I searched the forums and could not find the answer to my question. I just simply need to know if the glow plugs in my 2003 6.0L Super Duty are like the glow plugs of a 7.3L and located under the valve covers?

 

Are the 6.0 plugs hard to install?

 

Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

 

This is for an early build 2004, which I think should be the same as a 2003. Late build 2004 uses individual connectors instead of a buss bar.

They are not under the valve covers, but they still look like a bitch to get to.

http://www.chamberlain.homedns.org/misc/GlowPlug.pdf

 

Glow plugs are a rare problem for the 6.0L, what is going on?

 

Easier to get to if you remove the fender liner on the passenger side, but yeah still a bitch to get to.

 

When it is below 50 degrees outside it is very hard to start and I get white smoke for about the first 3 to 5 minutes after start up. Also the wait light is usually on for 15 to 20 seconds when its cold. It runs great once started and starts just fine once it is warmed up. This is why I think that the glowplugs are the problem. I don't know of anything else that would cause it to start hard only when it is cold outside. Also the other morning when it was only 30 degrees it almost didn't start at all.

 

Does your coolant level ever change?

 

The first thing to check is your batteries. If they're not up to snuff then that's your first problem. Wait to start light on for 15 or 20 seconds isn't unusual when it's cold. I wait 15 or 20 after it goes out to start mine. The glowplugs can stay on for quite a while after the motor is running. Sounds more like injectors than glowplugs. Have you tried plugging in the block heater to see if that helps? Also, what kind of oil are you running?

 

The batteries are good I checked those first. If it was the injectors then why would the truck run fine once it is started? Also there is definetly no lack of power or engine surging or any other signs of faulty injection. Again once the truck has been started for the first time of the day I have no starting problems what so ever which is why I am leaning toward glow plugs or something to do with the glow plugs.

 

It could be your FICM.

Do you get ANY rough running after it starts?

Injector stiction causes issues at first start-up - until the oil heats up (if it is a mild case of stiction).

 

The truck runs great it is just really hard to start when cold.

 

What oil do you use? 5w-40 Synthetic should help.

 

I'm having the same problem I just plug mine up every night.runs fine after first start up but I thank my FICM is bad and may have a little injector stiction. had the FICM replaced last year but they would not replace it under warrenty because I had over 12,000 miles on it. I THANK bad batters got it?

 

I have tested the FICM and it tested out be good. And to answer the question on what oil I use I use Rotella 15W40 in it. Is there a way to test for injector stiction with out pulling the valve covers and injectors?