F250 Oil Change Question

Bird · Dec 7, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( An engine that is rarely driven creates condensation that increases wear on a motor much faster than steady highway driving. )</font>

Yep, I sure believe that. When we bought a new Plymouth Roadrunner in '68, it was a fine car when I was using it because I drove it 20 miles on the freeway to work. But when I quit driving it to work and my wife just drove it to the grocery store and school occasionally, it would foul the plugs in 2k miles or less and get to running rough. I could take it out and stomp the gas pedal and blow black smoke out the tailpipe and I'd have to change the plugs at 3k miles.

In '91 I bought a new motorhome with a 460 gas engine. As long as we were driving it every couple of days, it would go 3k miles between oil changes and never need any oil added, but if we let it sit more than a week or so, when we took off, I'd have to add a quart of oil after the first 400 miles.

JerryG · Dec 7, 2005

Fuel Injector 6.0L
Product #: 3C3Z9E527ABRM
Fuel Injector 6.0L
Your Price: $232.73
Save $15.51 over the retail price of $248.24.
US Diesel Parts

_RaT_ · Dec 7, 2005

That depends on what one calls neglect. I follow the maintainence schedule Ford gave me with the truck, that and paying attention to the obvious problems is what I have done. I have yet to bring it to the dealer for their maintainence. The items that are failing have no maintainence associated with them. I was told at the time I got the truck by a mechanic to be religous about changing the transmission oil, its the one oil that got changed more frequently then the manual called for. My latest problem was the transmission E4OD going out. After shopping for a rebuilt E4OD, I was told the same by all the shops, that transmission was never very good. Once I get the clutches on the windows replaced, the ignition key spring replaced, AC repaired, front leaf springs re-arched, radiator replaced, RPM sensor replaced, tailgate placard glued back on, and change the oil I might just sell it but then again, I might just forgo all that and trade it in... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I really like the new trucks from Ford, easily the nicest looking, I'm just ready to try another brand. This is my second F250 diesel. The 1989 I had with over 200K had a C6 transmission with a Gear Vendors overdrive. I much preferred that transmission.

HGM · Dec 7, 2005

OK,
The prices have definitly come down in the last year or so. The list price is $287ea. Thats $2300 for 8, still alot to pay for neglect. The 7.3L inj lists for $315. So, maint is still important. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

HGM · Dec 7, 2005

I can understand if your luck was poor on this truck, you have a bad tast in your mouth over it. Cant blame you. I was really refering to the failures I have seen in the 6.0L injector. 99% have been from low fuel pressure and poor fuel quality, steming from neglect.

The E4OD had some issues. Mine is in a '94 F-150 5.8L. Not as much Tq, but still worked from time to time. It has 157kMi on it now, with no troubles(shouldnt have said that huh /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif).. There have been alot of upgrades over the years for it, if the rebuild shop you used doesnt do the upgrades, this could explain some of the troubles.

I prefer to use the FQR(Ford Quality Reman) trans, just for the fact that Ford authorizes the rebuilder. They have the newest parts in them and provide a waranty. To each his own there, I would recomend the GM version if I needed GM parts.. MFG specs are different than the aftermarket, I trust them a bit more.

I think If you were to drive a 6.0L, youd be really impressed with the engine/trans combo. Its strong and the trans has been nearly flawless.

hunterridgefarm · Dec 7, 2005

RaT,
I think you are correct on the mileage for the fuel filter change. But since I don't put alot of miles on mine I thought it may be better to change it every other or third oil change. My reasoning being the diesel fuel residue in the filter may be higher since it is not driven as much (may be wrong on this).

I always drive the truck on the weekends and try to drive it a couple of times during the week. And the truck runs great, smooth and quiet on the open road.

It is a 2002 model with 42,000 miles, bought used from someone I know who took excellent care of it. He moved up to the 350 dually for pulling a bigger horse trailer.

I could let my wife drive it to work a couple of times a week but I am afraid she might get attached to it. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

_RaT_ · Dec 7, 2005

I would think getting the truck out once a week would be sufficient to keep things in check. Battery charged, engine oil replensished to all the areas that get lubricated or coated. I would suggest also trying to keep the fuel tank full to lessen the chance of moist air causing condensation.