The 6.7 Power Stroke engine is not uncommon in America. It was used in a lot of truck models of Ford and is now not only a truck engine but also a project engine for a lot of enthusiasts. We can tell you for sure that the 6.7-liter model is not one of the best engines in the world, especially among diesel units, but it's still popular.
Key features and my opinion about the engine
- Production years:2011-2016
- Average lifespan of 6.7 Power Stroke:240,000-270,000 miles
- Fuel supply type:Common Rail
- Power range:330-475 hp
- Fuel efficiency:average
- Engine block material:cast-iron
- Engine reliability score:medium
- The most common problems:turbo problems, cooling system issues, weak sensors, CP4 pump problems.
How can you know there is air in the fuel system in your 6.7?
This is a tricky question because you can't actually hear or see any air in fuel lines. Well, someone insists they hear some kind of gurgling when they initially turn on the ignition and the fuel pump starts pumping up the pressure. But we are pretty sure they just hear some problems with the fuel pump or filter.
Air bubbles are hard to hear because the fuel pump builds up pretty high pressure in your fuel system and the bubbles won't just freely float around the pipes. They will be moved toward the engine. But still, this problem is not hard to notice because it has some obvious symptoms:
- the engine will not start, although all important factors are in order;
- there is not enough pressure in the fuel system which is fatal for any diesel unit;
- air can block some parts of your fuel lines, especially your filters;
- also, air blocks can easily lead to a broken fuel pump or other fuel equipment which is not cheap at all.
You may see that air in the fuel system is not a good sign for your 6.7 Power Stroke engine. So, let's see why it may happen.
What causes air in the fuel system in the 6.7 Power Stroke?
First of all, air may be there in your fuel system after the filter change. But it's a normal thing and it's usually cured just by turning on the ignition without starting your car for 30 seconds a couple of times.
But if air appears in the system without prior filter change, this is a bad sign. Here are some of the possible issues that could lead to it:
- your filter housing is broken and leaks some air;
- some O-rings in the system are not working anymore;
- the fuel pump sucks some air from an empty fuel tank;
- the fuel lines have some leaks.
Usually, when something is leaking in the system, the fuel will be blasted out once you turn on the ignition. But when it comes to some O-rings or fuel pump problems, air may be sucked into the system and block something there. This may also allow more air to enter the system and block it eventually.
Solving this problem is not very easy, especially if you don't have any experience as a car mechanic.
How to deal with the problem?
If you are sure that your 6.7 Power Stroke doesn't start exactly because of the air in its fuel system, you should first do the following:
- insert your key in the ignition switch;
- turn it to switch the ignition (without starting the engine);
- wait for 30 seconds;
- turn the ignition off;
- repeat this procedure 5 times.
After that, you may try to start the engine and see if the problem disappears. If not, you may need more complicated procedures to let the air leave the fuel lines. Most likely, these procedures should be completed in the service center or repair shop.
Most specialists will do the following:
- measure the pressure of the fuel in the engine bay;
- check the fuel pump;
- check the filter and all other units in the fuel supply system;
- check the tank for leaks;
- make sure the fuel tank breather works well;
- disassembling the lines and checking them step by step.
This is what helps avoid problems with air in fuel lines. Unfortunately, the diagnosis may take a lot of time and it's not always precise because you can't check anything with a simple OBD-2 scanner. You will need to visually and mechanically control the operation of all units.
To sum up, you shouldn't worry much if your 6.7 Power Stroke has problems with air in its fuel system. If you can't deal with the problems, you should just visit the repair shop and let professionals cope with all possible issues.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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