Head Gaskets, WVO & Warranty

[SC Grizz]

Much to my dismay, I have all the symptoms of head gasket failure. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but based on the reading I have done, that's what I expect them to find.

The Good News: I'm still under warranty....

The Bad News: VOing the last 10k miles.....

Has anyone had any experience with dealers/warranties while running VO? I know that I have legally voided the warranty, but I have also read that I may have an argument that since this is a widespread problem with the 6.0 and not specifically related to VO, it could be covered.

I'm trying to decide how to approach the dealer. Tell them first? Let them figure out I'm on VO?

[fiveohpatrol]

If you're that concerned about it you could always remove the kit before taking it in

I thought that "legally" they have to prove that it was related to your modification to not honor the warranty, could be wrong though. I'm curious to what the others have to say.

[HORSEMOVER]

I had mine done under warranty right before VO conversion but my truck was modded with an SCT and exhaust when that was done. You just need to find the right dealer. I see you are in SC - there is a tech. on Powerstroke.org that has his own shop and works at a dealership as well. I think he is in NC but know he has helped many out with headstud issues and people travel from all over the country to work with him. He goes by Scuffy but I think his screenname is Scuffy828. I will see what I can find out or Clay should be able to get you going in the right direction as he knows who Scuffy is as well.

Attached is a link to him. I would send him a pm over there and explain what is going on along with everything you have done to the truck.

http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/members/list/

[Wilson]

horsemover said it right.. take the time to find a good dealer.

My dealer in NJ just did a TON of warranty work on my truck with the V3 on it. Probably 5k worth of repairs...

[SC Grizz]

Thanks for the advice. I have sent Scuffy a message. We'll see what he recommends. I'm about 220 miles from him, so it's not impossible to go see him.

I don't believe I could bring myself to remove the system knowing I would have to put it right back in. I about lost my religion on those fuel ports the first time. Of course, finding out what non-warranty head gasket replacement would cost might sway me the other way.

[HORSEMOVER]

Good luck! Let us know what you find out.

[SC Grizz]

I found out today that I do have failed head gaskets. Dealer said it will be covered under warranty, but I'm pretty sure they don't know about the V3. I also talked to him about using aftermarket studs. He said he would have to get it approved through his boss, the service manager.

Obviously, I haven't brought up the V3. I'm afraid to just take it in and let them do the work without removing the V3 because they could possibly void the warranty and refuse to put the connections back. He told me that it costs ~$2500 for gaskets alone, $6500 if they have to replace the heads due to pitting.

And on the other side, taking out all the V3 stuff knowing it will have to go right back in is not a pleasant thought either. And how much do I take out? Right now I'm thinking everything from the manifold forward.

I've thought about filling the tank with diesel and telling them it's a supplemental fuel system for off-road diesel, but not sure how I would explain the heated tank. And I suppose they could still void the warranty for engine modifications.

Talk about the proverbial rock/hard place......not a good day.

[Vegistroke James]

Two things here:

First, if your worried about the V3 don't be I would alter the part they are sure to run across during the fix. Remove your fuel lines in the engine bay and cap off the two jics at the opposite ends of the heads. Then put a cap on the 3/8th port on the V3 that leads up to the engine, then just replace the fuel lines when you your truck back. Or you can leave the fuel lines and, at that point, just tell them that its a heated fuel system for running the ASTM Bio-diesel that you buy down at your local diesel fill station! Which ironically is 100% approved by Ford to be ran in your vehicle, end of story! I hope this helps a little, Cheers!

[SC Grizz]

James,

I'll call you today and discuss this. I want to be sure I understand what you are recommending.

Thanks!

[Marv]

If it were me, I'd probably just disconnect and cap any connections between the manifold and the engine. If it doesn't touch your engine, they shouldn't be able to say anything about anything else you bolt to your truck. I'd go by the dealer and pick up a set of the stock bolts for the rear of the heads. Remove all the V3 stuff from there to the manifold and cap it off. Then I'd just splice my coolant supply line to my return line and go for it. Technically, you really don't have to tell them what the V3 is, or what it does. I think James's suggestion of a "Bio" based system is a great explanation. They should only be concerned about the engine and the failed head gaskets. If they give you flack, find another dealer and start calling folks at Ford.

[SC Grizz]

This ended really well. After talking with James at DFA, here's what I did:

Removed the heater jacket from the Donaldson filter, which is the only thing with a DFA logo.

Ran out all the WVO and pumped some diesel into the heated tank.

Went to the dealer and told them I had a heated auxiliary fuel system and explained how it fed into the rear fuel ports. I offered to remove them prior to giving them the truck. They said no problem, they would remove and reinstall. Also explained the front check valves and the need to not replace them with stock bolts.

So they removed and replaced all the Vegistroke stuff, installed new head gaskets and installed ARP studs on top of that. Of course I had to buy those, but that's okay. All the other work was done for $100 under the original 100k warranty.

Life is good!

[Marv]

That's incredible man...who would have ever thought it'd go that good.

Glad to hear they took care of it for you without a lot of hassle.

[Vegistroke James]

This ended really well. After talking with James at DFA, here's what I did:

Removed the heater jacket from the Donaldson filter, which is the only thing with a DFA logo.

Ran out all the WVO and pumped some diesel into the heated tank.

Went to the dealer and told them I had a heated auxiliary fuel system and explained how it fed into the rear fuel ports. I offered to remove them prior to giving them the truck. They said no problem, they would remove and reinstall. Also explained the front check valves and the need to not replace them with stock bolts.

So they removed and replaced all the Vegistroke stuff, installed new head gaskets and installed ARP studs on top of that. Of course I had to buy those, but that's okay. All the other work was done for $100 under the original 100k warranty.

Life is good!

Glad to hear it Grizz!!!