Having problems with your 6.4 Powerstroke can be a real nightmare, but there are some steps you can take to make things easier. You can do some basic checks to identify the issue, then you can buy a new part or even fix the problem yourself. The ProSource Diesel takes a look at some of the most common problems with the 6.4 Powerstroke, what causes them, and what can fix them.
Symptoms of a Clogged DPF
Symptoms of a clogged DPF include reduced fuel economy, poor performance and a foul smell in the engine. These symptoms can be caused by a number of factors, including active fault codes, misrouted hoses, fuel leaks, oil leaks, coolant leaks, and kinked hoses. A clogged DPF causes the exhaust system to become severely restricted. This causes the engine to suffocate and may even cause damage to other parts of the engine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you take your truck to a mechanic to get it checked out.
Clogged DPF filters can cause oil leaks and engine failure. If you suspect that your filter is clogged, your engine management light will be on. The 6.4 Powerstroke has two EGR coolers that are meant to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas. However, if these coolers are clogged, they can cause white smoke to come from the exhaust pipe.
Leaking Radiators
6.4 Powerstroke radiators are notorious for cracking. This is often caused by the fact that the factory radiator is crimped on to plastic end tanks. These end tanks are also prone to leaking, as they separate from the aluminum core. The only fix for a cracked radiator is to replace it. There are aftermarket options available, however, they are expensive. Rather than spend money on a new radiator, many 6.4 owners simply replace the radiator with the same part. However, this is a bad idea.
A better solution is to purchase an aftermarket up-pipe, which is designed to offer superior construction. These up-pipes are also covered by a lifetime warranty. These are also easy to install and require no modifications. Aside from the leaking radiator, the 6.4 Powerstroke can also have soot forming on the firewall and hood. This is due to the fact that diesel fuel is injected late in the exhaust stroke, which burns off the hydrocarbons from the diesel particulate filter.
Cylinder Washing
6.4 Powerstroke problems can be frustrating, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get your truck running again. Some problems can be fixed with a few aftermarket parts. Depending on the make and model of your truck, you may not have to replace anything. One of the most common problems on the 6.4 Powerstroke is oil dilution.
This happens because the diesel fuel gets injected into the cylinder late in the exhaust stroke. This causes oil to get “washed” off the pistons, cylinder walls, and ring. This causes low compression and high ring and cylinder wear. One of the easiest ways to solve this problem is by replacing your spark plugs. You should also replace your air filters to help the fuel burn better.
Oil Dilution
6.4 Powerstroke problems include the obvious like cracked up-pipes and radiators. However, some diesel engines also have problems, including fuel dilution. One problem that 6.4 owners have reported is extra oil in the engine. Diesel fuel doesn’t have the same lubricating properties as engine oil, so it dilutes the oil and leaves it less lubricated than it should be. This can cause premature wear on the engine’s internals, which isn’t a good thing for an engine’s longevity.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of fuel dilution. One way to do this is to make sure you follow the industry standard of changing the oil in your 6.4 Powerstroke every 50,000 miles or so. You should also allow the engine to warm up before putting heavy loads on it.
Piston Wear
6.4 Powerstroke piston wear is a common problem for Ford 6.4L owners. The engine is often referred to as a ticking timebomb. Despite its improvements over the 6.0L, the 6.4L is plagued by failures big and small. The 6.4L Powerstroke has a large bowl in the center where the injector fires. However, this bowl does not have bronze sleeves, so excessive wear can occur.
This can cause the piston to crack. The piston is a lower part of the combustion chamber in a diesel engine. It must be designed properly to withstand the extreme pressures. When a piston starts to crack, the heat concentrates at the upper lip area of the bowl. It can also melt the injector tips. The fuel continues to flow into the cracked cylinder. This can result in detonation.