Clean Oil Leads To A Happy Truck

Another problem that seems to spring up on the 6.0L PSD are problems related to injector failures; either an injector is stuck open, closed, or completely dead. The 6.0L uses a complicated system in order to fire the injectors known as the HEUI (Hydraulically-actuated, Electronically-controlled, Unit Injectors). Great, so what does this mean?

The HEUI system depends on a second high pressure oil pump to deliver high pressure oil to each injector; pressures range from 500-3000psi. A solenoid on top of the injector is then actuated, this forces the high pressure oil down inside a chamber within the injector itself. This oil pressure then provides enough force to physically push down an intensifier piston within the injector; thus pushing the fuel into the cylinder at pressures as high as 21,000psi.

It is amazing to think about this complicated process; but now remember that it happens thousands of times a second! Because this process relies so heavily on a supply of fresh clean oil, it is imperative that the injectors receive the cleanest oil possible.

To as the oil is pressurized and forced through gallery passages in each cylinder head and the injector itself; it really takes a beating. Eventually the oil breaks down and severe shearing occurs (a reduction of viscosity) thus degrading the effectiveness of the oil to lubricate parts. This in turn leads to damaged injectors and other parts.

How to prevent this from happening:

1. Make sure to change your oil! The recommended service interval for the 6.0L is 5,000 miles. It is important to stick to this schedule so your oil does not break down to the point to cause damage.
2. Use the right oil. Regular oil breaks down faster than synthetic oil under normal use. Now imagine how fast it breaks down when under the constant assualt that a diesel engine throws out it on a daily basis. I personally have gone through 12 injectors with my truck will running non-synthetic oil. I made the switch to Valvoline Premium Blue Synthetic oil 5w-40 and have yet to have another injector failure.
3. Use the correct filters. Many people make the mistake of finding the cheapest filters to use in their trucks. DO NOT do this! Use the OEM filters. Think about this; is the extra 5 dollars you save on that filter really worth the risk of damaging a $300 injector?

Remember, you already made the heavy investment of purchasing a diesel truck. You want to make sure it can run reliably for a long time to come, so don't skimp on the routine maintenance.