If you own a 6.0L or 7.3L Power Stroke, you’ve probably heard the word “stiction”. You’ve probably also heard that if not treated, stiction can lead to a 6.0L or 7.3L Power Stroke injector failure, resulting in costly repairs. Fortunately, there is a simple solution for stiction problems that will cure your fuel injectors and stop stiction in its tracks.

Stiction is a word that combines two words: "static" and "friction." In simple terms, stiction refers to the resistance or “stickiness” that occurs when a part cannot move as smoothly as it is supposed to. When it comes to stiction in 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke injectors, we are talking about the stickiness that occurs when the plunger inside the fuel injector housing can't move freely. 

The problem most commonly occurs when a cold engine is started, and the symptoms only get worse in cold weather. Uneven engine idling, cylinder misfiring, and an engine non-responsive to acceleration are the most recognizable symptoms. However, diesel stiction symptoms can continue even after the engine has warmed up.

Why do 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke engines have stiction problems?

The reason that both the 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke engines have stiction problems is because they use HEUI (Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector) injection systems. HEUI systems use high-pressure engine oil to hydraulically actuate the fuel injection process. This design allows for high precision when it comes to fuel injection, but it is also what leads to stiction problems. 

HEUI injectors rely on high-pressure oil to operate correctly, but because the oil is exposed to such high temperatures and pressures, it degrades over time and ultimately breaks down. This breakdown leads to the formation of varnish and carbon deposits inside the injectors. When these deposits build up, they can cause the internal components to stick, and this is what we call stiction.

The only solution for 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke injector stiction

Injector stiction is a common issue in 6.0L and 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engines, and the problem only gets worse as these engines age. To address this issue effectively and restore optimal performance, there is a superior solution: the application of a premium cleaning additive like Archoil’s AR9100 Friction Modifier. 

This specially formulated oil additive is designed to tackle the build-up of the residue that causes stiction. Not only does it remove existing sludge and varnish deposits safely, but it also protects and extends the life of your injectors by forming a solid boundary-lubricating film around them. This improves the performance and longevity of your vehicle and also eliminates cold start issues caused by HEUI injector misfires in 6.0L and 7.3L Power Strokes.

The lubricating film also provides extreme pressure protection and is more resilient than the soft films of zinc-based anti-wear additives. In ASTM testing, AR9100 dramatically extended the load-carrying ability of a branded lubricant from 3,964 lbs to over 4,500 lbs. For more information about using AR9100, check out our How to Treat Your Engine with AR9100 Friction Modifier guide.

Stiction issues can be a real pain for owners of 6.0L and 7.3L Power Strokes, but by using Archoil’s AR9100 Oil Additive these problems can be completely eliminated.