How To Tell If A 6.7 Powerstroke Is Deleted

A "deleted" 6.7 Powerstroke refers to a diesel engine where certain emission control devices have been removed or disabled. These devices are typically removed to improve performance, fuel economy, or to avoid maintenance costs associated with failing components. Identifying a deleted 6.7 Powerstroke requires a careful examination of its exhaust system and engine management system.

Visual Inspection of the Exhaust System

The most straightforward way to identify a deleted 6.7 Powerstroke is through a visual inspection of its exhaust system. The key components to look for are the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system (which includes the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank and injector), and the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.

Checking for the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

The DPF is a crucial component in reducing particulate matter (soot) emissions. In a non-deleted 6.7 Powerstroke, the DPF is a large, cylindrical canister located in the exhaust system, usually downstream of the turbocharger. Here's how to check for its presence:

1. Locate the Exhaust System: Follow the exhaust pipe from the turbocharger towards the rear of the vehicle.
2. Identify a Large Canister: Look for a large, often rectangular or cylindrical, canister-like component in the exhaust stream. This is likely the DPF. It's significantly larger than a typical muffler or resonator.
3. Absence Indicates Deletion: If the DPF is missing and the exhaust pipe runs straight through, or if a straight pipe has been installed in its place, the DPF has likely been removed. This is a strong indicator of deletion.

Example: Imagine looking under a 2015 Ford F-250 with a 6.7 Powerstroke. You trace the exhaust system and expect to see a large, metallic canister about halfway down the truck. Instead, you find a section of pipe that looks like it was welded in to replace something, that's a very clear sign of DPF removal.

Checking for the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System and DEF Tank

The SCR system uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx emissions. The SCR system includes the SCR catalyst and the DEF tank and injector. Here's how to check for its presence:

1. Locate the DEF Tank: The DEF tank is usually a plastic tank located near the fuel tank or under the truck bed. It has a blue cap and is labeled for DEF only.
2. Inspect the SCR Catalyst: The SCR catalyst is located downstream of the DPF (if present). It looks like another canister in the exhaust system, similar to but usually smaller than the DPF.
3. Check for the DEF Injector: There should be an injector mounted on the exhaust pipe, injecting DEF into the exhaust stream before it enters the SCR catalyst.
4. Absence Indicates Deletion: If the DEF tank is missing, the SCR catalyst is gone, and there's no DEF injector on the exhaust pipe, the SCR system has likely been removed.

Example: Consider a 2017 Ford F-350. A functioning SCR system would have a clearly visible DEF tank with a blue cap. If you look for this tank and find only empty space or a modified fuel tank in its place, the SCR system is probably gone. Similarly, if you see where the SCR canister used to be, and it’s now just a straight pipe, then the system has been removed.

Checking for the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System

The EGR system recirculates a portion of the exhaust gas back into the engine's intake manifold to reduce combustion temperatures and NOx emissions. Although harder to visually confirm removal without disassembly, certain signs can suggest EGR deletion:

1. Look for Block-Off Plates: Check for metal plates bolted onto the EGR valve or cooler connections on the engine. These plates block off the EGR flow.
2. Inspect EGR Cooler: The EGR cooler is a heat exchanger that cools the recirculated exhaust gas. It's typically located near the intake manifold. Check for any signs of tampering or removal.
3. Check for EGR Valve Removal: Examine the area where the EGR valve is normally located. If it's been removed and replaced with a block-off plate, it suggests EGR deletion.

Example: On a 2013 Ford F-250, the EGR valve is typically located on the intake manifold. If you see a metal plate where the EGR valve should be, sealed with bolts, it indicates that the EGR system has been blocked off, implying it has been disabled or removed.

Electronic Indicators

Even if the exhaust system components appear to be in place, the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) can provide clues about whether the emission control systems are functioning or have been disabled.

Checking for Warning Lights

A deleted 6.7 Powerstroke may exhibit certain warning lights on the instrument cluster, even if the delete has been programmed to suppress some codes. Some common warning lights associated with deleted emissions systems include:

• Check Engine Light (CEL): This is a general warning light that can indicate a variety of issues, including those related to emissions system malfunctions.
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Warning: If the DEF system has been removed, a DEF warning light may illuminate.

However, it's important to note that tuners often program the ECU to suppress these warning lights, so their absence doesn't guarantee that the system is still functional.

Scanning for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Even if there are no warning lights illuminated, the ECU may still store DTCs related to the emissions systems. A scan tool can be used to retrieve these codes. Here's how:

1. Connect a Scan Tool: Plug a scan tool into the OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
2. Read DTCs: Use the scan tool to read any stored DTCs.
3. Interpret the Codes: Look for codes related to the DPF, SCR, DEF, EGR, or any other emissions control system. Common codes associated with deletion include those related to sensor malfunctions, flow abnormalities, or system inefficiencies.

Example: Using a scan tool on a 2019 Ford F-350, you might find codes such as "P2002 - Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold" or "P20EE - SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold." These codes strongly suggest that the DPF or SCR system is not functioning correctly, which is a common consequence of deletion.

Software Modifications (Tuning)

Deleting emission control systems typically requires reprogramming the ECU. This "tuning" is necessary to prevent the engine from entering limp mode or experiencing performance issues due to the removal of the emission control devices.

Looking for Aftermarket Tuning Devices

One indication of a deleted 6.7 Powerstroke is the presence of an aftermarket tuning device. These devices are used to reprogram the ECU with custom software. Here's what to look for:

• Physical Tuners: Some tuners are handheld devices that plug into the OBD-II port.
• Tuning Software: Check for tuning software installed on the vehicle's computer or a separate laptop used for tuning.
• Modified ECU: The ECU itself might have been physically modified or replaced with an aftermarket unit.

Checking for Increased Performance

Deleted 6.7 Powerstrokes are often tuned for increased horsepower and torque. This can be identified by:

• Increased Throttle Response: The engine may feel more responsive to throttle inputs.
• Higher Boost Pressure: The turbocharger may produce higher boost pressure than stock.
• Excessive Black Smoke: Deletion combined with aggressive tuning can lead to excessive black smoke (rolling coal) during acceleration.

Example: If you drive a 2016 Ford F-250 and notice that the throttle response is significantly sharper than other similar trucks you’ve driven, and it produces a noticeable plume of black smoke when accelerating hard, it might indicate that the engine has been tuned after deletion.

Practical Advice

Identifying a deleted 6.7 Powerstroke is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps determine the vehicle's compliance with emissions regulations. Second, it provides insight into the vehicle's maintenance history and potential reliability issues. Finally, it affects the vehicle's resale value.

If you are considering purchasing a used 6.7 Powerstroke, carefully inspect the exhaust system, scan for DTCs, and inquire about any modifications that have been made to the engine. Understanding whether a truck has been deleted will allow you to make a more informed purchase decision.