6.0 known issues, fixes, cold start problems
 

Hey guys – I’m posting for a buddy that has a 07 6.0 auto. Although he luvs the truck, it’s left him stranded twice, all motor related.
He had the head ARP stud kit put in and EGR valve done, while it was getting worked on for other issues. Lately it’s been running ok and has been fairly reliable, until the cooler weather started. And it’s not cold – 25 - 35 degrees F. Now it is stubborn to start, If it starts! It cranks like crazy, sputters, when it finally does fire, it smokes black like crazy.
I know there are some known 6. 0 issues and fixes. Are there EGR delete kits? Where can he start with fixes, things to look for, etc? He’s got 80 K on it.
Thanks in advance.

There are EGR delete kits for sure.

One thing that made a significant difference in my work truck, a 2006 F550 w/6.0L, was adding Rev-X in the engine oil. An oil change with lighter oil for the winter, and 2 bottle of Rev-X may help a lot. It has with my truck. Better cold starts, better hot starts, less injector chatter, just runs smoother overall.

Load test the batteries. If one is bad replace both. As the other will fail soon. If they are both good then test the FICM. There is a sticky in this section above that shows you how to do it. Its fairly simple and shouldnt take more then 15 minutes with help. The black smoke is most likely unburnt fuel.

As for other fixes. If your state has exemptions for the EGR then delete it along with the cooler. There are kits out there. Bullet proof diesel is a good one.

Exactly what ntmdtr3fan said. Batteries first, then FICM.

Gotcha guys. Can't thank you enuff. We will check the battery and go over the FICM procedure listed in the sticky. One question / concern though...as I read the sticky, it says it will usually belch white smoke. This is not the case with his. After cranking and sputtering, it belches black smoke. Please yell if you think this info changes anything. If not, no problem...we'll stay the course and verify everything listed above anyway. Can't hurt to rule everything out. Thanks. again.

Usually it's white, I've seen gray, blue, black... they can cause all sorts of problems.