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2001 Ford F650

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By Research the Car 6 min read

Alright, here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2001 Ford F-650, structured as requested.

The 2001 Ford F-650 is a medium-duty truck known for its robust construction and versatility. Engine options for this model year included the Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, the Cummins ISB diesel engine, and the Ford 6.8L V10 gasoline engine. The Caterpillar 3126 commonly produced between 175-330 horsepower and 420-860 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific tuning. Transmission options typically included manual and automatic transmissions from Eaton and Allison. Owners often appreciate the F-650’s hauling capacity and durability, but some common complaints revolve around maintenance costs, fuel economy, and the overall size of the vehicle making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

Caterpillar 3126 Diesel

  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idling, excessive black smoke, and decreased fuel economy. Can lead to complete engine failure if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replace faulty injectors. Recalibrate the ECM after injector replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per injector, depending on location and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • HEUI (Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector) Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, stalling, hard starting, and a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to injection pressure.
    • Solution: Replace the HEUI pump. Ensure the oil supply to the pump is clean and adequate.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, excessive black smoke, whistling noises from the turbo, and oil leaks near the turbocharger.
    • Solution: Inspect the turbocharger for damage or wear. Replace the turbocharger if necessary. Check and clean the intercooler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ depending on the extent of damage and whether a new or rebuilt turbo is used.
    • Recalls: None Found

Cummins ISB Diesel

  • Lift Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, loss of power, especially under load. Can damage the injection pump if not addressed quickly.
    • Solution: Replace the lift pump. Consider upgrading to an aftermarket lift pump for improved reliability.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Injection Pump Failure (VP44)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, loss of power, diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel injection timing or pressure.
    • Solution: Replace the VP44 injection pump. Ensure the fuel supply is clean and free of air.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, hard starting, intermittent starting issues.
    • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Ford 6.8L V10 Gasoline Engine

  • Spark Plug Blowout
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, loud popping noise from the engine, and a spark plug ejected from the cylinder head. Common on early 2V (two-valve) cylinder heads.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the cylinder head with a revised design that has deeper spark plug threads. Install thread repair inserts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair method.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Exhaust Manifold Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, especially when cold. Reduced fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold gaskets. Inspect the exhaust manifold for cracks and replace if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+, depending on the extent of the work required.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Eaton Manual Transmissions

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises during shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing. Consider resurfacing or replacing the flywheel.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+, depending on the specific transmission and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Synchronizer Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting gears, especially into 2nd and 3rd. Difficulty shifting into gear.
    • Solution: Rebuild the transmission, replacing worn synchronizers and other damaged components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+, depending on the extent of the rebuild.
    • Recalls: None Found

Allison Automatic Transmissions

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, or complete loss of drive. Increased transmission temperature.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Inspect the transmission for contamination and flush if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3500+, depending on the specific Allison model and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifting, or failure to shift into certain gears. Diagnostic trouble codes related to shift solenoids.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s). Inspect the wiring harness for damage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+, depending on the number of solenoids replaced and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower than normal, uneven stance, rough ride, and visible cracks or breaks in the leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty leaf springs for increased load capacity.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per axle, depending on the type of leaf springs and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Shocks/Struts
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a general feeling of instability.
    • Solution: Replace the shocks/struts. Consider upgrading to heavy-duty shocks for improved performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per axle, depending on the type of shocks/struts and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Wiring Harness Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering, gauges not working, or starting problems. Often caused by corrosion or damaged wiring due to age and exposure.
    • Solution: Inspect the wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Repair or replace damaged sections of the harness. Clean and tighten all electrical connections.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+, depending on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, a warning light on the dashboard, a dead battery, and difficulty starting the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator. Check the battery and charging system for other potential problems.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the body panels, especially in areas prone to water and salt exposure. Common areas include the cab corners, rocker panels, and around the wheel wells.
    • Solution: Remove the rust and repair the affected areas. Apply rust-resistant primer and paint. Consider rust-proofing treatments.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5000+, depending on the extent of the rust damage.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, or intermittent airflow.
    • Solution: Replace the blower motor. Check the blower motor resistor and wiring for damage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500, including parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Ford F-650, while a robust and capable truck, can suffer from a range of issues due to its age and the heavy-duty nature of its usage. Engine issues, particularly with the Caterpillar 3126 and Cummins ISB diesel engines, can be expensive to address. Transmission problems, especially with the Allison automatic transmissions, are also a potential concern. Electrical problems and rust can further add to the cost of ownership. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars depending on the specific problem. Thorough inspection and preventative maintenance are key to minimizing potential problems and extending the lifespan of the vehicle.

Ford, F650
Ford F650 2001
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