KNOW YOUR 6.0L

THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EARLY AND LATE MODEL ’03-’07 POWER STROKES

- MIKE MCGLOTHLIN

RUNNING ’03 & ’04 MODEL YEAR CHANGES

Most folks are aware that there were a boatload of subtle updates made between the ’03 and later versions of the 6.0L Power Stroke, but many don’t know that the pistons were different. Almost exclusively driven by emissions standards, ’04 model engines—beginning with serial number 6155637 in Indianapolis and serial number 0094580 at the Huntsville, Alabama plant—featured a crown with a smoother radius (right). This was done to increase the efficiency of the combustion event (namely to clean up particulate matter emissions). The piston’s skirt and ring lands were unchanged, as was its overall diameter. The beginning production date for’04 engines equipped with the updated pistons was September 29, 2003.

If you own a 6.0L Power Stroke, you have an engine that is at least 14 years old. And if you haven’t yet had to venture under the hood, you soon will. Contrary to what many outsiders believe, catastrophic engine failures are few and far between with the 6.0L. However, intermittent component failures are inevitable and can sideline you and your truck if you aren’t prepared, or aware of this engine’s common quirks. It’s equally important to mention that as these trucks age and become even more affordable to purchase on the used market, more and more owners perform their own repairs rather than take them to a dealership or an independent shop. It’s just the nature of the beast.