Are you working through some Ford 6.6 diesel problems?
You may be requiring a vehicle that comes with ample versatility and power. If so, then this is probably one of the biggest reasons why you have decided to get yourself a diesel engine. This is why many people trust this type of vehicle because of its robust and powerful motor.
In particular, the Ford 6.6-liter is quite dependable. But there are some issues that come with it, which is worth looking into. With all these things in mind, let us take a look at what these problems are and what can be done about it.
Ford 6.6 Diesel Problems
Here is a rundown of the common complaints that people have about the Ford 6.6 diesel vehicle.
1. Fuel lift pump problems
Now, this type of diesel engine relies on a direct injection type of fuel system. And as for the most critical component of the fuel system, this is your fuel injection pump. Your fuel injection pump (stock part) in your Ford 6.6 diesel is generally reliable. However, it is not exactly the most powerful.
Because it lacks a lift pump, your injection pump needs to work extremely hard to make sure it can pressurize your fuel and suction fuel from your tank. When there is no fuel lift pump, this is because of a lack of fuel rail pressure as your engine accelerates.
The best way to deal with this issue is to add a lift pump from third-party manufacturers. When you include a lift pump, this makes the engine last a longer time. Plus, your lift pump also enhances your engine’s performance while reducing emissions.
2. Issues with your water pump
Newer models of the Ford 6.6 diesel engine come with water pumps equipped with plastic impellers. Unfortunately, these impellers are not exactly the most durable and can break easily. This is the reason why your engine can be susceptible to leaks. Such problems are commonly linked with engine overheating. Moreover, leaks can impact the system pressure, which results in inadequacies to your coolant level.
With that being said, you may need to replace your damaged water pump sooner than later. You may also look into getting a new water pump that has an iron impeller. These are usually more durable and long-lasting while at the same time performing better.
But if you have a lot of miles on your engine, then you may also need to replace your water pump housing and thermostat as a proactive means of preventing cooling system issues in the future.
3. Fuel injector concerns
Another thing about the Ford 6.6 diesel is that it can be susceptible to fuel injector problems. The injectors tend to crack easily over time, in addition to having some faulty ball seats. This is why the injectors leak eventually. And when your injector has gone bad, power loss, excessive smoke, and rough idling may usually happen.
So, you will have to replace your damaged injectors – no other way to go around it. Since your injectors are hidden under several engine components, you need to hire a professional to get these replaced.
Additional Things To Take Care Of
Engines all come with some quirks and faults – and your Ford 6.6 diesel is most definitely not immune from these problems. There are various issues that can come along including the fuel injector, which may be due to wear and tear while some are linked with a design flaw. For instance, the placement is incorrect, which is why leaks tend to happen and dilute fuel.
Unfortunately, this only results in further damage, which means there is a need to service your vehicle often. This is why replacing the fuel injectors can prevent further leaks and eliminate your previous worries about your engine.
Additionally, the fuel injector harness chafing is another common concern with the Ford 6.6 diesel. This is linked with further problems such as rough running conditions and difficulty with starting. However, some mechanics tend to misdiagnose it and claim it is a malfunctioning fuel injector.
But the truth is that it is a problem with your injectors linked with an open circuit. So, you need to first pinpoint your chafe point and fix broken wires or wiring with rubbed off insulation. Start by wiggling wires located around your injector and you may determine the impacted zone once the issue momentarily goes away.
Next up, you may be experiencing some air in your fuel lines, which is also known as fuel starvation. This is because of a lack of electric low pressure type of lift pump for moving the fuel from your tank to your injection pump. Plus, your fuel filter housing may have small cracks, which cause air to seep slowly into your fuel supply.
Overheating problems with your engine linked with a blown head gasket and high temperature in your engine coolant may also occur. These problems are often the result of a fan clutch failing, which prevents your engine from giving ample airflow to your radiator as needed.
There are also possibilities of the radiator being clogged or dirty, which further exacerbates the problem. Grime may build up on your radiator, which minimizes the effectiveness in eliminating heat. When your engine overheats, further issues may occur such as water pump failures and your head gasket failing.
Other issues to think about include the glow plug failing, turbocharger oil ingestion, as well as your NOx sensor malfunctioning. The DPF may also get clogged up, which can be a big issue with more elaborate troubleshooting processes.
Bottom Line
Although the Ford 6.6 diesel is robust and reliable, it is not without any problem. This is why it is important to have these issues identified and diagnosed correctly so that proper troubleshooting and fixes can be done to them. Then, your engine should be functioning as it should once more.