Sinister Diesel's Blog

The 6.7L V-8 Power Stroke engine is the preferred powertrain for today's Ford Super Duty and cab chassis trucks. This engine is celebrated for its exceptional performance and towing capabilities, making it one of the most powerful and capable engines on the market.

What makes this engine so great, and why do so many people love it?

• Tremendous Performance: The 6.7L Power Stroke delivers impressive horsepower and torque, ensuring that it can handle heavy loads and challenging terrains with ease.
• Durability: Built with robust materials and advanced engineering, this engine is designed to last, providing reliable performance over many miles.
• Towing Capabilities: The engine's high torque output makes it ideal for towing, offering the power needed for hauling trailers, boats, and other heavy equipment.
• Advanced Technology: Incorporating modern diesel technology, the 6.7L Power Stroke features advanced fuel injection systems, turbocharging, and emission controls, contributing to its efficiency and environmental friendliness.

These qualities collectively make the 6.7L V-8 Power Stroke a beloved choice among truck owners who demand power, reliability, and versatility from their vehicles.

Engine Overview

Debuting in 2011 in Ford's Super Duty trucks (F-250 through F-550), the 6.7L Power Stroke engine replaced the problematic 6.4L Power Stroke. It was the first Power Stroke developed and manufactured entirely by Ford, designed in collaboration with AVL of Austria. Over the past decade, this engine has undergone numerous changes but has remained a staple in Ford's lineup.

Key Features:

• 90-Degree 8-Cylinder Diesel Engine: The 6.7L Power Stroke features an Overhead Valve (OHV) design that offers both durability and performance. Notably, it operates more quietly than previous Ford diesel engines.
• "Scorpion" Design: During its development, the engine was code-named "Scorpion" due to its unique configuration. The exhaust manifold and turbocharger are mounted in the engine’s valley, optimizing the engine's efficiency.
• Compacted Graphite Iron Block: This material provides greater strength at a reduced weight, enhancing the engine’s durability and performance.
• Reverse Flow Aluminum Cylinder Heads: These heads feature dual water jackets and six head bolts per cylinder, contributing to the engine's robustness.
• High-Pressure Common Rail Bosch System: Operating at 29,000 psi, this system uses eight-hole piezo injectors capable of delivering up to five injection events per cycle. This precise fuel delivery ensures optimal combustion and efficiency.

These advancements make the 6.7L Power Stroke engine a powerful, reliable, and efficient choice for truck owners, ensuring it continues to be a favorite for those requiring high performance and durability from their vehicles.

Over the years, the 6.7L Power Stroke engine has received significant structural enhancements to improve reliability and performance. Upgrades to the cylinder head, engine blocks, bearings, and connecting rods have enabled the engine to handle extra output and greater cylinder pressures. The introduction of new steel pistons has allowed for higher firing pressure and reduced friction.

Biodiesel Compatibility and Emissions Control:

• The 6.7L Power Stroke supports B20 biodiesel, which is a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.
• Emissions controls include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), Denoxtronic-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) from Bosch, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

Power and Efficiency:

• Initially, the engine produced 390 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque. Shortly after production began, an update increased these figures to 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and 800 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, while also improving fuel economy.
• By 2021, Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke in their pickup trucks achieved an output of 475 hp at 2,600 rpm and 1,050 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, making it best-in-class for diesel horsepower. Previously, these performance levels were only attainable through diesel tuning and modifications.
• The engine's lightweight body and design contribute to excellent fuel economy.

Advanced Fuel Injection System:

• The third-generation Power Stroke engines feature a new fuel injection system with improved injectors that reduce noise and enhance combustion. This system allows for up to eight injection events per stroke and provides a more precise fuel spray.

These advancements have solidified the 6.7L Power Stroke engine's reputation as a powerful, reliable, and efficient choice for Ford Super Duty trucks, ensuring top performance and durability for demanding tasks.

Key Specs of the 6.7L V-8 Power Stroke Engine

• Horsepower: 450 HP
• Torque: 935 lb-ft
• Transmission: TorqShift heavy-duty 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission
• Drive System: Available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations
• Max Towing Capacity: 35,000 lbs
• Max Payload: 7,640 lbs

These specifications highlight the 6.7L Power Stroke engine's robust performance capabilities, making it a top choice for heavy-duty tasks and ensuring that it meets the demands of both commercial and personal use.

Key Engine Features of the 6.7L V-8 Power Stroke Engine

• Alternators:
  • Standard: 157-amp alternator
  • Optional: 332-amp dual alternators
• Stationary Elevated Idle Control: Enhances engine performance during prolonged idling periods.
• Pressurized Series Flow Cooling System: Ensures efficient engine cooling by maintaining consistent coolant flow.
• Aluminum Cylinder Head: Provides durability while reducing engine weight.
• Compacted Graphite Iron Block Material: Offers superior strength and weight reduction compared to traditional cast iron.
• Valve Operation: Utilizes a push rod/rocker arms system for reliable and efficient valve operation.

These features contribute to the 6.7L Power Stroke engine’s reputation for power, reliability, and efficiency, making it a standout choice for heavy-duty applications.

1st Gen Ford 6.7 Diesel V8 (2011-2014)

Ford began producing their own version of the Power Stroke series in 2011. Given that this was their first attempt at manufacturing the engine in-house, it's understandable that it is considered the least reliable version they have made. This is entirely normal, as virtually every first model produced by a company tends to have some faults that are later addressed in subsequent iterations. Despite these early issues, the 1st Gen 6.7 Power Stroke laid the groundwork for future improvements and developments that have led to the more reliable and powerful versions available today.

2nd Gen 6.7 Power Stroke (2015-2019)

The second generation of the 6.7 Power Stroke, produced from 2015 to 2019, featured several significant upgrades aimed at improving both reliability and performance. Some of the notable enhancements included:

• IROX Coating on the Lower Main Bearing: This coating helps reduce friction and wear, enhancing the longevity of the engine's internal components.
• Fan Clutch Update: Improvements to the fan clutch allowed for better engine cooling, which is critical for maintaining performance and preventing overheating under heavy loads.
• Heavier Crankshaft Damper: A heavier damper helps to reduce engine vibrations, contributing to smoother operation and increased durability.
• EGR Cooler Flow: Enhancements to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler improved its efficiency, helping to reduce emissions and improve overall engine performance.
• Turbo Updates: Upgrades to the turbocharger provided additional power and torque, enhancing the engine's performance capabilities.

While this is not a complete list of updates for the 2nd gen 6.7 Power Stroke, these are some of the more important changes. Some updates were specifically focused on increasing the engine's reliability, while others aimed to boost performance and torque, making the 2nd gen 6.7 Power Stroke a more robust and powerful engine compared to its predecessor.

3rd Gen Power Stroke 6.7 (2020+)

The 2020 update to the 6.7 Power Stroke brought significant improvements over previous versions, making the engine even more reliable and powerful. With proper maintenance, this generation of the Power Stroke engine can easily reach 250,000+ miles (400,000+ km).

Key Improvements Include:

• Enhanced Reliability: The updates focused on increasing the durability and longevity of the engine, ensuring it can handle high mileage with fewer issues.
• Advanced Fuel Injection System: The third generation features a new fuel injection system with improved injectors that reduce noise and improve combustion efficiency. This system allows for up to eight injection events per stroke, providing a more precise fuel spray.
• Increased Power and Torque: The 2020 model further boosts the engine's performance, ensuring it remains competitive in the market.

These advancements ensure that the 3rd Gen 6.7 Power Stroke continues to be a top choice for those needing a reliable and powerful engine for heavy-duty tasks. Regular maintenance and adherence to service schedules are crucial to achieving the engine's full lifespan potential.