Ford 6.4 Powerstroke failure analysis

Tearing down the 6.4 Powerstroke to determine the cause of crankshaft failure and core damage

[@highball7347]

Bill Hewitt said it best. The 6.4 power stroke is a throwaway motor.

[@hokie9910]

EXACTLY. HE WAS SO RIGHT.If Bill and his crew couldn’t figure out how to make those things reliable….I’m not sure anyone can.

[@samlovescars34]

Yeah!! I just left a comment about Bill, too. He said they couldn't even get cores, like in this case. Bill daily drove a 6.4 himself, probably for the challenge, haha. Such a big loss...

[@user-ln7of9gs4s]

They stopped working on them, all together. I remember the video where they said if it ran, get rid of it. No clue why anyone would want to throw money at a 6.4.

[@hokie9910]

@@samlovescars34 It does make one wonder why Dave’s shop is willing to rebuild these engines…..

[@highball7347]

@@hokie9910 I wish we knew what bills last day was like. They never put out a video explaining anything other than possible heart attack

[@justahillbilly7777]

Always a good day when Dave's team gets another video uploaded.

[@Sunspot-19]

Amen!

[@thebricklocker9353]

One of the best KZbin channels out there. Dave, Sir you are a wealth of knowledge awesome to see your work with your sons.

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Thanks 👍

[@808vws8]

Dave...I noticed your team always has there tools clean. That’s the sign of a solid mechanic/shop. Aloha🤙🏽

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Appreciate that! We find our people can work better in a clean organized environment👍

[@samlovescars34]

Nice! Anyone else watch powerstrokehelp on youtube? RIP to Bill Hewitt, basically the powerstroke king and most prolific youtuber on the topic. Hater of the 6.4, yet he daily drove one himself. Always fun to see one torn down. They're such a disaster.. Great video, from one Utah youtuber to another!

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Good to hear from you Sam👍

[@pizzamak]

I had a 96 Bronco with low oil pressure. Crank moved in and out and ate belts. Old timer told me it was a thrust bearing. Cool seeing one on here with the same issue

[@Menthos341]

I’ve done about 10-12 6.4 engines in the last 6-7 months at work. Lots of heavy duty service trucks. 3 of them for a huge road maintence company, cheaper to throw 20-30k into each truck and have it run for another 5 or so years for them then to dump 350k+ on 3 new f550s plus whatever it costs to “outfit” them. In stock form they are absolutely the most unreliable engine for longevity eventually they all crack a piston

[@bm9074]

Outstanding as usual. Love you guys. I learn every time I watch.

[@blargblarghonk]

I wouldn't even touch one of those nightmares. Kudos to you for possibly having to deal with a comeback in months if it lasts that long. They are literally built by cutting every corner from the factory from what I've seen. I wish you the best of luck.

[@carlbyington5185]

From B&D Automotive Center in California (40 Years) You do a GREAT job of work, AND explanation !! Thanxxx

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Wow, thanks!

[@jamesloveridge520]

Wow, an engine rip down in 5 minutes, you guys are legends :)

[@nevillegoddard4966]

Nice one! You showed exactly what you were talking about. I learn something.from every video of yours I watch!

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Glad to hear it!

[@JJMachineryLLC]

I've been driving my 6.4 now for 368k plus miles with zero issues. We change the oil after every road trip. Typical road trip is around 3000 miles per trip. Still going strong. Best truck I have ever owned.

[@vladm5992]

We need proof

[@HAMMER06]

People don't understand maintenance..... it works...

[@blargblarghonk]

Good luck with that. I've seen meticulously cared for 6.4ls bite the dust. I won't touch em with a 10 foot pole.

[@alirizarry2433]

Deleted?

[@JonBecker81]

@@alirizarry2433I was going to ask the same thing.

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

That, sir, is a very large crescent wrench!

[@thomasperina2990]

❤ Congratulations Dave on your ability to aquire such a talented crew of guys. I ca see that everyone has their specialty + your son is down right amazing. When I had my 2 shops my guys were good but not not as good as your guys. At my 2 locations we specialized in BMW, Ferrari. Porsche, etc but no diesel engines. Dave one thing your video's depicts is the professionalism, talent, dedication, + all your guys following your MANTRA OF THE 4 C'S. God Bless you, your family, and your crew. TMP from N.J.

[@travismcminn9815]

Hope your "guys" don't read this . DANG

[@thomasperina2990]

@@travismcminn9815 Travis how are you ??? I personally have been doing cars for 63 years but I had to slow down cause my body is getting tired. 🙃 Take care, TMP from N.J.

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Thank you so much. Means a lot coming from an experienced business owner. We all know the work that goes on behind the scenes

[@charlesosberg2142]

Dave is good!!! Love, love, love to watch his videos!!!!!!!

[@chuckfinley3542]

Dave, you’re killing it with this awesome content. I just hope that in the future your content won’t be available only to Patreon supporters. Nothing against Patreon, but one can easily get priced out of paid content.

[@paceauto5382]

Without that good core those prices could escalate quickly 😮😂😂

[@JimBronson]

Certain places have the ability to spray weld repair Class 8 truck blocks, I wonder if this could be coming to the 1 ton diesel market if blocks become scarce enough. Or just cast new 6.4 blocks. If there's enough demand, a case could be made for making new ones.

[@Crystian7521]

thanks Dave all information is so nice i waiting for you next video

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Very soon!

[@jkramer4716]

Good job Dave and Joey, good job!

[@josephkaminski707]

Your videos are great as always. watching that 18v snap-on impact take them head bolts off that diesel was amazing.

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Thank you!

[@justinday2916]

Awesome diagnosis.🥇

[@richardfreeman8458]

I had an 08 6.4 power stroke and it was actually the best running diesel out of the ones I have owned. It had instant power instead of "spooling" up. 183000 miles. I know they have issues, but I loved mine.... Probably because I never had trouble.

[@azjohn520]

Am I the first!? This video is a great seller for that Snap On cordless impact. Getting those TTY bolts out of the head are no joke.

[@peni80085]

You're the 3st

[@azjohn520]

@@peni80085I’ll take it!

[@Richey24]

who cares just watch the video lmao

[@Kim-ek2mt]

Awesome show Dave You make it really interesting And I don't know anything about engine's

[@RonRussell-sj1zf]

EGR, engineering's worst solution to emission regulations!

[@carl2591]

at least for IH who made the engine.. it was a disaster almost on the scale of the 6.0..

[@Bloodcurling]

What's your solution?

[@RonRussell-sj1zf]

@@Bloodcurling better initial combustion. EGR was a quick "fix" ' How can you have clean initial combustion when you are dumping a % of the old incomplete combustion into the fresh charge? Terrible solution.

[@cma8165]

$2,000 to $3,000 for a core charge? Wow, that is way too much! I'm glad I saw this video, cause now I know that I'll avoid buying one of these trucks with a 6.4 Powerstroke diesel engine. Thanks for sharing this valuable information.

[@JohnSmith-lv8xk]

I couldda told you that ten years ago. Get a 6.7

[@AzzKicker-bz1cb]

@@JohnSmith-lv8xk They were only used from 2008-2010, so that’s how you avoid getting one, don’t buy diesel Ford trucks from those years or just plan on doing an engine swap and junk the 6.4!

[@cma8165]

@@AzzKicker-bz1cb Now I know why I should avoid a Ford F250 diesel altogether. I'll just get a Ram Cummins diesel instead and avoid all those problems. Thanks!!!

[@TonicofSonic]

​@@cma8165It is well known the 6.7 are the best. Or go Buy a stellantis.

[@tomlorenzen4062]

​@cma8165 unfortunately they are crap now also

[@cammtheman7]

Man I love this channel...

[@shanewheeler6644]

Why someone would replace a 6.4 engine instead of the entire truck is beyond me. Cudos to you guys for doing a great job though!!

[@onsmashmedia9162]

I think it’s because of the economy we live in. No one wants to get into an expensive car payment or more of an expensive payment. Times are tough already. Probably figured pay the cash and be done with it.

[@shanewheeler6644]

True that!

[@paceauto5382]

At least if you get a build motor it comes with a warranty & is much cheaper than a new junk. 😮

[@louisschummer931]

New Ford trucks cost $80-100K for a diesel. Really you don't get a ton more capacity with a new one either for towing or hauling. From '99 - 2016 the truck didn't change much, just engines and transmissions. Frame and suspension only had minor upgrades, cabs and boxes will pretty much fit across the years. Too easy to rebuild them and keep on truckin'

[@scottleggejr]

I don't think the people commenting know what a notorious pile of shit the 6.4 is 🤣 those trucks are less than $5k around here with more than 150k miles on them. I see them and they're more than 5k, because it's a gasser. They're worse than a 6.0 diesel. That engine is a time bomb if you can't legally fix the issues with it 🚭

[@Tdaz250]

Powerstroke help got to a point where he refused to work on 6.4’s before he passed. That should tell you everything you need to know about 6.4’s

[@ZMAN_420]

Great video Dave 👍🏻🇺🇲

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Thanks 👍

[@stevesuarez7763]

Love your stuff

[@evannolan3304]

guys who continue to buy and fix 6.4s are complete wildcards. Absolute chaos

[@scottleggejr]

🎲🎲 😂

[@hokie9910]

I really can’t believe people try and rebuild these things…just not worth it..junk

[@AllenMcinnis-wc6du]

They’re actually great motors if you can keep them cool, delete them, and resist the urge to hit a button and upload 300+ hp. You give that kind of power to retards without a single support mod you get “ThEy’Re uN ReLiAbLe”. People just don’t know how to take care of them. It’s probably one of the most over built engines ever made. You throw compounds and a k16 on any other diesel to this day and I promise you’ll get worse results.

[@andreyyes6016]

@@hokie9910 If you build them correctly, with upgraded pistons and other parts, they will last very good, very good engines.

[@hokie9910]

@@andreyyes6016 Congratulations, you are the first person to ever utter those words about a 6.4

[@leofortey7561]

Cordless tools are so nice to work with. I do not miss that air noise at all!

[@haralamc]

Great content

[@davidnewton6441]

Another day in class!

[@bjardine13]

I sure miss my 6.4-NOT!!! I’m surprised anyone even works on them any more, even more surprised there are any around, that engine aged me 20 years!

[@stevez7854]

Joey is the man period, Mike drop

[@TrumpsEarBandage]

Man period? Like menstruation from the pee hole???

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

👏👏. You bet

[@Ethan-xm4fv]

That core charge makes ya cry.

[@sjair6526]

That battery powered impact is pretty impressive.

[@JJMachineryLLC]

Hello Mr Jim Bronson, I have it baked in an DPF oven every 50k miles. Then it's flow tested to make sure it's clean. Thanks for your question.

[@munozinni]

Hola 👋 señor Dave!!! What is going on today??? Just reading the video title I know for sure it’s going to be an interesting video So I’m going to watch it now…You guys have a great day!!!Saludos!!!👋😊👋

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@munozinni]

@@DavesAutoCenterCenterville I always enjoy the great content…Y’all have a great weekend Saludos!!!👋😃👋

[@robertgivens2586]

Prime example of why they don't make the 7.3 any more. It was almost indestructible. At least mine has been.

[@454budman]

7.3 was a good engine but look at the output, it was very low(which is key for longevity). I had one and it was problematic mainly with the HPOP system. The motor was solid built though but didnt understand why a big diesel really didnt get its power till mid 2000 rpms. I bought an LBZ and got over 350k on it now with original trans and injectors. To each their own but I think they were great motors but a tad over rated and couldnt keep up with todays diesels.

[@robertgivens2586]

@@454budman I understand what you're saying and I've wrenched on many brands of motors for 45 years. A lot of problems are of the owners doing. Some are factory defects and some are engineering design flaws. I have had good service from Ford and Chevy not much from the older dodgers. I just prefer the older stuff. Thanks for commenting. Have a blessed day

[@WillfulMirror8]

I just rebuild my 6.4 on my back patio, the truck had 348k miles when I pulled it and the cylinders had to be bored .030 over to get them cleaned up 😅 absolutely insane that they had to go over that much but the truck runes so smoothly now with some maxxforce 7 pistons new rod and main bearings, pushrods, rocker arms, basically everything new besides the rods, crank and oil pan 😂

[@scottleggejr]

How were 7/8 compared to the rest of the holes?

[@Mighty-Quinn]

I'm looking at rebuilding my 6.4 this summer. Did you have any trouble finding parts? Some of the stuff I've looked at is backordered or out of stock.

[@hokie9910]

I’ve niece hears of anyone get that kind of mileage out of those engines. You should play the lottery!

[@anthonypeak2125]

@@scottleggejr Washed. LOL.

[@christianbohls9880]

Thanks EPA!

[@DavidTaylor-mb4jt]

No theycan be a pain in the but good job dave

[@coreysadventures9914]

Hey Dave... What is your stance on ARCHOIL, thanks

[@JohnCamp]

“Cast it into the fire, Destroy it!”

[@splashysiren]

"no" - ford, probably

[@shanewheeler6644]

True that!

[@GhostFleetServices]

Do you buy cores? I have a bunch of 6.0s, 6.4s, and 7.3s all in different conditions.

[@AtanasDimitrov954RR]

Can you guys make longer videos please.

[@drewmurray2583]

I have taken apart several 6.4s. Not a singe usable core.

[@papabapyro8169]

? The block can’t be line bored? Don’t know just asking. Thanks cheers

[@ictdpowerstroke4591]

212k on mine no issues! Delete and maintenance is key

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Wonder if those have the same oiling issues as the 6.7?

[@PeeterPuncher]

Bill Hewitt at powerstroke specialties gave up on those 6.4's years ago since they sem to have a short life span and are difficult to rebuild.

[@scottleggejr]

Cylinder washing when it regens. 😢

[@hokie9910]

Yeah, Bill had it right. Once it blows up. Junk it. Just not worth it.

[@AzzKicker-bz1cb]

I can understand the criteria for the viable block, but I can’t understand why the crank is included in that! In the case of the block in this video, yes the spun main bearing has smoked the journal in the block itself and that ruined the block, but my question is in regards to the crank, wouldn’t you be replacing the crank regardless of it’s condition when rebuilding a motor?

[@daryenmirabal2656]

Dave what diesel trucks do yall use in the shop & personal lifes???

[@SHSPVR]

So Dave any reason why can't resize the crank bore

[@nevillegoddard4966]

@@SHSPVR I think it was because the blackened, overheated crankshaft thrust bearing journal cannot be trusted any more. Once it's been overheated the properties of the metal change.

[@phunkdoctaspock]

@@nevillegoddard4966 Hence why you align bore it and use oversized bearings.

[@isaaclandau5751]

What do you do with all the old parts? Pistons, cranks …

[@icetech6]

just curious, why are the rod caps at 45(ish) degrees on those motors?

[@stevengawlik1282]

Allows for a larger rod journal. The cap at 45 degrees allows the rod big end to fit into the bore when installing. It it was cut 90 degrees, the big end would not fit or you would have to use a smaller journal size. Some people say there is more strength in the rod too but idk about that one. It may be stronger but it's not like it's the end all be all.

[@icetech6]

@@stevengawlik1282 ahhh thanks for the explanation :)

[@splaw120]

Earpro and gloves are critical tools!

[@Mystery-vf6cq]

Do you buy cores, and crankshafts?

[@Bloodcurling]

If your gear selector goes on the highway, can these engines turn 3k sustained until you finish your trip? 2 hours

[@erichoekstra206]

What was the cause of the thrust bearing failure? Lack of lube, crankshaft finish, transmission or something else?

[@ksvproductions]

Serious question what ford engine is the good engine? The 6.0 or 6.7?

[@wcsoblake85]

2:52 Why would you keep them?

[@NotBackstretch]

they show a lot of history of problems or maintenance.

[@AzzKicker-bz1cb]

@@NotBackstretch Thank you! I asked the same question while watching the video and was hoping Dave would explain why he keeps the head gaskets!

[@wcsoblake85]

@@NotBackstretch thank you sir

[@brent4093]

As a shade tree mechanics apprentice, who do you want to keep the head gaskets and notreplace them? BTW Love the videos & shorts. I wish I lived close to your shop, I’d be a loyal customer 😎

[@carl2591]

As bill hewett used to say on the 6.4L diesel.. not a matter of IF but WHEN it crapped out.. guess the when for his guy is now.. I would guess this engine is goina cost close to 12-15K.. almost the value of the truck. wonder how many miles, was he original owner etc. what is overall condition of truck ??

[@phipps111]

The 6.4 could have been such an amazing motor. I own one and it has cost me so much money and heartache, but when they are tuned and running good they are amazing....they just don't wanna stay that way for whatever reason lmao.

[@Tmanw8898]

Can't believe your son missed on opportunity to yell at you about holding a flashlight for him while he's working haha 😂

[@destinhook3826]

Please do a video on the 5.0 v8 Cummins failures

[@rylandschwan2363]

Give us the 7.3 video!

[@DavesAutoCenterCenterville]

We hear ya. Coming 👍

[@mikecece947]

Whats a ballpark cost on this repair? I own a 6.4 diesel.

[@darrellbayles5192]

6.4 = money pit.

[@latus-rectum45]

6.4 = short lived junk! Garbage 🗑

[@ZMAN_420]

Absolutely correct I'm 41 yrs old been wrenching since I was a kid. Started doing it for a paycheck at 18 yrs old. All the Diesel Engines now are not worth it in my opinion. Diesel fuel use too be alot less money. Now with all the emissions components and DEF. it's so expensive, unbelievable, the company I work for has Diesel and gas engines on pick up trucks. Diesels are horrible always leaking oil, even brand new? The amount of room under the hood is 0 they use every square inch on a F-550.

[@kenxiong6830]

@@ZMAN_420 Precisely why I’m keeping my OBS 7.3 PS

[@ZMAN_420]

@@kenxiong6830 A 7.3 is good in my opinion. Cummings 5.9L 12 valve (6BT) Is my favorite, they came in dodge pickup truck in 80's and early 90's I think. No emissions all mechanical.

[@kenxiong6830]

@@ZMAN_420 yes the 7.3 PS and Cummins 5.9 12V are the best diesel engines out there. Duramax guys may believe otherwise but it took GM a few years to get the Duramax to be reliable. The 7.3 PS and Cummins 12V were great out the gate. All the new diesel engines are so littered with plastic parts that they fail so often.

[@marksrepairj623]

Can't u line Bore and save the block?

[@loligagger85]

nope. not if you want one to last. Spec sheet says 0.020 is as far as you can go on boring them. typical a spun bearing is about 0.040 out

[@marksrepairj623]

@@loligagger85 yes but if u cut down the main girdle and then line Bore to factory main bearing size wouldn't that work?

[@loligagger85]

@@marksrepairj623 HOW would that work? then you would have to change out connecting rods or machine some of the piston off and that changes the bowl. the answer is NO, you can NOT.

[@brandongriffiths2677]

Yes you can line bore it. I've done 2 of them. Get oversized bearings and you're done.

[@loligagger85]

@@brandongriffiths2677 NO YOU CAN NOT. not these engines. not on a spun bearing that tempered the journal. the largest oversize for these are 0.020 and you can push 0.025, not before having the machine the piston and also the valve clearances to accommodate. i guess you can do those things but for $3k to $4k cost its cheaper to replace the block. ESPECIALLY if you do work like they do, fixing the BS you think you can do. the heat treated effected area that has to be bored out is over 0.040, TWICE the limit

[@JimBronson]

It seems like these 6.4 engines need a preventative mainteance rebuild in order to avoid catastrophic failures that junk the block and crank.

[@recklesswhisper]

I was taught if you remove a cast iron head in the wrong fastener order you might warp it! And, if you remove an aluminum head in the wrong fastener order you are almost guaranteed warping it! ^..^~~

[@chadoldag5827]

Where on earth did you find a new front cover

[@DirtyDanRacimg]

Pretty sure powerstrokehelp already beat this dead horse in regards to the 6.4, sucks because they are a nice looking truck.

[@BGObs2619]

Sooo…where is the monster 7.3 diesel build he was going to build?

[@JJMachineryLLC]

No, still running DPF.

[@DPats1228]

Throw away engine

[@bicepusmaximus]

Really liked this channel at first. Stopped watching it when I realized they never post follow up videos to anything. Too bad.

[@JohnSmith-lv8xk]

Align bore it

[@grege9862]

The reason that Powerstroke 6.4 engines fail is because they are Powerstroke 6.4 engines. I'm surprised that no one has developed a swap kit to be able to put a different engine into the vehicles. It might not be worth the development costs, I guess.

[@stephenbullock-yn3vh]

Absolutely

[@tmuthafuckindixon]

International made this engine, it was the first regen engine ford used. The Egr kills this engine. However, if you know the recipe for this engine, there is nothing made to date that pulls hard or runs as hard as the 6.4.

[@leemillard8068]

People love Cummins swapping the 6.4 trucks

[@minnesotatomcat]

I believe there are Cummins swap kits out there.

[@louisschummer931]

Still have to take care of the Cummins. This engine was NOT taken care of.

[@anthonypeak2125]

Oil dilution? Good old 6.4. Navistar at its finest.

[@louisschummer931]

Very extended oil change interval (neglect) from what I see.

[@Aaron86v]

Longer vidoes...

[@PlymouthVT]

Blows my mind how poorly maintained people keep there very expensive diesel engines. Rebuild's are expensive as hell. You can't even keep clean high quality motor oil in them? So stupid.

[@hokie9910]

These 6.4s are junk no matter how you take care of them. Most are lucky to get to 200k before falling apart.

[@louisschummer931]

14 quarts of high quality oil and Ford oil filters are spendy for some people who really shouldn't own a diesel. They demand maintenance.

[@PlymouthVT]

@@louisschummer931 Agreed. A diesel wont last long if your a cheapskate.

[@hokie9910]

@@louisschummer931 Agreed. Unless you are pulling heavy for a living, they just don’t make any sense financially. Ford and GM make some nice gas engines that require 1/10th the maintenance cost.

[@Slugg-O]

It sucks for the customer but a core that can't be reconditioned is not a core.

[@rmacuil5]

Aye Yooo!!!! First Comment. Keep Up The Great Work Dave😅

[@Sunspot-19]

Another one of those owners that think change the oil every 100k whether it needs it or not... That makes a PowerStoke into a PowerJoke in short order.

[@mikeh6286]

2:43 bobble head Dave

[@minnesotatomcat]

I’d rather throw an old 7.3 idi turbo in there than that 6.4 🤣

[@Cruiser777]

Where do you get them from Jasper? Are you rebuilding them and putting them in stock? Those new engines are keeping you guys in business.there are junk😅 Even though people don't do maintenance.

[@vica153]

Grumpy Cat!

[@genehart261]

Pretty soon the 6.0 and 6.4 powerstrokes will all be gone and the nightmare will be over. No way would I sink the money into this truck.

[@hunterprowsemrereviews9141]

Emissions control equipment is the culprit for all these problems. Before the Obama EPA none of these problems existed. It was just simple Diesel engine design that Pulled turbocharged compressed air in, pushed fuel in, it all compressed in the combustion chamber, ignited at the right time, made power, and out the exhaust valves, through the exhaust side of the turbo to turn the compressor wheel, and then down the simple exhaust pipe, and out the tail pipe it went. Simple. Until the auto industry goes back to that for obvious reasons these problems will continue to plaque newer diesel engines and it’s sad, and completely unnecessary. These new diesels burn just as clean with or without emission control equipment. They’ve already proved it. So at this point it’s just a government unconstitutional overreach to cost people thousands of dollars for nothing, and to try to push EV’s more.

[@joelandersonphoto]

Prove it

[@nicksmith4808]

It’s amazing just how well 6.4s run when you throw a hog ass tune in it then one day suddenly it is junk😂 My dad has an 08 450 with 300k on it and it runs perfect but it also has had a replacement motor put in it before he bought it. Navistar replacement too because I guess ford didn’t wanna put good pistons in their motors

[@ryandurham4504]

And this is why you can buy a 6.4 power stroke with pretty low miles for usually under $10,000. Absolute garbage is what they are. Why anyone would want to put another 6.4 back in it is beyond me. There are plenty of kits out there so you can drop a 12 valve into it.

[@coltlewis5871]

Emissions laws are why that happens generally.

[@okatexoffroad1813]

And Dave built it. It's better than Ford .

[@buckaroobonsi555]

They should have taken better care of the engine with better maintenance! Penny wise and pound foolish!