I bought my son a 1988 F250 custom manual 4x4 7.3L. We have put a new block heater on it and it has new glow plugs. He drove me to church yesterday and then around town. We got home and he went out to start the truck again and it wouldn't start. It turns over but doesn't fire. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.

 

welcome to FTE! Sorry to see you are having problems with the "new" ride. While you are in the right section for the model year truck in question there is also a specific forum for diesel engines a bit further down the page: Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Try posting down there too. Very friendly folks in both forums!

I am a gas engine guy, sorry I cannot help you

 

you may have air getting into the fuel system, common problem with the idi's. the injection pump loses its prime when air finds its way in, which makes it a pain to start. ever experience any "power surges" while driving? he would know it if the "power surge" occurred, at steady throttle it just starts to pull harder (for a short burst) than it normally is capable of accelerating. that's also indicative of air getting into the system.

a few other questions, what kind of glow plugs were used to replace the old ones? whats the condition of the glow plug relay? how long was it sitting before you tried starting again? can you hear the glow plugs cycling when you turn the ign on? (clicks from the relay)





very nice choice of truck, by the way.

 

Agreed really should post in the IDI section, a lot of knowledge there, maybe a mod can move it.


As for the problem, how long did it sit before it wouldn't start, temperature? Did it start easy when cold? Air intrusion is by far the most common reason for not starting, it does however generally have to sit a while. That said, good chance the return lines got damaged when replacing the glow plugs. Return lines are by far the most common reason for air intrusion.