The infamous one. Untouched 6.0s are a gamble — head gaskets, EGR and oil coolers, and FICM define it. A properly 'bulletproofed' truck is a different conversation.
The 6.0 Power Stroke earned a hard reputation, and for good reason: a cluster of related failures around the cooling and EGR systems can blow head gaskets and strand the truck. The key question on any 6.0 is whether it has been 'bulletproofed' — head studs, EGR delete or upgrade, and an improved oil cooler — or whether all of that is still ahead of the next owner.
Stock head bolts stretch and let the head gaskets fail under EGT and pressure.
CHECK Test for combustion gases in the coolant and watch for white smoke and coolant loss.
Clogged oil coolers overheat the EGR cooler, which then fails and pushes coolant out.
CHECK Compare oil and coolant temps if possible and check for coolant loss and EGR codes.
A weak FICM causes hard cold starts and rough running.
CHECK Check cold-start behavior and FICM voltage if a scan tool allows.
The variable-geometry turbo sticks and injectors wear.
CHECK Scan for turbo/injector codes and road test for power and surging.
Bidirectional OBD-II scan tool · Paint depth gauge · Tire tread depth gauge & DOT date decoder · Brake pad & rotor calipers / measurement tools · Battery & charging system tester · Compression and cylinder leak-down testers · Digital borescope · Floor jack and jack stands …
See the full Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection tool kit →
Pre-tagged for the Ford Super Duty 6.0 Power Stroke (2003–2007).