Looking at a 6.4

fastbee · Sep 15, 2014

I've sold my last 6.0 truck and am in the market for another truck. I've been reading in the 6.4 section the last couple of days and have mixed feelings about the 6.4. I really don't want another 6.0, but the 6.4 seems as bad if not worse. Are they really that bad? I'm looking at an 08 ECSB w/130k miles, by the time I delete and tune it I could get a comparable Ram 2500 w/ the 5.9 Cummins. I know the Ford is a superior truck, but the engines really make me nervous. I didn't have many major issues out of my 6.0 trucks, but it seemed like there was always something going on that needed some work. Am I worrying too much?

sootie · Sep 15, 2014

its like this...if a 6.4 has a problem...it's usually a big one LOL

fastbee · Sep 15, 2014

That seems to be what I'm seeing...at least the 6.0s were usually something I could manage in my driveway! Things were a bit of a PITA, but they were doable. From reading on here it seems if the up pipes leak either the cab has to be pulled or the tranny pulled to get to them. I love the Ford trucks, but man I hate working on them...

Bustedknuckles · Sep 15, 2014

sootie said:
its like this...if a 6.4 has a problem...it's usually a big one LOL

Haha! This is so true, when they are good they are great but when things go south, which they will, it gets expensive real fast!

powerjoker12 · Sep 23, 2014

I love my 6.4 but when they break its usually not cheap. One of the biggest thing with a 6.4 is maintenance. Change the oil every 3 thousand miles and fuel filters ever 10k also drain the water separator frequently I drain mine once a month. Another important thing is proper warm up and cool down procedures. Dont leave it stock either the emissions on 6.4s do more damage than good. If you do those things I'm not saying it won't break but your putting up a good defense to help stop it.

Powerstroke Man 6.4 · Sep 23, 2014

6.4's are really good engines and they can go a really long ways but stated above me maintenance on a 6.4 is a must DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON MAINTENANCE AND DO NOT USE AFTERMARKET OIL OR FUEL FILTERS. I change oil 5-7K with CAT DEO or Mobil Delvac. Always buy OEM/Ford filters (oil/fuel filters) I change my fuel filters every oil change. Take for example my black F-250 it has 260,000 miles 7900 hours yes it has a blown VGT but..... its still going (barelyLOL) and it tows 10K + everyday that will be fixed soon though with a MW billet S366 Non VGT setup. My F-350 DRW with the TB package (4.30's) tows the same as the F-250 everyday has 88,000 miles 4900 hours (hours equivalent of around 130,000 miles) has factory blowby and shows no signs of giving up. Make sure if your looking for a 6.4 its a job 2 08 or newer. (job 1's have the most problems). One thing is like stated above when 6.4's break down on you they get expensive. If you take care of it will lt take
care of you I love my 6.4's and that wont change anytime soon.