I have a 2007 F550 with the 6.0 liter engine (approx 82,000 miles on it). I use it to pull a 18,000 lb GVWR 5th wheel toy hauler RV. Two weeks ago while traveling from New York state to Colorado, the exhaust tube on the turbo popped off at the turbo end. I had a diesel mechanic re-attach the hose, we went another 20 or so miles, it popped off again. I reattached and it lasted another 50 miles and came off a third time. This time a diesel mechanic shop replaced the hose and both clamps. That lasted about another 50 miles and it popped off at the other end (same hose).
We took the truck to a Ford dealer in Pennsylvania and he said that the turbo fins were corroded and weren't able to adjust the pitch properly. He had the fins cleaned and ground down to work properly.
That seemed to solve the problem for the remainder of the trip, but since we rely on the truck 99% of the time and we live in the 5th wheel rv, I'm concerned about the reliability of the 6.0 L engine. Everybody I've talked to says that the 6.0 L was "not Ford's best engine" (and I think they are being polite).
After all that long-winded explanation, here's the question. Can the engine be replaced with a, possibly Cummins, engine? About how much would that cost (I won't hold you to any dollar figure, I just want a ballpark). Also, if it's more economical, can the 6.0 L engine be rebuilt or refurbished to provide greater reliability?
Please, no flames against the Ford. I know it's easy to do, but I didn't know any better when I bought the truck and I'm on a limited budget or else I'd head out and trade it in on something else. Thanks!
We took the truck to a Ford dealer in Pennsylvania and he said that the turbo fins were corroded and weren't able to adjust the pitch properly. He had the fins cleaned and ground down to work properly.
That seemed to solve the problem for the remainder of the trip, but since we rely on the truck 99% of the time and we live in the 5th wheel rv, I'm concerned about the reliability of the 6.0 L engine. Everybody I've talked to says that the 6.0 L was "not Ford's best engine" (and I think they are being polite).
After all that long-winded explanation, here's the question. Can the engine be replaced with a, possibly Cummins, engine? About how much would that cost (I won't hold you to any dollar figure, I just want a ballpark). Also, if it's more economical, can the 6.0 L engine be rebuilt or refurbished to provide greater reliability?
Please, no flames against the Ford. I know it's easy to do, but I didn't know any better when I bought the truck and I'm on a limited budget or else I'd head out and trade it in on something else. Thanks!