Thanks for accepting me

[alexchee]

well to update a 6.0 to make it reliable it cost about $10,000.  there is a major design flaw that really there is no fix for only a Band-Aid type fix.  this is the head bolts,  there are only 4 per cylinder should be 5 minimum.  this flaw makes blowing head gaskets extremely likely doing major engine damage.  so good luck,  but do your homework.  highdesertranger

Dear all,

Hope that this does not bored u to death  this is just my thought process happening. I have learn in life lession that "the devil is in the details".  The easy way is to run from this truck but for me running away is not my mantra - since i have already spent a $150 for a inspection & a carfax.  I think i might as well has been spend a little more time to dig deeper rather than to regret about this that got away.

I received a copy of the Inspection Report. Every thing checks out fine except for a note of concern that there were Oil from in the Coolant Reserviour. This raises my Red Flag.

This Ford 6.0 L engine has a reliabilty issue in the early days. It was so bad that they were class action lawsuit against Ford.  So Ford engineers went to work to sort out the problems and the after market jumps in on this $$ opportunitys (3 millions truck made). I believe that the bugs has been worked out.  The reasons to consider this route would be the cost.  For a under US$5000 Van, the insulation has been done, the fantastic fan has been installed.  The big ticket item i have to come out with are a) upgrade the engine to aftermarket capabilities (budget $6500), Solar ($1200) & bed + aircon (bracket is there already) + msic (porta buddy& cabinets) = $1500.  I should have a home for under USD 13000.

However, before i pull the trigger - i will do the following

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/1206tr-6-0-power-stroke-bulletproofing-tactics/

I emailed to Bulletproof diesel for a price & the recommended mechanic that is familiar with this type of installation & get their price.

I will drop by at the local Ford stealership to ask for the OASIS Report with this vechicle VIN no.  The Carfax shown that a dealer in Ontario has change out the alternator Feb 2013 & the registration has been renewed on Ooc2014 till Oct 2015.  The current "Owner" told me that he brought the vechicle in a auction & he place it on the CL in Nov 2015 during this period, he replaced a sensor (ICP or IRR? for $700). He has the bill of sale from the auction company & the receipt of the sensor.

After checking out, I will make the decision to pull or not to pull the trigger.

In the worse case, i made a mistake & pull the trigger - what is my plan B.  I will use it as a Ice Cream Truck & make some $$ to recover the cost.  I hear the profit margin is very high in summer

 

[highdesertranger]

good luck. that article you posted doesn't even mention the head gasket issue, which is where I have seen most of the failures. also just so you know, car fax and dealer reports don't tell the whole story. not all shops report to car fax, in fact most don't also back yard mechanics don't report. I am not trying to just be negative, I am just trying to help you out on this by letting you know of the problems, after all knowledge is everything. highdesertranger

 

[alexchee]

good luck.  that article you posted doesn't even mention the head gasket issue,  which is where I have seen most of the failures.  also just so you know, car fax and dealer reports don't tell the whole story.  not all shops report to car fax,  in fact most don't also back yard mechanics don't report.  I am not trying to just be negative,  I am just trying to help you out on this by letting you know of the problems,  after all knowledge is everything.  highdesertranger

I really do appreciate, your advice & help and i am not trying to sound too hard headed. It's winter here - there are nothing in the market & there is nothing much to do except to eat.  I am just trying to keep my mind busy (to take my mind off personal issues).  This will give me a chance to explore & get out and learn more about Van life by going as far as i can. The Chances after the Inpsection has drop from 50/50 to less than 30/70 of buying it.  
Btw, anybody knows, instead of spending Usd 6500 to upgrade. i buy a insurance to cover the breakdown. will that makes sense?  Cheers  :shy:

 

[alexchee]

Investigated the 2006 Ford 6.0 Diesel Hi Top Van.  I wrote to Bullet proof Diesel the following is what they said

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]"If you have engine oil in the cooling system, you most likely have a failed/ruptured engine oil cooler.  The engine oil cooler is made up of alternating layers of coolant and oil, when a layer fails, it can start pushing engine oil into the cooling system"[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]It cause 2200USD to repair & 13 hours($1300) of labour - that's around 3500.00. I concured with Highdesertranger conclusion.[/font]

[font=Verdana, sans-serif]Back to the drawing board again.  Thanks to all your input especially Highdesertranger.   [/font]

 

[Seadog729]

I didn't have the skills either, but that didn't stop me. Also, I reached out for help on different things. If you find yourself on the BC Coast I can help with curtains and upholstery.

 

[eDJ_]

This story about the Ford 6.0 Diesel in "Bulletproofdiesel com"  may be of interest.  Photo illustrated.

Just start with the first link 

http://www.bulletproofdiesel.com/Articles.asp?ID=148

 

[Goshawk]

I question the logic of diesel versus gasoline, if you are not a mechanic. The cost per repair seems to offset the savings on longevity. Plus the cost difference for diesel fuel offsets the mpg savings.

Business can improve on these costs by hiring a mechanic. To keep it all relatively cheap with a fleet of vehicles.

 

[alexchee]

I question the logic of diesel versus gasoline, if you are not a mechanic. The cost per repair seems to offset the savings on longevity. Plus the cost difference for diesel fuel offsets the mpg savings.

Business can improve on these costs by hiring a mechanic. To keep it all relatively cheap with a fleet of vehicles.

This van just has more ticks on my checklist & i have always been driving Diesel SUV.  I think the last owner had tried to convert it - the High Top is brand new & the fantastic fan are brand new.  The wiring for the solar panels are already in place.

It already has a High Top (Saving $3000 & a trip to BC to install)
The walls were well insulated 
low mileage -108000Km
There is a fantastic fan on it (Saving C$400)
1/2 the prices of a similar one (Saving of $4000).
There is even a bracket to mount a 5000 - 8000 BTU air conditioner.

What i have to put in - it's still running just that i saw slight oil in the coolant tank.
Bulletproof kit - (C$3500)
13hours of labour ($13 x C$100) 

What i would like to put in.
Solar Panel System like Bob's

I think in the total cost i should be ahead of the game.

I owned a fully paid 38' Diesel Class A with a Diesel Tow vechicle (daily drive) that's have fully upgraded - 3000W Pure Sine Inverter, In motion Sat & the whole 9 yards.  If i sell it this spring, i can put some bells and whistle on the Hi Top Van.

I just want to simplify my life - Life's Great. I think if i don't change how i live my life - something bad is going to come knocking especially healthwise.  Prior to marriage, i lead a very active life - Scuba Diving, Trekking, Target Shooting & Hunting, Fishing & etc.  Now i am trap as a house husband.

I plan to spend 5 months in SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand & etc) & 7 months here.  In the 7 months here, i intend to drive across Canada & US & repeat this cycle every year.

 

[Goshawk]

Alexchee -- definitely do that plan. It's way better than other couch potato general populous plans.

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Hello and welcome!!