
When it first arrived, Ford’s 7.3L Powerstroke was their most powerful engine ever. By working with Navistar, the two companies created an engine with improved torque and 275 horsepower. Although it was their strongest engine to date, their competitor’s engines –GM’s Duramax LB7 and the common-rail Cummins 5.9L— were already capable of exceeding 300 horsepower. Because it was outperformed by its competition, and strict emission standards were looming on the horizon, the 7.3L engine’s days were numbered.
2002 Ford F-350 Lariat 4×4 Crew Cab powered by a 7.3-liter Powerstroke
Photo courtesy of and copyright owned by BringATrailer.com
Both Ford and Navistar understood they’d need to completely overhaul the Powerstroke engine. A complete redesign was a lengthy process, requiring years of analysis, R&D, and manufacturing. They began their work on the Powerstroke 6.0L in the early 90s, up until 2003 when it was finally released.
2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat Supercab 4×4 powered by a 7.3-liter Powerstroke
Photo courtesy of and copyright owned by BringATrailer.com
The 6.0L Powerstroke came with several features that made the 7.3L look obsolete:
Unfortunately, many of the 6.0L’s upgrades were a letdown. The 6.0L Powerstroke was plagued with several problems: issues with the EGR, oil cooler, head gasket, high-pressure oil pump (HPOP) and a sticky turbo were all well-known.
Fortunately, the Powerstroke 6.0L wasn’t a complete disaster. It gave drivers extra engine power and was very responsive. Its sturdy short block was known for its durability, and it attracted praise for its 5R110 automatic transmission, which was known for being efficient and capable of handling huge amounts of torque.
2006 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab Dually 4×4 6-Speed
Photo courtesy of and copyright owned by BringATrailer.com
Whether or not it’s deserved, the Powerstroke 6.0L has gotten blowback from the diesel truck industry. The 6.0L doesn’t have the durability or longevity of a Duramax or Cummins engine, but with good care and routine maintenance, you can get an engine that’s just as reliable as its competitors.
Regardless of your feelings on the 6.0L, those of us at ProSource Diesel feel like you can help your 6.0L Powerstroke last a long time and keep it in top condition with the most reliable diesel truck parts on the market. We carry all those hard-to-find diesel parts needed to keep your 6.0L running for miles and miles without issue.
Ford’s 6.0L Powerstroke was produced between 2003 and 2007. A year later in 2008, Ford introduced the 6.4L Powerstroke. We focus on the problems of the 6.4 Powerstroke in this article.
2008 Ford F-250 Lariat Super Duty 6.4L Powerstroke
ProSource Diesel offers a wide range of diesel truck parts to both people and shops. You’ll get shipping direct to you so you don’t have to pay dealership prices. We have over ten years of experience, 24-hour response times for customer service, worldwide shipping, and complete customer satisfaction!