Understanding Common Issues of the Ford 6.7 Powerstroke
Navigating the Challenges of the Ford 6.7 Powerstroke
Uncover key issues and fixes for the Ford 6.7 Powerstroke to enhance reliability and performance.
by Hugh Jackson
The Ford 6.7 Powerstroke is a workhorse engine known for its power and reliability. However, even the best engines have their quirks, and the 6.7 Powerstroke is no exception. Today, we’ll dive into three of most common issues owners may face: Cold Side Charge Pipe Failure, CP4 Injection Pump Failure, and Filtration problems. Understanding these issues will help you maintain your truck better, avoid costly downtime, and potentially save you from being stranded on the side of the road.
What are the most common problems with the 6.7 Powerstroke?
1. Cold Side Charge Pipe Failure
The cold side charge pipe is a critical component that carries compressed air from the turbocharger to the intake manifold. However, the stock plastic cold side charge pipe in the 6.7 Powerstroke has been known to rupture or crack under high boost pressure or extreme temperature changes. This results in an immediate loss of power and may trigger a check engine light.
How to Identify and Prevent:
- Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, hissing sounds, and check engine lights.
- Solution: Upgrade to a more durable, aftermarket metal charge pipe, such as the Sinister Diesel Cold Side Charge Pipe. Our charge pipes is made from high-quality aluminum tubing, designed to withstand whatever is thrown at it.
2. CP4 Injection Pump Failure
The CP4 injection pump is notorious for its high failure rate. When it fails, it often sends metal shavings throughout the entire fuel system, damaging fuel injectors, lines, and more, which can result in a costly repair bill.
How to Identify and Prevent:
- Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, engine misfire, and metal shavings in the fuel filter.
- Solution: Consider installing a lift pump and filtration kit to improve fuel cleanliness and reduce contaminants reaching the CP4. Regularly replacing fuel filters and using high-quality diesel fuel can also minimize risks.
3. Turbo Issues
Turbocharger failures have been a frequent issue with the 2011 and 2012 model year 6.7L Powerstroke equipped pickups. The early-production Honeywell DualBoost turbo's Achilles' heel appeared to be its ceramic bearings. However, these reliability concerns were resolved with the switch to steel ball bearings. When the turbo fails in these model years, it's unmistakable due to its deafening screeching sound and smoke billowing from the tailpipe, a result of burning engine oil.
How to Identify and Prevent:
- Symptoms: Unmistakable deafening screech and smoke billowing from the tailpipe.
- Solution: Unfortunately once the bearings fail, the only option is to get a new turbo. Our Pitbull Series Turbo is a great option as a replacement turbo
Additional Note: Turbo maintenance is extremely important to prolonging the life of the turbo. Oil changes and the type of oil used can increase the life of your turbo. We also recommend swapping out to our Turbo Feed Line for help protect again the common feed line leak that can commonly develop over time.
4. Fuel Filter Housing Failure
As the 6.7 Powerstroke ages, so do a lot of its OEM Parts. Usually this involves just replacing the part, but the Fuel Filter Housing is a different story. As the plastic ages and becomes more brittle and prone to cracking, it eventually fails and goes out in a blaze of glory. Spraying fuel everywhere and potentially causing a vehicle fire.
How to Identify and Prevent:
- Symptoms: Visually inspect housing, or the smell of fuel.
- Solution: In our opinion, it is not worth the risk to wait and see if this issue happens. Our Sinister Diesel Fuel Filter Conversion Kit give you the peace of mind while offering superior filtration