Power Up Power Strokes
Q: I realize the 6.0-liter Power Stroke Ford engine is detuned from 325 horsepower in the Super Duty to 235 in E-Series vans. I am purchasing a 2004 E-450 Ford RV Gulf Stream 27-foot Class-C motorhome. How can I get the original 325 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque from the engine without going through any aftermarket or third-party vendors? Is it just a question of PCM/ECM or MAP (chip) reprogramming? What's the simplest, least expensive procedure?
A: We relayed your question to Harold Allen with Ford Communications. Harold said it's all a packaging issue. The E-Series vans weren't originally designed to accommodate the 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel, and there's not as much room to breathe in the van's engine compartment, compared with the Super Duty. Making it fit in the E-Series reduced the engine's cooling surface area, due to smaller oilpan dimensions and the need to resize and relocate other vital parts. Ford engineers appropriately lowered power levels by means of PCM calibration. This keeps engine temperatures within an optimal range and maintains the engine's high level of durability. Our advice is if you find an aftermarket calibration kit to install--don't. You may be promoting long-term engine damage. I looked into the Gulf Stream Coach lineup of Ford E-450-based RVs, and the majority of the C-series motorhomes come equipped with the gasoline-powered V-10. The 6.8-liter Triton engine produces a smooth, quiet 305 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, while seeming to be the preferred power supply in this particular RV application.
Metric Oil Consumption
Q: I have a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo with 4WD and a V-6. It has an oil-consumption problem, using about one liter every 1000 kilometers. Is this a common problem? Are you aware of any solution?
A: There are no service bulletins pertaining to excessive oil consumption on Isuzu's 3.2-liter V-6. One liter of oil consumed every 1000 kilometers of travel converts to about 1.7 quarts every 1000 miles. This is excessive; however, you didn't mention the vehicle's mileage, which is a crucial factor in determining engine wear and warranty coverage. Technicians use a standard procedure before attempting any extensive mechanical diagnosis of the engine. First, the technician will make sure the PCV valve and system is functioning correctly. The PCV keeps the crankcase clean and prevents pressure buildup, which can have a direct effect on oil usage. Second, he'll check the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve and system. A lack of EGR operation will cause excessive combustion temperatures and promote oil consumption. Once these two systems are determined to be functioning correctly, the technician should perform an oil-consumption test to see how much is actually burning. If the results are excessive, then and only then would diagnosis of an internal mechanical problem take place. We haven't heard of any common premature internal engine failures causing oil consumption on your particular engine.