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GregH

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Everything posted by GregH

  1. Well, there are 5 people in our shop. One is hourly, and the other four are on flat rate - no guarantee. Only one of those flat rate people get paid less than me, but I do all the 6.0's, 6.4's, and most of the 7.3's (if they aren't gravy). I really can't complain, until lately when the work seems to have just fallen off the planet.. In fact, I loaded Grand Theft Auto III onto my work computer so we'd have somthing to fritter the day away with.. Oh, and we're under warranty review, so I'm pretty sure raises are out of the question...
  2. We're not talking an extra 2 hours, here, but between laying out all the washers and nuts, dollop of lube on each one, and screwing all the studs in by hand, it's a little longer than the OEM way - maybe 30 minutes or so.. As for torquing, you're making 3 pulls on each nut, just like the OEM bolts...
  3. GregH

    6.0L Crank pulley

    The crank pulley requires new bolts, since the bolts are torque-to-yield. IIRC, it's 50 ft/lbs +90 degrees...
  4. IIRC, you screw the studs in finger tight. Lube up your washers and nuts, and tighten them to 245 ft/lbs in three stages. Use the standard pattern - work from the center out. I've put in several sets - never had a problem with them. They take longer than the regular head bolts, but I think they do a much better job.
  5. I've run into seceral of these vehicles where EGRT-A will start to read erratically when you hold the engine RPM fairly high. If the sensor signal goes erratic for more than about 5 seconds, a P040D will be set, and the truck will go into limp-home mode. KOEO with a cold engine will show 4.6 to 4.9V, and 140 degrees F. This is the lowest that sensor will read. Easiest access is through the right side wheel well. Remove the tire and pull the 8 or 10mm head bolt and there you are. The connector is accessed through the top. In the parts department, call it a "lamda sensor" so they will know what you are talking about. Oh, and welcome to the club...
  6. Ok, so we got the phone call we were expecting a week ago - we're in the warranty counseling process. After 4 engines inthe past 3 months, it was only a matter of time.. Anyway, I have a copy of Ford's complaints.. Out of 50 or so RO's, Ford has a problem with 8. Two of these are administrative problems - codes not put in ACES, etc. A couple are perceived repeat repairs. And there is a monster head gasket/drivability ticket on an ambulance. Ummm, and that's it... It really doesn't seem like they are coming out with the big guns... In fact, in the paperwork they gave us, it even gives some common misconceptions and error examples. They match up almost exactly with the problem RO's. It's almost as if Ford is telling us what they would like to hear when they want our take on these repairs... Are they slapping our wrists? Are they setting us up for something down the road? Are they going easy at first, wanting to lull us out of our unease, waiting to crush us with a stack of 1000 RO's ready for chargeback? And then there is paperwork included that has no relevance. Statements like "Ford examined 25 cylinder heads that were replaced. 20 still had gasket material stuck to them, and the other 5 passed inspection. All 25 were returned with a chargeback." We've never replaced a 6.0L cylinder head.... Kinda leaved me muttering WTF while anticipating the other shoe.... Anyone else been through this? How did it go for you?
  7. Ok, so I've learned an awful lot about how some of the engines we work on are put together by studying the cutaway views. Of course, the real cutaways are just cool to look at.. But, forgiving my ignorance, how are they made? How do you cut through an injector to show how the internal pieces fit together? How do you cut through a cylinder head to show the passages around an injector cup? How did Ford cut through the 6.4 they showed off at the Texas state fair? I did a few google searches, but came up with nothing. I was hoping you guys could tell me....
  8. Nice one, Keith. Down here in the south, we don't have as many problems with rust - so it may be a while before we see this kind of thing. I'll keep that in the back of my mind...
  9. Try unplugging the alternator, of course, and see if that is causing the issue. You might need to be on the safe side and pull both the regulator connection and the output connection. If the problem is still there, I would make an overlay harness (I've still got one I made years ago for another vehicle) for the CMP - shield and all - and install it. Since you can make it fault out pretty much on demand, then just lay the fabricated harness in there all quick and dirty. You might also consider pulling all the non-essential VREF sensors - DPFE, FTP, etc. Scoping the CMP and CKP lines may also yield some insight... Just don't get frustrated by the problem. These P0340's can be a real bitch, and don't let anyone breathe down your neck. Don't forget that the PCM is looking for a very small signal during a very short window. If anything screws up the sequence, the PCM will fault out... Keep us posted...
  10. The price has increased. It's because of the weak dollar against foreign currencies. Damn Bernake.
  11. Heh... I had a set of metal truck balls on my car for a while... 'xept mine is a sunfire... It was kinda cool to toss sparks every time I hit a dip in the road...
  12. Well, the bus between the PCM and the TCM is internal to the casing of the PCM. So, if there is an issue with that bus, the only repair would be to replace the PCM. However, that's not the answer we want. Ok, early build? Wiring harnesses are issues, of course. Intermittant VREF shorts to ground, too. Later trucks aren't as affected by VREF shorts, ie. they don't down the processor and cycle the CEL, WIF, and WTS lights on the dash. On your truck with the running problem, I would most certainly pursue that concern first. Keep the U-codes in the back of your mind, but don't fret them yet. Once you find the cause of the running issue, then the reason for the U-codes may become apparent. Finally, the other truck with no running concerns. What are you doing to it? Why did you connect the scan tool to it? Is it a required periodic inspection? Do the U-codes need to be fixed? Forgive me for being obtuse, but in the south we have no yearly emissions testing or similar EPA or DOT requirements. I'm unfamiliar with what you guys face in the north...
  13. Am I to understand that the golden goose only shits on my lawn? Hell, the only reason I come to work is to keep from getting bored. Bring your truck to me, I'll fix it for free, and I'll cover the cost of parts. Actually, you can probably save me quite a bit of time if you bring in your wiring diagram photocopies, and tell me where the problem is. I'll reach back there and fix it for you while the truck is still on the service drive. You probably don't even have to shut it off or even get out. Even better, how about I come to your house or place of business. I'll get your truck working right there in the parking lot, and I'll even change the oil for free - for allowing me the priviledge of touching your automobile. ass...
  14. I've started lifting the entire cooler assemby out as a unit - A/C condensor, trans cooler, the whole mess. Then dissect it all on the floor. Seems to go faster for me...
  15. Ok, so I've got this 6.4 staring me in the face with a leaking radiator, failed turbos, low compression on #6 and #8, and a programmer in the (already open) glove box. Various codes in memory, no oil on the dipstick, low oil pressure at idle, no coolant visible in the degas jug. Call the hotline. Advised to call the warranty assistance center about the programmer. Ok. Call the center. Get transfered to an in-duh-vidual who doesn't know her ass from a hole in the ground. Here's how it goes: Me: "I've got a 6.4 in an F-350 that is low on oil, oil pressure concerns, 6000 miles past on it's oil change interval, and there is a programmer in the truck." Her: "Ok, so what is your question?" Me: "Is the warranty status affected by the condition of the truck and the presence of a programmer?" Her: "What do you mean?" Me: "The truck is low on oil. The truck is over by 6000 miles on it's oil change interval. There is a programmer that has probably been installed on the truck." Her: "Did the oil cause a problem?" Me: "Probably." Her: "Then it wouldn't be covered under warranty if they are not maintaining the vehicle." Me: "What about the programmer?" Her: "What's a programmer?" Me: "An aftermarket performance enhancement device." Her: "Did it cause a problem?" Me: "I'm not qualified to answer that question. That's why I'm talking to you." Her: "Well, if it caused a problem, then it wouldn't be covered by warranty." Me: "Ok, then. Thank you." Her: "Is there anything else I can help you with?" Me: "Else? You haven't helped me with anything, yet!" Screw it. This customer is getting an engine, dammit. If Ford has such an idiotic method of determining warranty coverage, then they deserve what they get. I cannot believe they had someone read me the warranty and policy manual. Fuckin' idiots!
  16. Ehhh.. Let the giants slug it out. They will still need someone to fix these fuckin' things.... I see job security...
  17. I regularly run these engines without the EGR valve in place. It's not a test, but more to clear out the EGR cooler of carbon that will break away easily. I pull the valve, start the engine, and run it up to redline. Hold it there for a few seconds and then shut it off. I always find a significant amount of carbon scattered about after that. So far I haven't had any carbon catch in a valve seat or anything stupid like that. But I only so that on the trucks that are in warranty, just to cover myself..
  18. To be specific, I got Kodak's SV1011. It's a 10 inch 16:9 frame. Comes with 128 megs, but I put in a 2 gig SD card so I've got more room than I know what to do with. It will timer itself so it's only on during certain hours of the day, and that can be overridden easily with the remote. It also plays movie clips and .mp3's. I spent a little less than $200 on mine. I spoke to the people in electronics, and they say this model has been on sale for about a year at their location. They have had the same display model running 24/7 since then, and it still operates properly...
  19. So I go to Wal-Mart some time ago, and I'm poking around in the electronics area. I come across these digital picture frames. I think to myself, "Whoa, that's cool.." and promptly put it on the back burner. Then my brother calls me up. He's got an idea for a Christmas present for our grandmother (this all takes place last year). A digital picture frame. We can all collaborate on compiling a list of pictures, load 'em all up onto a frame, and there ya go gramma, picture overload. So we each get about 300 or so pictures off our home computers, load up an SD card, and give it to our grandparents. Perfect gift. Now, we've had a lot of loss in our family in the last few years. We're also separated by quite a few miles. I went back down to Wal-Mart and got a frame for myself. Fabricated up a bracket to mount it to the inside cover of my toolbox, punched a hole in the back for a power cord, and now I've got 900 or so pictures scrolling through. It's really nice since my family has become so disconnected over the last decade... I'm seeing views that I haven't laid eyes on in years... I would highly recommend these units if you've got a lot of pictures stored on your hard drive... Hiding them there does no one any good! And ask your family to burn a bunch onto a disc to send to you.... Kind of a nice way to reconnect.... Anyway, enough blubbering. Back to work.
  20. I could see why Ford would be wishy washy on this point. On the one hand, Ford shouldn't state that the TP will stop a runaway in addition to it's other duties. Otherwise, if the TP doesn't stop a runaway and there are lawsuits over it, Ford could be on the hook for damages. However, the logic to command the TP closed is pretty simple. Compare RPM vs RPM_DSD and if they deviate more than (x) amount, kill the injectors and close the TP. If the TP is successful in stopping the engine, great. Disaster averted. If the TP is unsuccessful, then Ford backs up and says, "well, it wasn't designed for that anyway." What's the worst that will happen? The plate might break off and lodge furthur up the intake? Whoop de doo... The engine is probably doomed anyway... Doesn't seems like much downside risk to command the TP to close, but don't admit that is one of the functions.... At least that's what it looks like from down here...
  21. The overspeed code wasn't necessarily set at the same time as the other code. The overspeed could have occured and stored a code quite some time before this event....
  22. I had one similar, although not nearly as interesting and provocative as yours... So I'll kee mine quick.... Had a truck in a while back for misfire under load. Traced it down to two injectors on the left bank. No fuel pressure issues, just some bung injectors. Stop by the parts department to pick them up, get the build date off the OASIS, and see that two bank 2 injectors and one bank 1 injector have already been replaced just a month ago. Uhhh oh, now I've got an issue. Back up and punt. Rerun my diagnosis. Definately have cylinders 2 and 6 dropping out. Fuel pressure is great. Everything is telling me that the new injectors in holes 2 and 6 are bad. I pull the valve cover. The color of the solenoids on injectors 2 and 6 are just as yellow as the solenoids on 4 and 8. Reread the OASIS - injectors 1,2,6 replaced. I looked at the connector for injector 1 - it is turned so the metal clip is facing forward instead of upwards. Injectors 3 and 5 are like that too. Injector 7 as well as the injectors on the left bank all have their metal clips facing straight up. Ah ha! So, I'm a little bent. I'm feeling a little high and mighty. I look up the phone number for the other dealer, speak to service, reference the claim number, get them to pull the hardcopy, and hand it and the phone to the technician who worked on the truck. Asked him if he was absolutely sure that he put injectors in BOTH banks of this truck. He lies to me and says yep. I tell him I'm about to put two injectors - the two he already replaced - and need to know if I need to make it an SPW claim. He still lies and says yep. Well, I thanked him for his time and hung up. What else could I do? I photographed the truck with the valve cover off. Printed out the picture and attatched it to the RO. Charged the customer his $100 deductible, did not submit an SPW claim, and wrote up everything except the phone conversation. Evidently it went through without a hitch. Never heard a thing after I turned in the paperwork. I covered my bases. If the other tech can get away with it, fine. I can sleep at night just fine.
  23. Oh, my... The parts department.... Lessee... The manager was fired for smoking crack on the job and recieving visits from the local repo company (the representative that was sent was the husband of one of the office girls...) The next guy fired wasn't fired for smoking dope on the job, he was fired for skimming off the top. Got caught with an air ratchet and a radar detector that was billed on an RO. Then the office manager gets her nose into it. Every single RO, every single parts invoice, every single PO is passed through her heands, scrutinized by myopic eyes and an uncomprehending brain, and then questioned as to why this can of brake cleaner or that hose clamp is being charged to the shop. Then the owner of the dealership places his friend in the back counter position. He doesn't know anything about parts, he is just there to observe and report back. We have an overworked and harassed manager. And, thank God, we have just hired someone with adequate knowledge! His specialty is Toyota, but he is willing and able to learn. However, things are so tight in parts that we cannot even think about getting parts or fluids without an RO. Don't just come up with the number - you need the actual RO. Don't ask for tape, clamps, bolts, nuts, nothing. Every scrap of ANYTHING that gets passed through the window gets charged on an RO or charged to the shop (never mind the fact that brake cleaner, nuts and bolts, hose clamps, etc. were already placed on a shop ticket when they were recipted in). Again, I am thankful that I'm the diesel bitch in our shop. 90% of what I work on is warranty, so no haggling prices, no fussing over parts availability (we've got enough 6.0L inventory to build three complete trucks!), etc. That, combined with the fact that I really don't give a rat's ass about the business side of the shop, makes for a much more enjoyable experience than my coworkers. I feel sorry for them....
  24. Tony, I'm hearing several messages from you. You're pissed. You're pissed because the service manager is using your number to defraud Ford You're pissed because of the attitude others have towards you - because you are "only" 23 and have the ability to use your brain for diagnosis You're pissed because the whole shop gossips. You're pissed because the manager gets upset when you point things out to him. Believe it or not, from this I see quite a similarity between you and how I was two decades ago. I was young, full of energy, punted diagnosis past the endzone, not afraid to dive off into anything, annoyed at others' ineptitude, got bent when special tools were missing or broken, didn't suffer fools well. Heh, then I grew up some. Got married. Got a mortgage. Got a kid. Lost my father, mother, uncle, and mother-in-law. Figured out that working on trucks is what I do for money. Let me repeat that another way - If they didn't pay me, I wouldn't be here. This is a job. With all it's victories and frustrations, it's still just a job. At 5:30, my ass is out the door, and this place is out of my head for another 14 hours. After I figured this out, my work got a whole lot easier. Once I adopted this come to work, do my work, go home to my life attitude, I don't have a reason to get bent out of shape anymore. And let me tell you, I could throw some tantrums.... The way I see it, you've got some valid, concrete complaints. Your dealership is using your numebr to defraud Ford. And you've got inadequate tools to work with. The rest of your complaints, sorry to say, sound like "noise" to me. Who cares if the shop gossips? What does it matter if the manager gets bent at you when you report equipment deficiencies? I would suggest that you consider a few things. First and foremost, give yourself a good hard self evaluation. Clear the house out - send the wife and kids to stay at Grandma's for a night - and pour you a few strong drinks (or whatever your poison is..). Turn the TV off. And think about yourself. What are you doing right? What are you doing wrong? Where are you being mature and immature? Will you look back in ten or twenty years and feel ashamed about your behavior? Be brutal, but be honest. Make a list if that helps you. Then go to your boss. Tell him that you feel that misusing your number is committing fraud, and that you are an accessory. Tell him you want it stopped by a specific date, or you will call Ford. Next, tell him that there are deficiencies in special service tools and you'd like to schedule a time to do an inventory with him. Then leave his office. Go back to work. Do your job, and do it well. Do not discuss what happened in the office with anyone except your manager. Tell gossipers to take it elsewhere, and don't get drawn in to talking about people. If you aren't working on a vehicle, or talking with a customer, then be in your designated work area ready to work. Remember that this is a job. If they didn't pay you, you wouldn't be here. It's not a social club, you don't come here by choice, it's not a hobby or any other sort of pastime. Adopting these attitudes have made a real difference in my life. I'm happier, easy to get along with, good at my job, and have a wonderful family life. So, maybe some of this will hit home. Some of it will clearly be a miss. Maybe you'll see through my ramblings and pick out the good pieces you need. I understand that most everyone feels that they were cocky and headstrong in their younger days. Maybe it's a rule of life that you have to progress through stages - I donno... Part of me wishes that someone would smack me at 23 and tell me to straighten the fuck up. Part of me recognizes that I needed to have lived through my 20's just as they were so I could see the folly and fix it... I don't have any answers - just know that I've been there and survived. Many other members here have similar stories... We're with you, buddy...
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