJ62 for local fun
2011 VW TDI Golf for hwy fun

^ What he said. No compression means the engine needs to come out.

BUTTT.... Root cause needs to be addressed first! The head probably got lifted by fluid in the cylinder. Probably an injector problem considering the history, but make sure its not coolant! And if it was fuel, then the root cause of the injectors needs to be addressed. Could be random, but FICM or fuel delivery problems may also be at fault, and if that's the case that must be addressed or the same pattern of failures will continue.

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2000 E450 dually V10 wagon

After having similar problems and fears I was referred to a true 6L Whisperer from the guys at Bullet Proof. If you're in the San Diego area I'd highly recommend Wendall at AMT Transmissions at Escondido. 760-480-8463. The guys at Bullet Proof were also great to work with - experience so far has been excellent.

If you want to go up the coast a short distance, I HIGHLY recommend Ultimate Truck Performance in Camarillo. They are very busy with a lot of diesels, and know the 6.0 very well, but it's worth the wait to get them to work on your rig. They work almost exclusively on diesels.

Ultimate Truck Performance
19 N Aviador St, Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 389-9900


Herb

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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.