6.0 Powerstroke Monitor: Best Monitor For 6.0 Powerstroke
If someone builds one, someone else will build three or four. The technology age has made it easier to create similar products, like monitors, so people have a good choice. This selection gives you plenty of options for finding a good monitor for your 6.0 Powerstroke.
There are top-quality monitors like Edge, Scangauage, banks Power and more. The key is to make sure they will work with your Truck’s computer system Monitoring the key elements of your vehicle’s engine is important. It also helps keep you on the road more and spend less time in the repair shop.
To learn more about these monitors, just continue to read our article. It explores this topic so you have a good idea of which options you should go with. Take the time to read the content so you get all of this vital information.
6.0 Powerstroke Monitoring System
There are several different brands of monitors that help you keep track of your engine’s performance and other issues. Their basic function is to track and report the data that is generated by other systems built into the engine.
Those systems are:
ECT = Engine Coolant Temperature – this should not exceed 235°F
EOT = Engine Oil Temperature – this should not exceed 255°F
BST = Boost – the normal range is 0-25 psi although, depending on conditions
ICP = Injection Control Pressure – this will read a range of 0-4000 psi and will vary depending on driving condition and engine temperature, you need at least 500 psi of ICP for the engine to start.
** retrieved from http://grumpysdieselservice.com/data-monitoring-on-a-6-0l-diesel-with-the-scangaugeii/
All this data helps you maintain your engine when there is trouble. You get to the problem long before the problem turns into a bigger and more expensive issue.
Keeping an eye on these systems makes sure you are aware of when your engine is starting to falter. It gives you a head start so to speak and makes sure you get enough warning so you can plan your repairs accordingly.
The Best Monitor For 6.0 Powerstroke
Everyone is going to have their favorites and they will stand by those choices unless something superior comes along. Of course, that superior rating is up to them. The best one though will be the model that does what it is supposed with accuracy.
Some people prefer Scangauge and it looks to be a very handy device to use. There are no fancy bells and whistles, just a simple LCD screen that only allows 4 PIDs on screen at any one time.
This monitor is pre-programmed for the 6.0 L, so using it is not much of a stretch and there should not be a big learning curve. This device costs only $169. Then there is the brand called Edge.
This company makes several monitor styles with one costing about $440. This specific model has 10 PIDs on the screen at one time and it uses color-coding to help you see the figures easier.
We counted 7 key functions this monitor will perform. There may be a bit of a learning curve as it has a wide range of features within those different functions.
Then some people do not buy a separate monitor. They buy the Torque Pro app for Android and use their cell phone. The cost for the app is only $5 plus an additional $15 to $20 for the Bluetooth adapter.
This option does not come with the EGTand fuel pressure gauges. But we are sure you can come up with more brands that you think are top-notch. The concept of the best is certainly subjective.
Plus, there are smaller, no so famous brands out there that make a very good monitor at a lower price. You just do not hear about them all the time.
How do You Monitor EGTS on a 6.0 Powerstroke?
Before you can monitor it, you do need to know what EGT stands for and what it is. These letters stand for exhaust gas temperature. What it does is keep an eye on potentially engine damaging situations.
It is said to be one of the most important gauges you can have mounted on your dash. The reason this is said is that exhaust gas temperature can kill a diesel engine very quickly if they get too high.
Under normal driving situations, you should not have to worry about the EGT levels. It is when you get into abnormal driving situations where the EGT will get too high and do serious damage.
The gauge is called a pyrometer and it has a gauge on the front and a thermocouple probe on the other end. The probe is inserted into the area you want to monitor usually in the exhaust manifold or immediately after the turbine outlet of the turbocharger.
Once that is done and the gauge side is mounted in a good spot in your cab, all you have to do is watch the gauge from time to time. You want to stay somewhere between 1250 and 1300 degrees F.
If the gauge goes above 1300 then you are getting into some risky territory. When it goes above 1400 degrees F then you can expect some damage to occur.
Banks Power has a very detailed explanation for this system and why monitoring EGT is important. To get to that explanation just click here.
What Are Common Problems With The 6.0 Powerstroke?
There seem to be quite a few common problems that most owners experience at some time or other. Here is a list of them with a short explanation
1. Head Gasket Failures & TTY Head Studs
TTY stands for torque to yield and these studs are one of the weaker links in this top diesel engine. What causes them to blow is too high of pressure in the cylinder head. You can’t re-use these studs and they must be replaced once they are removed from the engine.
2. Fuel Injection Control Module Failure
The FICM supplies 48 volts to the two solenoids that control oil flow to the injectors. When the engine gets too hot or there is too much vibration the FICM can overheat and fail. Replacing the factory-installed FICM with an aftermarket version is your best repair.
3. 6.0L Powerstroke Oil Cooler Problems
One of the more common issues with this problem is the liquid on the liquid cooler system Ford installed. Because sand and other debris can clog passageways, this cooler system can break down. This part should be replaced when it does. Just do not go cheap.
4. EGR Cooler Problems
The design is the biggest flaw here. When you have high operating temperatures the head gasket can fail or the EGR cooler sends coolant into the exhaust. The other source for this part’s failure is the engine oil cooler.
The reason for this is that the oil cooler’s passageways get clogged and less coolant enters the EGR cooler. That situation produces higher temperatures, boiling coolant, and possible damage to your engine.
5. EGR Valve Problems
This part regulates the amount of exhaust that is re-introduced back into the engine and it can fail due to clogging. The clogging is due to excessive idling or poor fuel quality.
To prevent this problem from happening, you need to do frequent cleaning of this valve. In this case, aftermarket options are not a good replacement if you need to replace this part.
6. 6.0L Powerstroke Turbocharger Problems
There is a variable geometry turbo (VGT) built inside the 6.0 Powerstroke. This par can also get clogged with soot. When this takes place, the vanes of the VGT stick open. The result of that is the throttle response suffers and the turbo spooling times get larger.
To fix it you need to do a thorough cleaning of the VGT. Also, watch out for oil cooking. This is the main source of trouble with the VGT.
there are other common problems with this motor. They are listed here as honorable mentions.
- 6.0L Powerstroke HEUI Injector Problems
- High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure (HPOP)
- Plastic Degas Bottle Leaks/Cracking
We suggest that you talk to a good 6.0 L Powerstroke mechanic or your nearest Ford dealer about the details of these common problems. You should be concerned the most about the last one because that part is made from plastic. They can crack very easily.
Some Final Words
There are a lot of good 6.0 L Powerstroke engines still on the road. they have been performing well over the years. One reason for this longevity is that owners have taken the time and spent the money to install a good monitor.
While these motors can last a long time under proper maintenance, their good track record is overshadowed by the few that have broken down and cost their owners a lot of money.
Use a good monitor to help avoid expensive repairs.
