2022 Ford F450 6.7L Powerstroke Platinum w/ FX4 Off-Road Package

 Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke: The Powertrain of Choice

Engine Overview

Engine Specs

Key Engine Features

Common Issues - First Gen (2011-2014)

Common Issues - 2nd Gen (2015-2019)

Common Issues - 3rd Gen (2020+)

How to Upgrade Performance Parts

A In-depth Look at the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke

Today’s powertrain of choice in Ford Superduty trucks and cab chassis trucks is the 6.7 L V-8 Power Stroke engine. One of the most powerful and capable engines being manufactured, it can provide tremendous performance and towing capabilities. What makes this engine so great, and why do so many love it? 

Engine Overview

Debuting in 2011, Super Duty trucks (F-250 through F-550), the 6.7 L replaced the problematic 6.4 L Power Stroke and was the first Power Stroke developed and manufactured by Ford, designed in conjunction with AVL of Austria. It has remained a staple of Ford Super Duty trucks for more than a decade, though it has gone through a number of changes.

The engine is a diesel, 90-degree 8-cylinder engine, featuring an Overhead Valve (OHV) design. It provides both durability and performance while still being significantly quieter than previous Ford diesel engines.

Due to the exhaust manifold and turbocharger being mounted in the engine’s valley, it was code-named “Scorpion” during its development. The engine featured a block made from compacted graphite iron, giving it greater strength at a reduced weight, as well as reverse flow aluminum cylinder heads with dual water jackets, six head bolts per cylinder, and a 29,000 psi high-pressure common rail Bosch system. Up to five injection events per cycle were delivered using eight-hole piezo injectors that sprayed fuel into the piston bowl.

2022 Ford F450 6.7L Powerstroke Platinum w/ FX4 Off-Road Package

The engine has received structural enhancements over the years. The cylinder head, engine blocks, bearings, and connecting rods provide greater reliability, and the ability to handle  extra output and greater cylinder pressures. New steel pistons are used for higher firing pressure and lower friction.

The engine supports B20 biodiesel, meaning it can accept 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. Emissions controls include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), Denoxtronic-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) from Bosch, and exhaust gas recirculation. Originally, output was 390 hp and 735 lb-foot, but Ford announced an update to the engine soon after production started. This update brought the engine to 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and 800 lb-foot at 1,600 rpm, while providing better fuel economy.

The 2021 Ford Pickup trucks with the 6.7 L Power Stroke reached an output of 475 hp at 2,600 rpm and 1,050 lb-feet at 1,600 rpm, making it the best-in-class diesel in horsepower. Previously, these numbers had only been attainable with diesel tuning and other diesel performance modifications. The lightweight body and weight-saving engine design also result in excellent fuel economy.

Third-generation Power Stroke engines use a new fuel injection system with new injectors that reduce noise and improve combustion, offering up to 8 injection events per stroke and a more precise fuel spray.

Engine Specs

6.7L Powerstroke Engine Block

Here are some of the specifications of the 6.7 L Power Stroke diesel engine:

Key Specs:

• 450HP

• 935 lb-ft torque

• TorqShift heavy-duty 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission

• 4x2 or 4x4 drive system

• 35,000 lbs max towing

• 7,640 lbs max payload

Key Engine Features

• 157-amp standards

• 332-amp dual alternators optional

• Stationary elevated idle control

• Pressurized series flow cooling system

• Aluminum cylinder head

• Compacted graphite iron block material

• Push rod/ rocker arms valve operation

2022 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke F350 Platinum w/ FX4 Off-Road Package

Common Issues

While there is no shortage of love among enthusiasts for the 6.7 L Power Stroke, it has to be said that it is not without its problems. All engines are prone to certain issues, and this is no exception. So what are the most common problems with the 6.7 L Power Stroke?

2011 Ford F-250 6.7L  Powerstroke XLT Supercab

1st Gen Ford 6.7 Diesel V8 (2011-2014)

Starting in 2011, Ford produced their own version of the Power Stroke series. Given that it was their first attempt at producing the engine in-house, it is understandable that it is the least reliable version they made. This is entirely normal, however; virtually every first model produced by a company will have some faults.

2016 Ford F-250 4WD Crew Cab 156 King Ranch

2nd Gen 6.7 Power Stoke (2015-2019)

There were some noticeable upgrades to the 2nd gen Power Stroke. Some of these upgrades included:

- IROX coating on the lower main bearing
- Fan clutch update
- Heavier crankshaft damper
- EGR cooler flow
- Turbo updates for additional power and torque

While not a complete list of the updates for the 2nd gen, these are some of the more important ones. Some updates went toward increasing reliability, while others were focused on increasing performance and torque.

2020 Ford F-250 LARIAT TREMOR DIESEL

3rd Gen Power Stroke 6.7 (2020+)

Another good update came with 2020’s Power Stroke, improving on previous versions and making it even more reliable. Proper maintenance should get it to 250,000+ miles/ 400,000+ km.

In terms of the actual issues experienced by the 6.7 L Power Stroke, some of the common ones include:

EGT Sensor Failure

Some of the most common issues with the 6.7 L Power Stroke are related to the exhaust gas sensor (EGT). There are 4 sensors in total, meaning there are several opportunities for failure. Even once replaced, the replacement sensors may simply fail again. The ones most prone to experiencing problems seem to be the middle two, sensors 12 and 13. They are problematic enough that some choose simply to delete the sensors.

Some of the indications that the sensors may be failing include the check engine light, fault codes, and failed transmissions test.

EGR Cooler Clogging

Another one of the most common problems is the EGR cooler clogging, though it is not as common as with the 6.0 L and 6.4 L engines. The design was changed for the 6.7 L engine, but the new design had its own problems such as carbon deposits building up on the EGR cooler core, eventually clogging it completely. Symptoms include overheating, check engine light, and fault code P0401.

Injection Pump Failure

This can be an issue of significant concern to some owners. The problem may have been exaggerated, but it is worth knowing about. The pump is a Bosch CP4, known to fail due to metal-on-metal contact within the pump. The biggest concern comes from metal contamination in the fuel system, which can impact several other components. Some owners have been required to replace the bulk of the fuel system when this occurs, but Ford, fortunately, used a new pump with the 3rd gen Power Stroke.

Turbocharger Problems

Primarily an issue of the 1st gen engines, failure could occur in the turbo bearings. A suspected cause is that the turbo is too small for the boost and torque requested. This also means that those who mod their 6.7 L for more power could experience this failure even earlier than other owners.

These are just a few of the issues, though perhaps among the more serious. Does this make the 6.7 L Power Stroke a bad engine? No, not at all, as many enthusiastic owners will tell you.

2023 6.7L High Output Power Stroke^® V8 Turbo Diesel

How to Upgrade Performance Parts

What many owners of the 6.7 L Power Stroke love best about the engine is upgrading it. If you are looking for a way to bring your engine to the next level here are some things you can consider.

Turbo Charger

Upgrade your turbo to boost your performance and driveability. Your 2011-2014 truck can benefit from this exchange turbo from Garrett, which uses a double-sided compressor wheel to achieve a near two-stage boost from a single package.

FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2011-2016 TURBOCHARGERS UPGRADES
FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2017-2023 TURBOCHARGERS UPGRADES

Fuel System

This Venom Ford 2011-2018 dual fuel kit can supply the fuel you need for 1000hp and lets you use the full potential of a larger S400 or S300 turbo. It’s an excellent upgrade if you’re looking for greater fuel flow with less restriction.

FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2011-2016 FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADES
FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2017-2023 FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADES

Air Intake

More oxygen to your engine means getting more power out of it. Improving airflow is a great way to increase the performance of your vehicle. This open air intake kit with its 5-inch inlet can help you in your quest to get every last bit of power from your engine.

FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2011-2016 AIR INTAKE UPGRADES
FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2017-2023 AIR INTAKE UPGRADES

Exhaust

Upgrading your exhaust system provides better volumetric efficiency, allowing your engine to breathe better. You’ll get better performance and improved fuel efficiency. To help with one of the Ford 6.7 L Power Stroke’s common failures, BD has carefully crafted this manifold kit with high-silicon ductile cast iron and 75% thicker walls to retain heat and prevent warping. You’ll experience greater reliability and performance.

FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2011-2016 EXHAUST SYSTEM UPGRADES
FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2017-2023 EXHAUST SYSTEM UPGRADES

Intercooler Pipe

Replace your fragile factory intercooler piping with this cold side intercooler pipe kit for your 2011-2016 Ford Power Stroke. Avoid the pipe bursting that can occur due to temperature cycling with this black powder-coated steel charge pipe from BD. 

FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2011-2016 INTERCOOLER PIPE UPGRADES
FORD 6.7L POWERSTROKE 2017-2023 INTERCOOLER PIPE UPGRADES

Fans of the Ford 6.7 L Power Stroke know that, despite a few issues, they have a great engine on their hands. With the right replacement performance parts, it can get even better.

6.7L Power Stroke Specifications Chart

* Ford's cylinder numbering convention for the 6.7L diesel is entirely different than that of previous International-Navistar produced engines.

Comment below with your questions for the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engine and we'll be happy to answer any questions we can. 

More Reading: BD Diesel's Complete Overview of the Ford Power Stroke Diesel Engine