Looking at '03 F250, school me on 6.0 PS

[War Machine]

Check delta between oil and water temp. If a large difference you have a clogged oil cooler.

Delete EGR. This can be easily done by welding up the ends of the EGR.

If your head gaskets aren't blown don't mess with them. My 03 6.0 has 200,000 miles on them and still on the OEM gaskets and I run a FICM and ECM tune.

Injectors have a problem with sticking(stictation) when cold. Can be patched with a good 5w/40 synthetic and rev-x or archoil. I'm to the point where mine need to just be replaced.

Up-pipe bellows tend to crack after high mileage.

Your fuel pressure spring most likely needs to be replaced with a new ford "blue" spring. Through on some 6.4 banjo bolts while you are at it.

Maintenance is key. These 6.0's don't like dirty oil.

The 03, although the most "problematic" with the help of the aftermarket is starting to become the favorite year.

The transmissions also are notorious for the 3-5 shift flare(4th is rarely ever used, these are 6 speed autos) There is a solenoid you can buy for $100 that fixes it.

You can buy these trucks cheap and as long as you got a few grand cash you can put into it you can have one very reliable, high gas mileage and fun to drive truck.

damn you know your 6.o's

[Cooter]

The 6.0 is problematic if you incorrectly diagnose and throw parts at it whenever there is a problem. The issues are well documented and easily diagnosed and repaired/prevented.

I would just drive the thing and address issues when they arise

[ktm300hater]

I've got an early 04 which still has the 03 motor. I've got 190000 on stock headgaskets. I did replace the oil cooler and plug off the egr tho.

[FATHERFORD]

Check delta between oil and water temp. If a large difference you have a clogged oil cooler.

Delete EGR. This can be easily done by welding up the ends of the EGR.

If your head gaskets aren't blown don't mess with them. My 03 6.0 has 200,000 miles on them and still on the OEM gaskets and I run a FICM and ECM tune.

Injectors have a problem with sticking(stictation) when cold. Can be patched with a good 5w/40 synthetic and rev-x or archoil. I'm to the point where mine need to just be replaced.

Up-pipe bellows tend to crack after high mileage.

Your fuel pressure spring most likely needs to be replaced with a new ford "blue" spring. Through on some 6.4 banjo bolts while you are at it.

Maintenance is key. These 6.0's don't like dirty oil.

The 03, although the most "problematic" with the help of the aftermarket is starting to become the favorite year.

The transmissions also are notorious for the 3-5 shift flare(4th is rarely ever used, these are 6 speed autos) There is a solenoid you can buy for $100 that fixes it.

You can buy these trucks cheap and as long as you got a few grand cash you can put into it you can have one very reliable, high gas mileage and fun to drive truck.

[whitetrash]

Look for one with studs already a done or plan to do it out of the gate. Head studs, egr delete and a tune and it should be fine for your purposes. I plan to be looking for an 03-06 early next year as well. Those 3 things are the basic consensus

[hotrod66stang]

Correct. "stock, from the factory" is not what you want in this vehicle, low miles or not.

[GrayStangGT]

Either run far away or delete all the emissions and stud the heads. 03 6.0 is probably the most problematic diesel Ford has made between 1995 and 2014

[SonicblueGT03]

Haven't owned a diesel truck since my '86 F250 (bought new). Found a decent '03 F250 with the 6.0 and auto with 121k on the odometer. Truck is up to date on maintenance and doesn't appear to have any mods.

All I'm looking for is something to drive on a semi daily basis and pull the race car on the weekends (20 ft open trailer for now, but might be upgrading to a 24'-28' enclosed next year).

What should I be looking out for on this one? Thanks for the help.