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Symptoms · 6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present)
6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present): oil leak, oil consumption or rising oil level
2 documented failures on this engine list this among their signs. They are ordered from the most widespread down. Each one shows the signs in its record's own words, how to tell it from the others, the usual fix and any recall or bulletin.
Not sure which engine you have, or want the recalls for your exact truck? Check your VIN: it names the engine and lists the campaigns for that model year. Whether a recall is still open on your VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
verified
How widespread: Common
49 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 1,754 checked
How it shows up
- fuel dilution of the oil: a rising oil level or oil on the dipstick that smells strongly of diesel
Its other signs
- injector circuit codes P0201-P0208 (one per cylinder), or cylinder-specific misfire codes P0301-P0308
- hard starting, especially cold, with extended crank times as internal leakage bleeds off rail pressure
- white smoke at idle (unatomized fuel from a leaking injector) or black smoke under load (an injector stuck rich)
How to tell it apart
- review cylinder balance and fuel trim data at idle and under load; run PCM power-balance/relative-compression tests to separate fuel problems from mechanical ones
- check rail pressure command vs actual during cranking - pressure that will not build implicates the pump/pressure-control valves or gross injector return leakage (a leak-back test isolates which)
- always rule out the low-pressure supply side (Low-pressure fuel supply weakness (lift pump, filters, water-in-fuel)) before condemning high-pressure components
Usual fix
replace failed injectors in matched sets, not individually - pairing one new injector with seven worn ones causes balance complaints and repeat labor
Root cause, parts and sources →
verified
How widespread: Occasional
5 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 1,754 checked
How it shows up
- gen1 (2011-2014): rising high-pitched whine/screech with engine speed, shaft play, oil consumption, blue-gray smoke, eventually wheel-to-housing contact
- oil film or pooled oil in the charge piping (turbo seal transfer, vs normal light crankcase-vapor film)
Its other signs
- gen2/gen3 (2015-present): underboost code P0299, overboost P0234, actuator fault codes P0045-P0048, sluggish spool without the bearing-failure noise signature
- loss of exhaust-brake-like power under load
How to tell it apart
- listen at cold start and under load: a healthy turbo whistles evenly; a rising screech or a note that changes pitch under load points at bearings (gen1 signature)
- with the intake tract opened, check compressor wheel shaft play - a small amount in/out is normal, side-to-side contactable play is not
- pressure-test the charge-air system BEFORE condemning the turbo for a P0299 - boost leaks (see Intercooler condensation ingestion + cold-side charge-pipe fatigue) mimic turbo failure convincingly on this platform
Usual fix
gen1 (2011-2014): replace with an updated steel-bearing turbo assembly, not another ceramic-bearing original-design unit
Root cause, parts and sources →
Other symptoms on the 6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present)
Hard start, long crank or no-startLoss of power, limp mode or derateWhite smoke from the exhaustLosing coolantTicking, knocking, rattle or whineMisfire, rough idle, hesitation or surgingDEF, DPF and regeneration warnings
Everything on the 6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present)Its recalls and bulletins