The 6.4 PowerStroke | 8 Common Problems & Reliability

Boosted Performance is now LIVE! 6.4 PS Performance Parts: boostedperformance.com/64-pow...
In today's video, Zach is speaking on the Ford 6.4 Powerstroke engine. This powerful diesel engine has made its mark in the industry, but it's also known for having some notable issues. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss the most common problems that owners face with the 6.4 Powerstroke, their symptoms, potential fixes, and overall reliability. Whether you're a current owner or you're considering buying a truck with this engine, this video will arm you with the knowledge you need to maintain your Powerstroke effectively.
The article linked below, written by us, is a more in-depth guide on the common problems with this engine: dieseliq.com/the-6-most-commo...
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00:30 - 6.4 PowerStroke Background
00:59 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #1 - Radiator Leaks
02:05 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #2 - DPF System
03:46 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #3 - EGR Coolers
04:26 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #4 - Injection Pump
05:53 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #5 - Oil Cooler
06:41 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #6 - Oil/Fuel Dilution
08:25 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #7 - Up-Pipes
08:56 - 6.4 PS Common Problem #8 - Pistons
09:58 - 6.4 PowerStroke Reliability

[@s.torres3621]

I bought a 2009 back in December with 230k. I fully deleted her with mini max tune, and she runs like no other diesel I’ve owned. I keep her on the stock tune and the power is impressive. Oil changes every 5k using FR3 friction reducer from hotshots. Change the fuel filters every 10k, and use a diesel additive by hot shots at every fill up. I don’t care what people say I love the 6.4 as long as you know how to take care of it, just don’t abuse it. So go ahead and be afraid of those 6.4’s and leave those to the real men.

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for sharing your experience! You said it well, so long as you maintain it, the 6.4's can be great!

[@SilverZepp]

How many miles are on it now?

[@hibye5204]

I don't do any of that with our 5.9's, 6.7, and 8.3, and they last longer. With a good turbo and tune, they are also impressive power.

[@renj6531]

If a guy can handle a needy whining woman than this is simple either one will cost you money yet one is never satisfied

[@brownnuts57]

🙄 whatever helps you sleep at night

[@jaynederp5236]

best way to buy a 6.4 is to buy a blown up truck for a song, and buy a fully built KDD long block with either steel or delipped maxforce 7 pistons and the o-ringed heads. I really wish I had done that. But I love my 6.4 and when she pops I'll still spend the money for a built engine. Beats buying something off the lot.

[@8020Media]

J - Nice. Thanks for sharing. We've seen many solid 6.4's!

[@qwesttech1]

Deleted mine at 16,000 installed a single turbo, up pipes , mishimoto radiator , 170,000 no issues, hot shot secret fuel additives always. Oh and mishimoto core support bar a must. Frequent oil changes fuel filters is the key. Do your maintenance! I have no issues ever!

[@8020Media]

L - Nice build! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@jaynederp5236]

I've also heard that adding a front hitch will also help to stiffen up the front frame rails to further protect the radiator.

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@GMCJay_lly]

Commenting for support

[@8020Media]

Jay - We appreciate the support!

[@bthorn5035]

I got my 6.4 at 116k. The dpf was already deleted. I dont know for how long. The previous ownwr only had it for 16k and never mentioned it. I deleted the egr immediately then replaced ALL fluids and filters. During my work, the belts started squealing a bit. I finally replaced them along with tensioners and the whole engine immediately improved. Better start, better idle, better sounds. I used a fuel additive and it seems to help. In order to mitigate the cracked up pipe problem with deletes, i rotated my horizontal cooler 180 degrees and reattached it bolts first.

[@8020Media]

BT - Thanks for sharing your experience! This will certainly be helpful to future viewers.

[@bthorn5035]

@8020Media I could be totally wrong, but this mf'er runs like a raped ape. I keep the boost at respectable levels and don't poke the dragon too much. She responds brilliantly. Keep your oil clean, and keep unnecessary heat from the back cylinders and your truck will run and run. The engineers damned this motor. Undo their fuckups and she will serve you well.

[@professor_thunder]

@8020 Media Cheers to providing accurate information without shamelessly peddling parts for profit. Integrity Matters.

[@8020Media]

Thunder - Absolutely. We strive to provide the best unbiased information to our viewers!

[@SLVTitle]

I’m at 345k with mine, just found some metal in the oil filter on the last change 🙃, ride it till it dies time

[@8020Media]

Blya - So sorry to hear.... BUT you've got a lot of life out of it at least. Keep us updated!

[@SLVTitle]

@@8020Media will do, waiting on a blackstone kit so I can send it out, luckily it didn’t look like and copper flake, and it was pretty sparse.

[@8020Media]

Blya - Well that's good. Best of luck to you!

[@Overthewall1977]

I’ve been seeing these trucks all over campgrounds lately

[@8020Media]

They are wildly popular!

[@Overthewall1977]

@@8020Media I’m scared to buy one lol

[@8020Media]

Our content is not to scare. Strictly to inform. Any engine can be reliable depending on maintenance.

[@kevinoneill41]

Solution. Delete delete. The failed government emission system science project. Forced on the manufacturer to install. That is because of the high emissions during reburn or regen it really does nothing at all for the atmosphere. Other than shortening the MPG and the life of the engine dramatically. Or cause catastrophic engine failure. If not removed entirely and add an aftermarket tuner and have it professionally tuned. So as over-tuning the engine doesn't cause damage to the engine.

[@8020Media]

K - This is correct, however, we can't recommend deleting..

[@natedog01able]

International never used rod bearings or bushings in the valves

[@8020Media]

Nate - Thanks for the insight.

[@natedog01able]

No problem. I just noticed building 6.4 powerstrokes 98% are not rebuild parts

[@mikedeck8381]

It's not a good engine for tradesmen. If your using this engine in a dump body for roofing, landscaping, etc. it will last about 10 years. It's great if you can delete stuff but that will get you into trouble in certain areas if they enforce emissions..If your a Motorhead and it's more of a light duty truck it might last awhile but if your a tradesman who is using it as a work truck everyday it is a subpar truck.

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Did Ford ever make any improvements from the first 6.4 to the last? Why do I ask? Funny thing happened this week when I bought a 2010 98K mile F350 SRW crew cab 4x4 at a local auction thinking it was a 6.7L, (mis read the specs when I looked up the VIN) In addition, I have never owned a diesel engine before so was not familiar with 6.4 issues. One positive is all stock, low mileage and truck was a city’s fleet vehicle so I knew it had been maintained. Still not sure if it’s a costly mistake or something that can be remedied with hyper maintenance. Lesson is attention to detail matters.

[@8020Media]

There weren't any major changes throughout the years, it wasn't around long enough for Ford to make big improvements, they were focused on the 6.7 at the time. Keep on top of maintenance and you should be okay. Coolant filtration kit is a worthwhile addition. Frequent fuel filter changes and oil changes are going to be the most important thing. A lot of issues on these engines come down to bad oil and not changing frequently enough

[@janamaro5894]

It depends me, the 6.4 is the number one problematic engine design by Navistar. Except for the 09-10 6.4 Powerstroke is the least problematic.

[@8020Media]

Jana - Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@garrylarose1506]

wait are you saying the 08 6.4 is the most problematic? why do you think that?

[@janamaro5894]

​@@garrylarose1506According to myself and the others.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

What is your opinion about a 2010 F350 with no mods and 98K miles on the clock? Was a city fleet truck so maintenance was routine. Did Ford remedy some of the issues in the latter model year 2010 builds?

[@omghalo3rocks]

I hope so I'm probably gonna be buying a 2009 soon

[@davidevans1378]

If you treat them like shit. None of them will last long. Doing spin outs like in the video is not what these trucks were built for. Young guys are bad for these vehicles

[@8020Media]

D - We agree with the first statements. However, the "young guys" comment, certainly not. Maybe young reckless guys.

[@sugmaball5383]

Cost to redo entire fuel system after k16 failure is $9-11k here in ct

[@8020Media]

P - Thanks for sharing this insight. Certainly helpful for future viewers.

[@Bloodcurling]

Slightly cheaper in Mil, WI

[@johnboy6635]

Wowser! $$$$. That’d b time to convert it to a Fummins!