In addition to exceptional power and performance, diesel engines are known for durability. Popular engines like the Powerstroke diesel engine are notorious for lasting for several hundreds of thousands of miles before needing major Powerstroke diesel repair. The excellent longevity of the Powerstroke diesel engine often means great resale value on the used truck market.
In other words, even if you find a truck with a Powerstroke diesel engine with high mileage, it still has substantial life. Simply put, the rules are very different for the Powerstroke diesel engine — as long as you have regular maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at how long the Powerstroke diesel engine can last.
How Long Will the Powerstroke Diesel Engine Last?
With proper maintenance, EGR system maintenance, regular use, and cooler maintenance, the 6.0L Powerstroke engine can easily exceed 300,000 miles. Best of all, it can achieve this mark with minimal Powerstroke diesel repair issues. While you may need one or two injectors or an EGR valve, most drivers in Littleton CO and Highlands Ranch CO can avoid major Powerstroke diesel engine repairs. However, to maximize the performance of your Powerstroke diesel engine, it’s all about the proactive steps you take to extend the life of your truck.
Prevent Powerstroke Diesel Repair with Preventative Maintenance
As we previously mentioned, maximizing the lifespan of your Powerstroke diesel engine starts and ends with regular preventative maintenance. You should always ensure it has clean fuel, sufficient clean oil, and up-to-date care. For optimum performance and longevity, you should always use genuine OEM replacement parts for any Powerstroke diesel repair. You should also be aware that there are two fuel filters, and both filters should be replaced at least every 15,000 miles or sooner.
While OEM replacement parts and fluids are often suggested by the experts at Branch Automotive in Littleton CO, one area you can deviate from this general rule is motor oil. Instead of the standard OEM motor oil, opting for a higher quality motor oil in the correct weight may be ideal. Because we are in Littleton CO and Highlands Ranch CO, choosing a 5W-40 motor oil can deliver a better injection system and injector performance. However, if you live in the south, you can probably use a 15W-40 oil — even in winter.
Stick to the Severe Service Interval for Oil Changes
Whether you’re in Littleton CO or Highlands Ranch CO, you can maximize the life of your truck and reduce Powerstroke diesel repair by sticking to the severe service interval. If you use your Powerstroke diesel engine for light, normal use, you can get by with changing the oil every 7,500 miles or every six months. However, considering the Powertroke diesel engine 6.0L ‘s engine oil is pressurized as high as 3,600 psi, you should observe the severe service interval and change the oil every 5,000 miles. At Branch Automotive, we regularly suggest adhering to the severe service interval to maximize the engine and prevent more expensive Powerstroke diesel repair issues.
Maintain Your Cooling System
In addition to using the right engine oil, it’s imperative to ensure you’re using the correct coolant. If you deviate from Motorcraft Gold, ensure the replacement is an improvement and superior. You should also adhere to all suggested coolant flush intervals in Littleton CO and Highlands Ranch CO, including:
- Scheduling a coolant flush every 5 years or 100,000 miles, and
- Then a coolant flush every 3 years or 45,000 miles after that.
Your cooling system is used heavily by your EGR system, which requires the coolant to reduce exhaust gas temperatures from a staggering 1,200 degrees F to around 300 degrees F before the exhaust is routed through the intake tract. To bolster this process, consider adding an aftermarket oil bypass filter.
This coolant filtration system will slowly remove suspended contaminants that could clog coolant passages and cause superheating of the engine oil, which can lead to a host of expensive problems and Powerstroke diesel repair.
Contact Branch Automotive for Powerstroke Diesel Repair & Service
If you want to maximize the life of your Powerstroke diesel engine, it starts and ends with proactive maintenance and service in Littleton CO, and Highlands Ranch CO. The experts at Branch Automotive can help. Contact Branch Automotive today for Powerstroke diesel repair, maintenance, and service.
Call us today at (303) 771-2224, request your appointment online, or stop by to see us at 6030 E County Line Road in Littleton CO.
