P0087 in 6.4 Power Stroke: Here's What You Need to Know

The 6.4L Power Stroke engine was installed in various Ford truck models. This article will prove helpful if your 6.4L Power Stroke engine has thrown up the P0087 error code. Many drivers have complained that design flaws and not poor maintenance cause the problems faced by their 6.4L Power Stroke engine.

P0087 code highlights

• Level of urgency:High
• Possible culprits:fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pressure sensor
• Price for repair:$100 - $800
• If neglected:Engine may not work efficiently, fuel pressure may fall evenfurther
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Carefully

What Does the P0087 Code Indicate?

The P0087 diagnostic trouble code always causes dread in drivers who recognize that their fuel system/rail pressure is too low. It means that your engine will be quite unreliable until the low fuel pressure is fixed. Considering that many problems could cause low fuel pressure, you are advised to rely on experts for an accurate diagnosis and efficient repair.

Drivers can find the most reliable solutions at their dealerships or any reputable auto repair shop. No one looks forward to engine repair, but it is a necessary part of car ownership that is best dispensed with as soon as possible.

Can You Drive with the P0087 Code?

Whenever your car displays the P0087 error code, you should not drive a mile further than the auto repair shop. P0087 is among the severe diagnostic trouble codes that only show up when your car is expected to experience significant drivability problems.

Ignoring the P0087 code is not advisable because you will have to contend with your vehicle running poorly, misfiring, loss of accelerating power, cutting out, or stalling. All these conditions reduce your safety by making you vulnerable to possible hazards and accidents, for example, losing power when accelerating to join the freeway.

Refrain from pushing your malfunctioning engine further than you have to. It is best to rely on a certified mechanic to repair the problem and give you the green light by assuring you that your vehicle is safe to drive.

Common Causes of the P0087 Code

The defect or malfunction of various engine components may cause low fuel pressure in your common rail system. Your PCM tracks the pressure level and adjusts the elements concerned to ensure your engine receives the fuel it needs under various driving conditions.

For example, when accelerating, towing, or driving uphill, your PCM will increase fuel pressure to comply with the engine's increased demand during high performance. When cruising, your PCM may reduce fuel pressure as the engine is not at peak performance.

A pressure sensor on the rail system detects the pressure levels and warns the PCM when the pressure is below your engine's requirements. If your vehicle's computer cannot adjust the fuel pressure accordingly, you will likely notice a check engine light and the P0087 error code.

1. Faulty Fuel Filter

Your fuel filter guarantees that dirt and debris will not enter your system. Most drivers need to be aware that their oil filters should be replaced every two years or after about 30,000 miles. If the fuel filter or screen in your 6.4L engine is clogged, you will likely face the P0087 error. The blockage or restrictions in your fuel filter will not let oil through efficiently and thus may cause the low pressure detected by the ECM.

Even though your engine has a bypass valve that ought to allow circulation even when your filter is blocked, it is not advisable to rely on this backup measure. The bypass valve will likely allow contaminated fuel into your system and cause further engine damage. If your fuel filter is not working as expected, chances are high that your ECM will set the P0087 code to warn you of the impending problem.

Solution:

While the fuel filter can be cleaned and reinstalled in your car, in most cases, the most appropriate solution is to buy a new filter. It is advisable to get your vehicle's other filters, e.g., engine air filter, and cabin air filter checked out while you are at it. Fuel filters for the 6.4L Power Stroke engine cost between $150 and $200.

2. Restricted/Leaky Fuel Supply Lines

Fuel lines are an often neglected yet essential part of your fuel system. They carry gas from your tank to the 6.4L Power Stroke engine. Your fuel pump will draw gas from the tank through the fuel lines and send it to the engine via the fuel filter.

If the fuel lines cannot sustain the pressure necessary to deliver the right fuel to your injectors, your vehicle may display the P0087 code. The failure to maintain the correct amount of pressure in the fuel lines is usually caused by restriction or leakage of the lines. Such defects will reduce your fuel pressure and hinder proper fuel delivery to your engine.

Solution:

You will need to inspect all your fuel lines for signs of leakage or restriction. Only remove your fuel lines if you have a replacement part ready for installation.

3. Malfunctioning Fuel Pump or Control Module

Defective fuel pumps or pump control modules are always the main suspect whenever a motorist experiences the P0087 code. Your fuel pump may malfunction if it has suffered some damage or has lived out its usefulness over time. The most common causes of damage to your fuel pump include the following:

• Clogged screen filter. If the screen filter - found at the bottom of the pump to filter our large debris - gets blocked, fuel either moves too slowly through the pump or fails to move. Your fuel pump will eventually get damaged from the continuous strain of trying to deliver the correct amount of fuel.
• Insufficient voltage - your fuel pump is powered by the battery. If your battery is not supplying enough voltage due to poor health or wiring, your pump will not generate the pressure needed for your 6.4L Power Stroke to run efficiently.
• Malfunctioning pump relay - your fuel pump relay control how much current is sent to your pump. A defective relay causes the pump to malfunction, causing your engine to stall or fail to start due to low fuel pressure.

Solution:

Fuel pump diagnosis and repair calls for fine-tuned skills and lots of experience. Entrust your 6.4L Power Stroke engine to a certified mechanic who will advise you whether to repair or replace the fuel pump. The longer your vehicle displays the P0087 code, the higher the chances of severe fuel pump damage.

4. A Defective Pressure Regulator

Your pressure regulator adjusts the pressure in your system to ensure it is just right. If your regulator is the cause of the P0087 code, you may notice the following accompanying symptoms:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Black smoke pouring out of your exhaust
• Engine misfire, stalling, or failure
• Loss of power

Solution:

The pressure regulator is usually tested using a fuel pressure gauge. If a professional mechanic detects that your fuel pressure regulator is malfunctioning, they will advise you on whether to repair or replace it.

5. Electrical Malfunction in Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor

The P0087 code may be caused by your fuel rail pressure sensor detecting wrong pressure readings. Your sensor may detect and relay incorrect readings due to these conditions:

• A damaged fuel pump
• A broken or loose gas cap
• Blockage of fuel lines

A malfunction of the fuel pressure sensor is one of the less common causes of the P0087 error code.

Solution:

If you suspect your sensor is defective, you should have it inspected by a professional who can rule out the common causes. If your sensor is malfunctioning independently of these causes, your mechanic will recommend you purchase a new one.

Avoiding the P0087 Code in Your 6.4L Power Stroke Engine

After fixing your P0087 error code, you should take steps to ensure you never face the challenge again. The good news is that several maintenance and driving habits will keep the P0087 error at bay. These include:

• Keeping up with your scheduled service appointments
• Regularly checking that your oil and gas levels never run too low
• Ensuring that all your filters are free of blockage. If you drive on tough terrain, it will be necessary to inspect your filters more often than a city driver.
• Avoiding hard braking and acceleration in favor of a deliberately smooth driving style. Always accelerate and brake gradually rather than suddenly.
• Check your vehicle's warning lights and consult your dealership or a reputable mechanic for diagnosis whenever one pops up.

Conclusion

Drivers should address the P0087 error code immediately to avoid internal engine damage resulting from continuous exposure to low pressure. If your car displays this code, consult a professional as soon as possible to save yourself expensive repairs or an engine write-off down the road.