The 6.0 Powerstroke engine, like the 7.3 its predecessor, uses Hydraulic Electronic Unit Diesel Injectors (HEUI), which receive energy to open from engine lube oil that's pressurized by a gear-driven high-pressure pump.
Another common cause of injector failure in the 6.0L is fuel interruption and/or air in the fuel system, where the fuel filters or fuel lines get clogged so the injectors can't fill up with fuel between cycles. In the end, injector failure is the result.
The 6.0L Powerstroke is known for having major problems. Other 6.0L Powerstroke problems include HPOP failure, injector stiction, FICM failure, and clogging oil coolers. Fortunately, once these problems are addressed, the trucks are much more reliable. Some of these problems can be avoided.
Ford Motor Company offered the 6.0L Power Stroke V8 in the 2003-2007 Ford Super Duty and 2003-2010 Ford E-Series. Before this latest lawsuit, some owners of the Ford Super Duty with the 6.0L Power Stroke claimed that the diesel engine had numerous issues, including faulty head gaskets, turbos, and oil coolers.
Diesel fuel injectors generally have a shorter lifespan than their predecessors, meaning they need to be replaced more frequently for optimal performance. The life expectancy of a good quality diesel fuel injector is around 150,000 kilometres. They should be checked out by a professional at around this time.
Left too long, a faulty fuel injector can cause serious engine damage that requires major repair. Avoid the cost and hassle by using Rislone Gasoline Fuel System Treatment or Diesel Fuel System Treatment every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the type of driving you do.
There are two major causes of diesel fuel injector failure associated with the properties of the fuel itself: excess wear and deposits. One mode of injector failure is excess wear. This sulfur comes from the crude oil refined into the fuel. This sulfur in the fuel acted as a natural lubricant for the fuel system.
According to Angie's List, the average cost of a fuel injector cleaning ranges between $50 and $80. However, these figures could be a bit higher, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In addition, you may be assessed a fee of around $50 if your fuel filter needs to be replaced.
Here are the 5 most common symptoms of faulty diesel fuel injectors.
- Trouble starting the vehicle or uneven idling. The engine cranks but doesn't start unless you crank it for a long time.
- Misfire.
- Smell of fuel.
- Dirty emissions.
- Increased fuel consumption and poor miles per gallon.
Yes, seafoam is a good fuel injector cleaner. You can pour Sea Foam Motor Treatment into your fuel tank (1 oz per gallon of fuel) directly to add lubrication. Control moisture and stabilize your fuel. Also note that it works perfectly well with both gas and diesel engines.
However, it's safe to say that the fuel system cleaner does actually work. But, only if used correctly. If the deposit buildup is too much then sure, regular pour-in injector cleaner solvents won't be effective.
If the fuel injectors have deposits, it's important to clean them to restore engine performance back to the way it was. At a professional garage, they may use an ultrasonic machine to clean the injectors out. And no injector cleaner or fuel additive is going to be able to fix a worn injector.
- Editor's Pick: Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner.
- Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner (60103)
- Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer (11722)
- Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner.
- Sea Foam Motor Treatment (SF-16)
- Lucas Oil Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner (10512)
Check the exhaust smoke from your vehicle. White smoke is normal when starting your vehicle, but white smoke when driving indicates that there is a loose injector. Black smoke emission can also be normal when accelerating the vehicle, but if you notice black smoke at other times, this indicates a bad fuel injector.