Problematic Diesel years

[CurtPutnam]

May be heading out to buy a used truck this weekend. We will be looking at 3/4 or 1 ton units. I need to quickly develop a list of problematic years for diesels (or gas for that matter.) We will be looking far enough back in time that any diesels we look at were probably having pollution control issues. We are in CA which makes the problem more acute.

I would like to boil it down to a quick reference table that can be viewed on my phone. Perhaps something in this format:

2010 Ford, Ram
2011 Chev
2012 Chev, Ram, Ford

Many thanks in advance for your help

[Gonefishing1]

While I don’t know when all the problems started but I do know that I have been buying diesels since the first dodge Cummings come out. I never had any problems till they started with the def system where you added def in the separate tank. Since then nothing but problems with all of them. Ford,Gm and Dodge. I have owned both ford and ram more fords then ram and because of the problems I have just recently change from diesel to gas.

[Splitshaft]

I cannot help. However, as a retired diesel mechanic and fleet manager, I would recommend a gas engine in California, where I live and worked, unless there is a real need for diesel power. Doubtful any ¾-ton truck needs a diesel engine to pull or carry anything.

[67L48]

Originally Posted by Gonefishing1

[...] dodge Cummings [...]

I love reading about those awesome Dodge Cummings diesel engines.

For Ford Power Stroke, I'd avoid the 6.0 and 6.4 engines altogether and look only for the 7.3. The newer ones with the 6.7 also seem like solid engines.

For Chevy/GM Duramax, there were some nasty fuel pump issues with the early teens 6.6. Just look up CP4 fuel pump. I think this was corrected in 2017 or 2018. My brother had a 2015 blow. It was under warranty, but it was bad. Have read that the LBZ 06-07 is one of the best Duramax engines ever built.

I couldn't tell you much about the Dodge Cummins.

I'd recommend spending time over at the truck forums, rather than the RV forums. You'll learn quite a bit more there.

Good luck.

[uncbearfan]

I can only speak to the Dodge Cummins as that's all I've owned. I would avoid 07.5-2011. They used a DPF filter in those years that was awful. Started using DEF in 2012 and though not ideal much less problematic.

[jtaylor1920]

I would avoid the 2008-2010 Ford w/the 6.4

I would also avoid the 2003-2007 Ford w/the 6.0

[BriaBeck]

The Chevy Duramax LB7 in 2001-2003? had injector issues... but supposedly they fixed that with redesigned/improved injectors. Most didn't make it much past 100K miles before needing injector replacement... I learned all about it right after I bought our Silverado used


I've got about 30K miles now on the new injectors with no problems whatsoever. It's been pretty much bulletproof otherwise, and NO EMISSIONS garbage on it.


If you find one in this MY range with over 130K miles, you can almost be certain it has had the injectors replaced.., if fewer miles, budget about $3500 for new injectors.

[007matman]

These conversations always incur a storm of controversy and opinion.

I did a ton of research on all of the makes and models and everything has a shortcoming here and there. Weak trannys, bad injectors, emissions problems, etc.

For me there were a couple of factors. I had to have room to seat 6 comfortably, fuel mileage, longevity, and come in under 25k

For me that solution was a '07 F350 King Ranch Crew Cab Long wheel base dually. Last year for the 6.0 Powerstroke. I paid about $17,500 for a low mileage (120k) exceptionally clean truck with the thought of driving for a couple of years before I had to sink more money into it. Alas, that didn't quite work out the way I'd planned and I ended up spending $6500 additional to get it fully bullet-proofed, studded, and EGR deleted.

A bullet-proofed 6.0 will run forever. Much better than the newer models up through maybe 2013 or 14. The older 7.3 is under-powered, but reliable. However, finding a clean one is a real challenge. They also have tranny issues (all of them I test drove had issues).

For you out there in CA, I'd look at the Improved EGR Cooler from Bulletproof Diesel. That way you'll keep all of the emissions in-tact and should pass any inspection. These trucks don't have DEF to mess with and no DPF either. Just a Cat and a Muffler (I woukd bet you need to have that).

https://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=369

[Crusadernoob]

Don't only look into the diesel, also look into the transmission, want reliability, go with the only manufacturer that has had the same transmission since the Duramax came out! Yup, Allison, don't see too many of them blown up in stock form. As far as a Duramax, I searched for a while to find an unmolested 2006, LBZ. As far as injectors in a Duramax, 2004.5 and up have few problems, true Duramax problems started in 2011 but not engine problems, emmisions problems, around that time all manufacturers have had their fair share of emmisions concerns. You will hear about the CP4 fuel pump blowing up, yup, it's about $10-12k to repair. Now you know why I went after the 2006, old pump, torque numbers took a huge jump, Allison got 6th gear, only emmisions, EGR, PCV

[Coolharts]

Originally Posted by 007matman

These conversations always incur a storm of controversy and opinion.

I did a ton of research on all of the makes and models and everything has a shortcoming here and there. Weak trannys, bad injectors, emissions problems, etc.

For me there were a couple of factors. I had to have room to seat 6 comfortably, fuel mileage, longevity, and come in under 25k

For me that solution was a '07 F350 King Ranch Crew Cab Long wheel base dually. Last year for the 6.0 Powerstroke. I paid about $17,500 for a low mileage (120k) exceptionally clean truck with the thought of driving for a couple of years before I had to sink more money into it. Alas, that didn't quite work out the way I'd planned and I ended up spending $6500 additional to get it fully bullet-proofed, studded, and EGR deleted.

A bullet-proofed 6.0 will run forever. Much better than the newer models up through maybe 2013 or 14. The older 7.3 is under-powered, but reliable. However, finding a clean one is a real challenge. They also have tranny issues (all of them I test drove had issues).

For you out there in CA, I'd look at the Improved EGR Cooler from Bulletproof Diesel. That way you'll keep all of the emissions in-tact and should pass any inspection. These trucks don't have DEF to mess with and no DPF either. Just a Cat and a Muffler (I woukd bet you need to have that).

https://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=369

I agree but Bulletproofing is a subjective term. Many of us are using the stock head bolts in the 6.0L but we do not have power adders and have deleted or replaced the EGR cooler with BPD or OPR high flow EGR coolers. Oil cooler and cooling system monitoring and maintenance is essential.

The 6.0L is a great engine IF it is taken care of. Diesels love maintenance and are less forgiving than gas engines when it comes to stretching the schedule out.

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Coolharts

I agree but Bulletproofing is a subjective term. Many of us are using the stock head bolts in the 6.0L but we do not have power adders and have deleted or replaced the EGR cooler with BPD or OPR high flow EGR coolers. Oil cooler and cooling system monitoring and maintenance is essential.

The 6.0L is a great engine IF it is taken care of. Diesels love maintenance and are less forgiving than gas engines when it comes to stretching the schedule out.

Agreed.. in my case head studs was optional. The oil cooler failed and my thought was "while you're at it" with the EGR delete and head studs. I didn't do much in the way of power improvers.. just the blue spring upgrade, refurb the turbo, and a tuner (to turn off the EGR valve). Diesels are exempt from emissions in Georgia so I didn't spend the money on the improved EGR cooler.

My cat and muffler was long gone.

The later year 6.0's seem to have less issues overall with the heads, turbo, and FICM. Trannys are rock solid.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

May be heading out to buy a used truck this weekend. We will be looking at 3/4 or 1 ton units. I need to quickly develop a list of problematic years for diesels (or gas for that matter.) We will be looking far enough back in time that any diesels we look at were probably having pollution control issues. We are in CA which makes the problem more acute.

I would like to boil it down to a quick reference table that can be viewed on my phone. Perhaps something in this format:

2010 Ford, Ram
2011 Chev
2012 Chev, Ram, Ford

Many thanks in advance for your help

Ford 6.0PSD and 6.4 PSD - avoid (personal experience with both).
2010 Ram is 6.7 Cummins pre DEF - safe.
2011/12 Chev, Ram, Ford some DEF related issues that have likely been corrected (repaired) - be cautious.
2011/2012 6.7 PSD had some turbo and fuel pump issues - be cautious.


The Duramax/Allison powertrain and the Cummins/Aisin (if you want to go with a younger model year) are rock solid combinations.

[Coolharts]

Originally Posted by 007matman

Agreed.. in my case head studs was optional. The oil cooler failed and my thought was "while you're at it" with the EGR delete and head studs. I didn't do much in the way of power improvers.. just the blue spring upgrade, refurb the turbo, and a tuner (to turn off the EGR valve). Diesels are exempt from emissions in Georgia so I didn't spend the money on the improved EGR cooler.

My cat and muffler was long gone.

The later year 6.0's seem to have less issues overall with the heads, turbo, and FICM. Trannys are rock solid.

Yes, the 5R110 is an awesome transmission.

The Blue Spring is a Ford recommended upgrade, I did that. My CAT and stock exhaust is still on. My only "true" upgrades are a coolant filter, new Ford metal cold side intercooler tube, AGM batteries, High Flow EGR cooler (EGR still installed and operational) 180 AMP alternator, extra engine grounds, metal finned water pump, ELC-Red coolant and upgraded alternator wiring.

[Hersbird]

The pre 2003 common rail 5.9 HO with a manual 6 speed is easily the most reliable. I think that's available 1998 to 2002. The problem only is the small cab. I wish I had bought a 6.7 Cummins but I'm in Montana and can delete that emissions stuff at will. In 2010 the Ram 2500 got a much nicer cab as well. If you need an automatic the 6 speeds behind the 6.7 was a big improvement over the 4 speeds they used with the 5.9. If you do go with the 2003-2007 5.9 look for documentation on NEW BOSCH injectors done within the last 75,000 miles or less. That or set aside almost $5000 to have that done when they go. I still think that's better than any of the 6.0 or 6.4 Fords. I also have ad a 2004 Duramax with Allison and it was good as well.

[spock123]

I have a 2012 Silverado 3500 that has a 143,000 miles. I had def problems and did a delete. Since you live in CA you can’t have a truck that has been deleted. If it was me I would look at a gasser or a new diesel truck for warranty. Personally buying a gas truck is something you might want to give some thought

[CurtPutnam]

Originally Posted by spock123

I have a 2012 Silverado 3500 that has a 143,000 miles. I had def problems and did a delete. Since you live in CA you can’t have a truck that has been deleted. If it was me I would look at a gasser or a new diesel truck for warranty. Personally buying a gas truck is something you might want to give some thought

The preponderance of heavier duty trucks are work trucks and are diesels. I want to be able to jump on a good deal and if that is a diesel then so be it. We'll see.

[phillyg]

Used to be the devil engine was the Ford 6.0, and avoid it at all cost. Interestingly, my 2005 6.0 died (head gaskets) at 193,000 miles and as I started to look for a replacement, it quickly became apparent I was going to have to shell out $60k for a used 2013-2016.

I did a lot of research, spoke with several Ford diesel specialists whom informed me the 6.4, only out for three years, was also problematic, and both it and the newest, 6.7, were very complicated and more expensive to repair. The 6.7 also needs DEF. I even had a couple of specialists tell me the 6.0 was back in favor, if it's bullet-proofed. So, after $9500 for bullet-proofing, head gaskets and a couple other preventative add-ons, I think it will run another 200k with no problems.

[Teamster4life]

I've driven diesels most of my adult life and when you have problems they are more expensive to have serviced/repaired , add in the regen and def issues and the extra $9200 dollars up front cost on new , that takes about 200K miles to make up the cost difference . After running the numbers and pros and cons of both engines for me the 6.4 hemi made for a better deal . If you tow heavy 11K lbs plus or lots and lots of miles the diesel makes sense , but for me around 10-12k (about half towing)miles a year with 7500 lb tow weight the diesel didn't add up . You also lose about a 1K lbs payload capacity with a diesel .My 6.4 with 3.73 tows great in the flats or mountains and gets about 3 mpg less on average than a diesel . My last 3k mile tow across I 40 west and into the mountains diesel also averaged about .32 cents more per gallon . You need to know the weight you plan on towing and miles per year to make an informed decision . Since I retired , this new 6.4 gas truck is going to be around a long time . The Chrysler lifetime (covers almost everything) unlimited mileage warranty for gas engines at about the same price as the diesel engines that only went to 8 years 125k miles was another plus for my decision .Good luck with whatever you decide .

[sawpdx]

I have a 05 1ton 4X4 in-line 6 cyl Cummins Diesel with 140k miles still running great. Pulling a 30’ Wildcat Max 5th wheel.

[ronheater70]

Disclaimer: I don't own a Diesel, But my son has informed me of his issues on a ford 6.7
He purchased a 2013 f350 in 2015 I think (maybe 2016) Anyway, He had nothing BUT troubles with it, all Emissions related that several months of dealer support just couldn't get a long term fix. He finally did a delete and had zero issues after that. He bought a Brand new 2017 f350 dually to replace the 2013 after an accident. he has put 40K in this first year of ownership and has not had a single issue regarding emissions, or anything engine related. Perhaps the newer Diesels got some of the bugs worked out, providing a bit better track record in terms of reliability.