RFOneWatt Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Hi All! I just got my new F250 6.4 Crew Cab and was hoping some people could help me out with some tips and recommendations (even quite anal ones) on breaking this engine in. This is a truck I plan on having for a long time, and will be used as a tow vehicle for my toy hauler 99.9% of the time. As of right now, it sits in my driveway with about 200 miles on it, variably driven, of course. I am about to put about 7-800 miles on it in the next couple of weeks (no towing yet, obviously, just wanting to have it broken in enough to tow) I planned on changing the oil around the next 1000 miles and was wondering what else I can do in the beginning to prolong the life of this beast. First big question I have is, should I run synthetic? Am I wasting my money changing it around 1000 miles? When should I start using cetene booster, etc. This isn't my first diesel vehicle, however it is my first large diesel. (other diesel is a 2005 Jeep Liberty) Thanks in advance! Attached is the window sticker from the truck. (PDF) Tony F250_WindowSticker.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Keep the current oil in it for 5K miles. No jackrabbit starts, but open it up several times when you drive it. Let it cool down after a hard run before you turn it off. I use Schaeffer 9000 5W40 in my 6.0L PSD. or You can do what you think is right. or You can do what the owners manual says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFOneWatt Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 Ahhh! Thank you. You answered another question I had -- about opening it up occasionally during break in period. I haven't opened it up yet, but I most certainly will over the next few weeks as I head back and forth from my summer place up north over the next couple of weeks. (I live in Michigan) I've already read all the manuals and supplements cover to cover, and am learning as much as I can reading all the forums so I think I am already doing everything it recommends. What about switching to synthetic oil? I know it's a hot debate for some people but I would rather change the oil less frequently and have the heat dissipation advantages of synth, but I don't want to be wasting my money either. Maybe more frequent oil changes with conventional oil is a better bet? I traded in my 2007 5.4l Expedition for this truck because I was just pushing it a bit too hard in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming.. It did pretty good, but I did have to pull over a few times because it was 40MPH foot to floor driving for quite a few of those grades, which is unacceptable. The one thing about the Expy that is nice are all of the safety features built in to keep you from blowing up your engine / trans.. I was of course watching the gauges closely during the steep grades and noticed the temp climbing but It's a bit scary to see the temp climb just a tad bit and then all of sudden the needle SLAM to the red while frantically looking for a place to pull over.. thought I would see the temp climb a bit more before the computer slammed it to the red. Are these same types of safety features in the F250? What can I expect, what should I watch for? Also, when should I start using cetene booster? What would be the MAX you would tow with this truck? (I like to have a nice safety margin) - My next road trip is going to be mostly summer desert driving (Arizona / Nevada mountains) so I'll be dealing with much higher temps. I'm an off the beaten path kind of a guy so I usually end up in places like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rfonewatt/397...57622490845828/ Also, how does the integrated brake controller compare to the Prodigy, which I've used in all of my tow vehicles? Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Ahhh! Thank you. You answered another question I had -- about opening it up occasionally during break in period. I haven't opened it up yet, but I most certainly will over the next few weeks as I head back and forth from my summer place up north over the next couple of weeks. (I live in Michigan) I've already read all the manuals and supplements cover to cover, and am learning as much as I can reading all the forums so I think I am already doing everything it recommends. What about switching to synthetic oil? I know it's a hot debate for some people but I would rather change the oil less frequently and have the heat dissipation advantages of synth, but I don't want to be wasting my money either. Maybe more frequent oil changes with conventional oil is a better bet? I traded in my 2007 5.4l Expedition for this truck because I was just pushing it a bit too hard in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming.. It did pretty good, but I did have to pull over a few times because it was 40MPH foot to floor driving for quite a few of those grades, which is unacceptable. The one thing about the Expy that is nice are all of the safety features built in to keep you from blowing up your engine / trans.. I was of course watching the gauges closely during the steep grades and noticed the temp climbing but It's a bit scary to see the temp climb just a tad bit and then all of sudden the needle SLAM to the red while frantically looking for a place to pull over.. thought I would see the temp climb a bit more before the computer slammed it to the red. Are these same types of safety features in the F250? What can I expect, what should I watch for? Also, when should I start using cetane booster? What would be the MAX you would tow with this truck? (I like to have a nice safety margin) - My next road trip is going to be mostly summer desert driving (Arizona / Nevada mountains) so I'll be dealing with much higher temps. I'm an off the beaten path kind of a guy so I usually end up in places like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rfonewatt/397...57622490845828/ Also, how does the integrated brake controller compare to the Prodigy, which I've used in all of my tow vehicles? Thanks again! :shades: Some believe that you can switch at mile 1, others think you should wait 22K miles. I did mine after the free oil change at around the 10K mark. I run my oil to the 10K miles Oil Change Interval, (OCI) and had it checked with an Oil Analysis from Blackstone. A good place to get oil data is Bob is the Oil Guy It appears that the engine does best when it is worked hard. But not abused. Open it up at least once after it warms up during each drive. I run B5 Bio Diesel when I can. It is a good cleaner. At least every other tank, I put in a cetane booster. Make sure it is OK for ULSD. I buy most of my fuel from a truck stop. Fresher the fuel, the better. The Brake Controller is one of the best things about the truck. Much better than any add on. Change your fuel filters according to the manual. Here is Ford Truck Tow Guide for an idea. The safety margin is added in already. That truck is made to work hard. Changes the fluids, but good fuel in it and it should last a long time. No jackrabbit starts or tuners. :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFOneWatt Posted November 19, 2009 Author Share Posted November 19, 2009 :shades: Some believe that you can switch at mile 1, others think you should wait 22K miles. I did mine after the free oil change at around the 10K mark. I run my oil to the 10K miles Oil Change Interval, (OCI) and had it checked with an Oil Analysis from Blackstone. A good place to get oil data is Bob is the Oil Guy It appears that the engine does best when it is worked hard. But not abused. Open it up at least once after it warms up during each drive. I run B5 Bio Diesel when I can. It is a good cleaner. At least every other tank, I put in a cetane booster. Make sure it is OK for ULSD. I buy most of my fuel from a truck stop. Fresher the fuel, the better. The Brake Controller is one of the best things about the truck. Much better than any add on. Change your fuel filters according to the manual. Here is Ford Truck Tow Guide for an idea. The safety margin is added in already. That truck is made to work hard. Changes the fluids, but good fuel in it and it should last a long time. No jackrabbit starts or tuners. :shades: Thanks for the links and advice. I keep everything I own almost 100% stock. I need my machines to work, be dependable and not void the warranty. (I learned this lesson with ATV's - When I make time to ride, I don't want to be wrenching!) It also helps with the resale value if/when the time comes, so I'm with ya there for sure. My CRD Jeep actually came with B5 from the factory. Once I get used to the F250 I'll run a few tanks through it and see what kind of difference it makes. What's the personal opinions on the max (SAFE) towing capacity of my truck? I know what the manual says, but my Jeep manual says I can tow 5k but I certainly wouldn't. With such a small wheelbase it just seems insane. Again, thanks!! -- Off to check out the links you just posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 Thanks for the links and advice. I keep everything I own almost 100% stock. I need my machines to work, be dependable and not void the warranty. (I learned this lesson with ATV's - When I make time to ride, I don't want to be wrenching!) It also helps with the resale value if/when the time comes, so I'm with ya there for sure. My CRD Jeep actually came with B5 from the factory. Once I get used to the F250 I'll run a few tanks through it and see what kind of difference it makes. What's the personal opinions on the max (SAFE) towing capacity of my truck? I know what the manual says, but my Jeep manual says I can tow 5k but I certainly wouldn't. With such a small wheelbase it just seems insane. Again, thanks!! -- Off to check out the links you just posted. 12.5K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFOneWatt Posted November 20, 2009 Author Share Posted November 20, 2009 (edited) 12.5K Excellent. I'll be pulling about 8k plus an ATV and a few other misc. things in the bed, so I should be good to go with a pretty decent safety margin. Thanks for all the help and advice folks!!! Edited November 20, 2009 by RFOneWatt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydro Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 For more good info, also check out thedieselgarage.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFOneWatt Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 Ahh Yes! - MORE INPUT! MORE INPUT! Thanks for the link! I put a few miles on the truck this weekend driving up north to the summer place and I must say, I love it so far! I used cetene booster on the way up and got about 14mpg-ish, and used none on the way back and got about 12.9ish. I also took a few pics of the truck while I was up there... http://www.flickr.com/photos/rfonewatt/set...57622744348415/ Thanks again everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFOneWatt Posted November 26, 2009 Author Share Posted November 26, 2009 Very nice. Thank you -- Hopefully I can look forward to many years of reliable service. I do a lot of desert / mountain "adventure" stuff so as we'll certainly be working this machine from sea level to 14,000 feet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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