I have a issue with my 96 F250 7.3 I have scanned all posts on this issue and probably have overlooked the answer, but here is what I have done. When I first bought the truck some 5-6 years ago, I talked with the seller about it starting hard and they agreed to help replace the GP's and and injectors. Replaced the relay under the cover as well. Still today, when I check it with a meter the relay shows it's working. Is there more then (1) relay? So then & now it has never changed the fact of a hard start in the cold weather. If I plug it in, it starts right away without any trouble. If not plugged in, I will have to crank this sucker over and over and over. Each time it gets closer to starting, and then finally it will take off. Oh yeah, I also wait for the "W.T.S." light to go out but it don't seem to make any difference. I have been told I could be leaking fuel back into the tank due to a check valve not working somewhere in the fuel system and it not be getting fuel to the injectors as soon as it should? Where would the check valve be? if there is such a thing on this truck.. I have already had to change a starter once due to what I believe is from excssive hard starts. I do not believe the wire harness for the GP's has ever been changed when GP's were changed? Bottom line, I don't use the truck in the winter months. When it's cold and no snow I just plug it in and have dealt with it. Does anyone have any thoughts? I know this is a long explanation and you have prolly heard it before, but I am at a total loss as what to do. Any help would be great. BTW. FANTASTIC SITE... Thanks Bill

 

Welcome

Does it start OK when it's plugged in?

The WTS light is independent of the actual glow plug 'on time'. They can stay energized up to 120 seconds. Watch the volt meter to confirm this. It will remain towards the discharge side, @ idle, while the GP's are on. It will swing to the chrge side after they go off.

Next cold start-up take a screw driver and cross out the two large terminals on the GPR. Hold for 30-40 seconds. Jump in the truck and start it. If it fires up OK you need a new GPR. If it starts up better but stumbles a bit then straightens up you need a glow plug or two. Let us know.

 

Thanks Jim,

I'll try that and let ya know. As for starting after being plugged in? YES it starts up right away without any problem. But not being plugged in is another story when cold outside. But will try the suggested jump on the GPR and get back with you.

Thanks again
Bill

 

Time for some new glow plugs and a relay.

 

Hello James,

That's the part of the puzzle that I don't understand? When they were both replaced new back 5-6 years ago, it still started hard. It never did start the way all other diesels started. I would be the one in the lot cranking this sucker over & over, that's why I alsoways thought it was something else. But your probably correct and thats why I am asking the questions because I am not the expert on this issue.

Thanks again and will take this under concideration

Bill

 

5-6 years is long time for the GPR if it's OEM, aftermarkets last even less. There are better choices for a new GPR if you need a new one. Search this site for 'Stancore' for more info

Since it fires OK when it's plugged in the problem is in the GP system. Do the screwdriver thing first. The GP's can be individually checked afterwards to pinpoint which are bad......if any.

 

another good gpr, mentioned by bill(madvan)

FORD DIESEL GLOW PLUG Relay 6.9 and 7.3 Powerstroke - eBay (item 290521779425 end time May-11-11 13:00:00 PDT)

 

Welcome aboard Bill!. You must be a Rio Bravo fan!

This bunch will have you fixed up in no time.

 

Thanks @ 427 Fordman, I think I'll be getting a new one. I tried what Jim suggested and the truck fired up much better by jumping the GPR. Still smoked white a little but not bad, so there may be a GP or 2 that needs pulled.
Thanks
Bill

 

Toss the 15/40 in the winter

B

 

Madvan, what do you suggest for colder weather other then 15/40?

I don't actually drive this one in the winter but do drive it until snow flys. Being 2 WD it don't get along with snow real well so I park it...

Thanks
Bill

 

Many switch over to a 5w-40 synthetic for the winter months for easier starting. Welcome aboard.

 

Thank you for the welcome. F350-6, thanks for the update on the oil. This is a fantastic site to say the least. Lots of help on here, thanks a million...
Bill