The 6.4L Powerstroke engine from Ford was a powerful and reliable engine, but it did not stay in production for long. Despite its competitive edge over other engines of the same class, this model still had some common issues that all engines face throughout their lifespan. Of the years released by Ford between 2008 and 2010, one year stands out as being particularly troublesome due to specific problems associated with it.
One of the main reasons why 2009 models stand out is because they are more prone to suffering injector failure than any other year within this time frame. There have also been reports of turbocharger failures and cooling system troubles on these vehicles as well, which can be costly to fix or replace if left unattended for too long. It is important to note that while 2009 may have been an especially problematic year for these particular motors, all 6.4L Powerstroke engines should be inspected thoroughly prior to purchase regardless of age or make/model so that you are aware of any potential issues before making your final decision.
Which 6.4 Powerstroke Years To Avoid?
The 2008 6.4 Powerstroke model has received numerous unfavorable reviews from customers, leading to the consensus that it is a version of the engine best avoided. While various other versions of the engine may have their own positives and negatives, none appear to compare in terms of issues encountered with this particular year’s model. As such, caution should be taken when considering a purchase for this specific variety.
2008 Year 6.4 Powerstroke Problems
The 2008 model of any given vehicle has had its fair share of issues, with the most prominent being steering seizing. Consumers have reported that their vehicles suddenly lose control and seize up while in motion, which can create a dangerous situation on the highway. This alone is enough reason to avoid this particular model year.
Additionally, another issue faced by owners of the 2008 6.4 Powerstroke is poor fuel mileage due to increased emissions from diesel filters leading to more frequent regeneration cycles throughout combustion occurrences. The more regeneration cycles needed, the fewer miles per gallon will result, making it difficult for consumers who are looking for reliable performance from their cars or trucks.
Most Common 6.4 Powerstroke Issues
The 2008 model year has been widely avoided by car buyers due to common problems that have been identified in the past. So far, two of these reasons have been discussed; however, there are a few more problems which make this model year an unfavorable choice for long-term use. In order to aid with decision-making, all of the common issues associated with the 2008 model will be explored in detail below.
1. DPF Blockage
Truck drivers are often frustrated when their Ford 6.4 Powerstroke runs into DPF blockage problems. The Diesel Particulate Filter, or DPF, is designed to reduce emissions but can become blocked if not properly cared for. This filter blockage can lead to a number of associated issues including decreased engine and turbo efficiency as well as difficulty in removing exhaust fumes from the engine. Additionally, the extra strain that this puts on the rear of the vehicle could cause power outages due to rapid elimination of gases within the system. Error codes may also appear indicating a potential problem, along with extended cranking times while starting up your vehicle.
2. Problematic Oil Cooler
An oil cooler is a vital component of any engine as it helps to maintain the appropriate temperature for its optimal functioning. The oil cooler is responsible for cooling the engine oil, which is done by using coolant to keep it cold. Over time, these passageways can become clogged and when this happens, the engine’s temperature may be higher than usual.
In order to resolve this issue with 6.4 Powerstroke engines, replacement of the oil cooler is necessary due to its inability to be cleaned. This process can be costly and if not taken care of in a timely manner could lead to serious damage or even fires while driving. To avoid such major issues arising from failing to replace an old or malfunctioning oil cooler on time, it’s important that regular maintenance checks are carried out on your vehicle so that any potential problems can be identified and addressed quickly before they become more serious later down the line.
3. Acceleration Problem
John Doe has experienced first-hand the frustration of dealing with acceleration issues in his 2008 6.4 Powerstroke. According to John, the engine smokes heavily when accelerating, making it difficult and unpleasant to drive. Additionally, the engine frequently shuts off while driving which can cause a lot of stress and danger on the road. John believes that this particular year model should be avoided due to its poor performance in terms of acceleration and reliability.
The 2008 6.4 Powerstroke is known for its frequent acceleration problems which could negatively affect your driving experience if left unchecked or unresolved. To ensure a safe and smooth ride every time you get behind the wheel, regular maintenance checks are essential so any underlying issues can be addressed as soon as possible before they have a chance to worsen or become more problematic later down the line.
4. Cracked Piston
The 6.4 Powerstroke engine is known for its reliability and longevity, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to issues like cracked pistons. Cracks form at the fuel bowl’s middle and spread throughout the whole piston, making it a particularly severe issue. This problem occurs more frequently in high-mileage trucks, leading to more severe breakdowns if not addressed quickly. Heavy smoke from the exhaust might arise due to this issue as well as reduced compression, resulting in power reduction and malfunctions.
Unfortunately, replacing these pistons with aftermarket parts is expensive and time consuming; however, doing so ensures that your truck will be up and running again without any further problems down the line. It’s important to remember that while cracked pistons are not very common on Ford 6.4 Powerstroke, they can occur – meaning regular maintenance of your vehicle is essential for maintaining optimal performance over the long run!
5. Fuel Pollution
Heavily diluting the oil with too much gasoline can have a detrimental effect on an engine’s cooling and lubrication capabilities. To address this, some engines are designed to use an additional injector that sprays gasoline directly into the exhaust chamber. While this method may help reduce emissions, it can also lead to small amounts of fuel pollution in the tube walls and contaminating the engine oil which could result in premature wear for 6.4 Powerstroke diesel internals – something that will ultimately harm engine lifespan if unchecked.
6. Leaks In The Radiator
The 6.4 Powerstroke engine is a common diesel engine, however it has been known to have issues with its plastic radiator tanks which can easily crack down due to excessive vibrations from the engine. This leads to coolant leakage, and if not addressed in time, overheating of the engine can occur resulting in serious damage that requires expensive aftermarket replacement components for repair. As such, this problem carries a hefty price tag for those who encounter it.
7. Leaks In The Up-Pipe
Up-pipe gaskets are prone to breakage, particularly due to the accumulation of wear and tear over time. This can be attributed to vibration and temperature cycles which cause the pipes to weaken. Up-pipes are an integral part of a 6.4 exhaust system, so when these connections split it can result in heavy smoke being emitted from the engine compartment and a loud spraying noise emanating from the engine itself.
How Many Miles Does A Ford 6.4 Powerstroke Engine Last?
The 6.4 Power Stroke is widely regarded as a reliable and durable engine, with reports indicating that it should last up to 250,000 miles or more with minimal maintenance issues. Scientifically tested on dynamometers, it has been proven to have a lifetime of 500,000+ miles before extensive repairs are required – such as needing the exhaust manifolds or fluid pan removed. With proper maintenance however, this can be extended to an even higher 600,000 mile serviceability rate – making the 6.4 L Power Stroke an exceptionally dependable vehicle choice.
Which 6.4 Powerstroke Years Can Be Bought Used?
The 6.4 Powerstroke V-8 diesel engine launched in 2008 as a replacement for the 6.0L proved to be problematic, with many flaws and issues that were resolved by 2010. The 2010 model of the 6.4 Powerstroke is an improved version, and one that is worth considering when looking at used vehicles – it can perform exceptionally well when upgraded appropriately.
The 6.4 Powerstroke engine is a powerful diesel motor that produces 350 horsepower and 650 torque. Despite its impressive specs, however, the 2008 model of this engine has been known to have several issues with reliability and durability. As such, it is recommended to avoid this particular year if possible. The 2010 version of the 6.4 Powerstroke engine is generally considered to be the most reliable of all models in this series and should be sought after when considering purchasing a used Ford 6.4 Powerstroke as new ones are no longer available for sale.