Truck owners attempt to stay away from specific Ford 6.4L Power Stroke engine model years because of well-established reliability problems. Which 6.4 powerstroke years to avoid?
The two years that you should avoid are 2007 and 2008. HPCR fuel injector cracks, turbocharger failures, and cracked pistons were common problems with these early 6.4L engines. Ford offered an extended warranty of 5-year/100,000 miles to address common problems, but these issues frequently arose outside of that period. Even though there were improvements in other 6.4L years, such as 2009–2010, reliability issues persisted. These common problems may require thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs, which would leave you with bad taste in your mouth.
We will explain to you why the 2007-2008 6.4L years are not a good choice. In addition, let’s see which 6.4 powerstroke year is currently ideal for you.
Why Should You Avoid 2007-2008 6.4L Years?
Because of the high failure rate of important parts like fuel injectors, turbochargers, and pistons that are frequently encountered after the warranty expires, you should avoid 2007-2008 6.4L.
Cracked Pistons
The 2007–2008 model year engines are notorious for having cracked pistons, which is one of the main reasons truck owners try to avoid them. thinner ringlands, which were more prone to cracking under heavier loads, were used in the original pistons. Engines would frequently completely fail due to catastrophic failures caused by the cracks. A costly fix that many owners could not afford was to replace cracked pistons.
Frequent Failures Of The High-Pressure
The high-pressure common rail fuel injectors’ frequent failures were another issue with the early 6.4L engines. There have been reports of these injectors failing too soon and occasionally leaking fuel into the engine block. Replacing an injector was an expensive fix, usually costing $6,000. Owners of BorgWarner turbochargers were also displeased because many of them had bearing seizures or fractured housings before reaching 100,000 miles. Installed turbo replacements frequently cost more than $10,000.
Oil Cooler
To prevent engine overheating, the oil cooler’s function is to maintain the engine oil’s temperature at a minimum. Temperature increases will occur quickly in the 6.4 Powerstroke engine when the oil cooler fails. You’ll have to spend a lot of money replacing the clogged oil cooler in order to fix this problem.
Other Issues
Moreover, insufficient sealing or bolts extending over time caused leaks to form between cylinders, which in turn caused problems with the head gasket. Additionally, the cheaper materials used to make the EGR coolers internally cracked, allowing carbon to build up. Overheating and additional harm were brought on by both issues. The majority of truck owners typically couldn’t afford these kinds of extensive repairs.
Which 6.4 Powerstroke Years Should You Choose?
Following numerous developmental challenges with the initial 2007-2008 model years, Ford made noteworthy advancements to the 6.4L Powerstroke.
The later years are therefore a far better choice. 2011 and 2012 are two of the best years that are suggested.
Ford improved the engine’s internals and parts during these years to fix the previous models’ shortcomings. To avoid cracking, the ringland area of the pistons was strengthened. Design improvements were implemented in the high-pressure injectors to increase their durability. Updates were also made to the turbochargers to lessen vibration and heat stress.
The 2011–2012 models received upgraded EGR coolers made of more durable materials to prevent cracking. Better head bolts with improved sealing also resolved earlier problems. To reduce the strain on parts like the pistons, software calibrations were optimized. These modifications led to a significant decrease in the number of reports of the costly and disastrous engine issues that afflicted early 6.4Ls.
With the right maintenance, the improved 6.4L engines from 2011–2012 proved to be much more dependable and able to outlast the truck’s lifetime. These later years showed lower long-term ownership costs by avoiding premature and severe component failures, even though no diesel is perfect.
For individuals seeking the 6.4L’s power benefits without the associated risks of the early model years, the 2011–2012 model years offer a far more dependable choice. They are the suggested option among 6.4L engines because of their reinforced design, which provides peace of mind.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A 6.4 Powerstroke?
Depending on the model year and how the truck is cared for and driven, the 6.4L Powerstroke’s lifespan can vary greatly. Around 100,000–150,000 miles was when design flaws began to show up for the earlier 2007–2010 models that were more problematic. With ongoing preventative maintenance, the engine might, however, be able to run for more than 200,000 miles before experiencing problems.
When taken care of correctly, the later 2011–2012 6.4L engines with engineering upgrades have shown to be very resilient. These engines typically reach 250,000 miles or more before needing a rebuild with premium diesel, regular servicing, and avoiding excessive hauling/towing. To optimize lifespan, it is recommended to replace fluids, filters, and other components in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
To get the most life out of a 6.4L, proper maintenance is essential. This includes replacing timing components, treating the fuel system, and taking care of other wear issues. Preventing extended periods of high rotation speed or heavy loads during extreme temperatures also helps to avoid needless strain. Later 6.4Ls can go 300,000 miles or more before requiring major repairs with proper maintenance. In the end, the engine’s longevity is determined by the year, the operating environment, and the owner’s maintenance schedule.
How Do You Take Care Of A 6.4 Powerstroke?
Maintaining a strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is one of the most crucial things an owner can do. Every 5,000–7,500 miles, you should replace the oil and filter using the recommended diesel motor oil. Regular maintenance should also include checking the levels of other fluids, such as transmission, power steering, brake, and coolant.
Because the fuel system is sensitive, it is essential to use uncontaminated ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. It is advisable to replace the primary fuel filter every 15,000 miles in order to safeguard the high-pressure fuel injectors. Cleaning deposits from the injectors can also be facilitated by using a premium diesel fuel additive. Speaking of cleaning, soot buildup that may cause problems is removed by having the EGR system professionally cleaned every 30,000 miles.
It is also essential to inspect wear components. Items subjected to high loads and heat include the turbocharger, tensioners, and timing belts/chains. So, extending their life is maximized by adhering to the suggested replacement intervals. Since the turbocharger in particular is under a lot of stress, you should replace it no later than 150,000 miles.
Ensuring that the appropriate parts and fluids are used for optimal care by bringing your truck to a diesel mechanic with experience working on these engines. For a 6.4L Powerstroke to operate smoothly for many miles, proactive maintenance is essential.
Taking a truck to a diesel mechanic who is familiar with these engines ensures that all the necessary parts and fluids are used for optimal care. Proactive maintenance is essential for keeping a 6.4L Powerstroke running smoothly for many miles.