6.4L Power Stroke Exhaust Leak Up-Pipe Replacement
One very common problem with the 6.4L platform built into the Super Duty line of Fords is the failure and breaking of the oscillation pipes (up pipes) located on the rear of the engine. For those that do not know, the up-pipes are the connecting pipes that go from the each exhaust manifold to the turbo as well as a crossover installed that heads over to the EGR cooler. That is a total of 3 pipes, 11 attaching bolts, 6 studs and nuts. Sounds easy, right?
What symptoms do 6.4L Power Stroke broken up pipes cause?
This common problem has a very common symptom. If the up-pipes are damaged, broken, cracked you will be able to hear an audible whistling leak. It will sound like an air leak while accelerating and get louder with heavy load. Some people may describe it as hiss. It will definitely be lacking power and generally will not build boost as quickly or max out as much as before. Sometimes this can be a loud screaching noise.
Another symptom of broken up pipes that you might be able to notice is severe soot accumulation on the back of the engine and heat shields. This will appear like black soot similar to the exhaust system looks at the tail pipe.
How do I replace the up pipes on a 6.4L Power Stroke?
It is a long drawn out process to install these pipes correctly. Cab removal is not required, but it is heavily recommended to remove the cab to perform these repairs. You can find steps for this process by reading my other article Superduty Cab removal with the 6.4L Power Stroke.
The cab should be removed on a superduty to fix up pipes on a 6.4L Power Stroke because there is a specific torque procedure and sequence that must be followed or damage to the new up pipes will result. Not removing the cab will require you to work in very tight spaces and require the usage of specialized half moon wrenchs.
If you are removing the EGR coolers for replacement, now is the time to replace these pipes while everything is loosened up.
2008-2010 Ford 6.4 Powerstroke Heavy Duty Up Pipe Set F250 F350 F450