How To Tell If A 6.0 Has Been Bulletproofed

How to Tell if a 6.0 Power Stroke Has Been Bulletproofed

The Ford 6.0L Power Stroke engine, while powerful, has a reputation for reliability issues. Many owners opt for a "bulletproofing" process to mitigate these problems. But how can you tell if a used 6.0L has undergone this crucial upgrade? Let's dive into the key indicators.

Understanding 6.0 Power Stroke Bulletproofing

Before we get into identification, let's briefly cover what bulletproofing entails. This isn't a single modification, but rather a suite of upgrades aimed at addressing common failure points:

• High-pressure oil system: This includes replacing the oil cooler, upgrading the oil pump, and adding a coolant filter. These components are frequently the source of catastrophic failures in the stock 6.0L.
• EGR system: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is notorious for clogging and causing issues. Bulletproofing often involves deleting or significantly modifying the EGR system.
• Injector problems: Fuel injectors are another common point of failure. Bulletproofing may include upgrading to higher-quality injectors.
• Head studs: Factory head bolts are known to stretch and fail under stress. Upgrading to ARP head studs is a common bulletproofing modification.

Key Signs of a Bulletproofed 6.0L Power Stroke

Now, let's get to the crucial part – how to determine if a 6.0L has received this upgrade:

Visual Inspection:

• Modified Oil Cooler: Look for evidence of an aftermarket oil cooler. This is usually larger or of a different design than the factory unit.
• Coolant Filter: The presence of a coolant filter is a strong indicator of bulletproofing. These are rarely found on stock 6.0Ls.
• ARP Head Studs: While not always visually apparent, you might see evidence of head gasket replacement—a procedure often performed during bulletproofing. Look closely around the head gasket area for signs of recent work.
• Modified or Removed EGR System: A missing EGR cooler or significantly modified EGR system points towards a bulletproofing attempt.

Under the Hood Clues:

• Documentation: The most reliable way is to obtain service records or build sheets documenting the modifications. Ask the seller for proof of work.
• Tuner: Many bulletproofed engines are paired with a performance tuner. Check for the presence of a tuner or any evidence of tuning modifications.
• Talk to the Mechanic: If possible, have a qualified diesel mechanic inspect the truck. This is the most definitive way to determine if the modifications have been properly carried out.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Partial Bulletproofing: Some owners perform only partial bulletproofing. Be aware that not all upgrades are always done.
• Quality of Work: The quality of the bulletproofing work is crucial. Poorly executed upgrades can lead to new problems.

Conclusion: Due Diligence is Key

Determining if a 6.0L has been bulletproofed requires careful inspection and a healthy dose of skepticism. Don't rely on just one indicator. Combine visual inspection with documentation and, ideally, a professional mechanic's assessment. This diligent approach will help you avoid potential problems and ensure you're investing in a reliable truck. Remember, a properly bulletproofed 6.0L can offer years of dependable service, but only if the modifications have been done correctly.