If you are considering buying a Ford with the 6.7 PowerStroke engine, you may wonder how many miles you can get out of it. The 6.7 Powerstroke longevity depends on several factors, and they will be discussed in this article.
The Ford 6.7 PowerStroke engine is a diesel engine of the fourth generation that powers Ford trucks. Aside from being the fourth generation, this engine is the first PowerStroke Ford designed directly. The engines of other models were made by Navistar International. The present 6.7 engine is in the third generation and offers 1050 torque and 475 horsepower.
Ford 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel Engine Specifications
This engine is a medium-duty diesel engine and the first of its kind designed by Ford. The engine was codenamed “Scorpion” by the engineers that built it because of the position of turbo and manifold. The engine boasts of fuel economy, impressive performance, longevity, and reliability.
The engine has a single sequential turbocharger and it features a single turbine setup and dual compressor attached to a common shaft. In this new generation, a single GT37 variable geometry turbocharger was added. This helped increase the torque and horsepower along with other updates.
This 6.7-liter engine has a unique intake manifold and exhaust design. The exhaust and intake flows are reversed, unlike the traditional V engine. The exhaust manifold can be found in the engine valley near the turbocharger. The intake manifold is located on the exterior deck of the engine’s cylinder head. It is unique because the exhaust flow increases the turbocharger’s thermal efficiency.
How Long Can the Powerstroke Last?
The PowerStroke engine can last for more than 200,000 miles with just a few repairs. However, for its life expectancy to last this long, you need to follow the recommendation from the manufacturer about service intervals and other care tips that will be discussed later on in the article. Proper maintenance can give you up to 400,000 miles like other more advanced engines.
The 6.7 PowerStroke engine is a solid diesel-powered engine and it is both reliable and extremely durable. It still has some issues but comes with lots of improvement from the previous models.
One of the improvements that make it more reliable is the inclusion of six bolts for each cylinder instead of just four bolts holding the cylinder heads. This can reduce head gasket failure and bolt stretch. In other cases, it could reduce coolant or oil leakage in the cylinder or a blown head gasket.
The major issues that owners of the 6.7 PowerStroke face include system-related failures and emission issues. The EGR coolers, EGR valves, SCR and DPF systems, and other sensors in the emission control systems are the common culprits. They often lead to expensive repairs despite proper maintenance in some cases. Some of the problems can be solved by a simple deletion while others may be cataclysmic.
Generally, the 6.7 PowerStroke engine is a robust engine. With regular maintenance, it can last for a long time without needing a major repair.
Here are some of the things you can do to keep your 6.7 PowerStroke engine in good working condition.
Tips to Keep Your 6.7 Powerstroke Working Optimally
Like every other engine, the 6.7 PowerStroke requires proper maintenance. Some things you can do include changing the fuel filter and changing the oil.
Maintain the Fuel Filter
If you want to ensure that your vehicle lasts for as long as possible, then you need to always change your fuel filter. Generally, injectors are considered the heart of an engine. The injectors need to use clean fuel to prevent damage. They also ensure that the engine works at maximum efficiency. If your 6.7 PowerStroke longevity is important to you, then you need to follow this guideline.
Change Oil
This may be tougher to do for those without experience, so you can take the vehicle to an auto mechanic to get it done. The reason why this is important in the 6.7 PowerStroke engine is the high-pressure oil pump. If you run the vehicle with dirty oil, it can damage this pump and make it push debris into the engine. This can damage the injectors and may cost a lot of money to repair.
Changing oil is crucial in diesel engines. Not changing the oil can also reduce the turbo bearing’s lifespan. If the oil is dirty, the wear and tear could increase, and it can also increase the risk of the explosion of the turbo. Another top reason is that your engine could jam. This will not only require repair, but the fix can be very expensive.
Also, find out how you can increase MPG for 6.7 Powerstroke.
Common 6.7 Powerstroke Engine Problems
Even though the 6.7 PowerStroke engine is reliable, it is not completely free from issues. Over the years, different issues have been spotted with the engine and some have been rectified in newer models. Here are some common issues that owners may experience with this engine.
Exhaust Valve Issues
Earlier models on 6.7 PowerStroke engines had issues with the exhaust valves where they would start to crack. After some time, a small part can fall into the cylinder and damage the glow plug irrespective of the maintenance efforts. This generally leads to exhaust valve failure. However, the issue was rectified in newer models. Engines developed after 2011 may not have this problem.
EGR Cooler Problems
The 6.7 PowerStroke engine EGR cooler cores were restricted in some cases in the older 2011 models. This is often detected by engine control software. The software will trigger the ‘Check Engine’ light as well as a diagnostic trouble code. The issue is sometimes caused by the EGR valve, a sensor, or a bypass valve. However, the common cause is carbon clogging and restriction of the cooler.
Carbon deposits build-up can cause issues but it is easier to fix in the newer engines. It requires a replacement of the engine’s EGR cooler. The process of replacement is a lot easier in new models. Owners can also opt to delete the engine’s EGR system and it works effectively.
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Problems
A failure in the exhaust gas temperature sensor system can cause the appearance of ‘Check Engine’ lights. Also, other warnings can be turned on in the dashboard of the vehicle. The problem is one of the most common ones and the manufacturer had to offer a warranty extension specifically to cover the sensor. In most cases, the sensors can be replaced easily.
There is also an option to delete the exhaust gas temperature sensors because of how problematic they are. Older models before 2015 could affect the vehicle and leave drivers stranded. The manufacturer worked on the issue and updated the system. This way, drivers will not be stranded if they experience a simple exhaust gas sensor failure. Nonetheless, it is advisable to take an extra sensor when you are going on a trip to avoid being stranded.
Injection-Pump Fail
This problem is quite common in 6.7 Powerstroke engines made before 2020. Bosch CP4.2, the injection pump, has been known to break down because of the metal-on-metal contact promoted by the air in the pump. Such serious contamination can be dangerous because it not only destroys the injectors, it also affects other parts of the fuel system such as the lines and pressure regulators. Also, the owner will need to spend a lot of money on expensive repairs.
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