The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, produced by Ford from 2003 to 2007, often sparks debate among truck enthusiasts. Some consider it problematic, while others see it as a valuable option. In a podcast presented by HoneyBadger Motorsports, along with his special guest, Jeff, they both talked about things that people should know about 6.0-liter Power Strokes (an engine strangely despised nearly as much as it’s revered).

In the beginning of the podcast, Jeff stated, “If six liters aren’t my favorite truck they are a very, very close second.” They both acknowledge the engine’s mixed reputation but argue that, especially in the 2005-07 configuration, the 6.0L Power Stroke offers excellent value. “I think it’s probably your best value diesel on the market,” Jeff added, comparing it to older 7.3-liter models and newer, more expensive diesels.

These later models benefit from coil spring suspension, a huge improvement over the leaf springs found in earlier versions. This change enhances ride quality, which the hosts deem “almost mandatory” for anyone considering a 6.0-liter. They both suggested that a well-maintained and upgraded 6.0-liter can deliver performance comparable to more expensive common rail diesels.

“Bulletproofing” is a common term associated with this engine. The hosts define the minimum requirements as “EGR, head studs, and oil cooler.” They explained that the original head gaskets are known to fail due to head deflection. A common consequence of the engine’s four-bolt head design. “We know now that’s not entirely the case,” Jeff said regarding the initial belief that head gasket failures were solely due to a lack of clamping force.

The 6.0-liter Power Stroke engine uses an oil-fired injection system with internal O-rings, which are susceptible to heat damage. There’s also the upgraded ball tube seals, standpipes, and dummy plugs that can improve reliability. The factory oil coolers, particularly newer versions from different suppliers, are also a known weakness. “We started seeing more stuff on the forums about new coolers failing,” Jeff recalled.

Parts availability is also a growing concern. Ford has shifted its parts sourcing, impacting the consistency and quality of some components. “Ford is getting to the point where they’re not using the same sources for the parts,” Dillon Long observed. Due to this growing concern, the aftermarket is currently responding by producing improved parts.

Now that you understand the 6.0-liter Power Stroke’s strengths and weaknesses, it is up to you to decide how you’ll harness its power and make it your own.