Ok so I've had some starting issues with my 91 IDI since I've owned it. Problem is, if the truck sits for more than a few hours, it takes a lot of cranking time for it to start. I dont think there is air in the system because as soon as it fires it idles perfect. runs perfect from the second it starts till the second it shuts off. With a SMALL shot of ether it'll pop right off and run perfect. I know it could be glow plugs but I dont really have the money for them right now and its just a weekend truck to beat around the farm with, so lets just say its NOT glow plugs, if it isnt, what else would I be looking for? truck has 189k on it so could it maybe be the injection pump? only reason i would doubt pump is because it just hums when it fires off. any help is appreciated. Just looking for other possibilities while i save up some money for glow plugs. also the batteries are brand new so its turning over fast.

 

If we're saying it's not glow plugs; this sounds like air intrusion in the injector return lines. Crack the lines before cranking after it sits and see if you're getting fuel.

Does the problem vary with temperature? Or does the block heater help?

How old is your injector pump and injectors? How long ago was the timing last checked? Does your timing advance solenoid work? These are less likely culprits imho, but it doesn't hurt to check.

 

if we are saying it is not glow plugs, the only thing left for it to be is something in the glow plug system.
either a bad relay, a bad controller, bad glow plugs, or a disconnected wire.

how long does the wait to start light stay one when you first turn the key on? if only a second or two, there is a problem in the glow plug circuit.

how to tell for sure "it is not the glow plugs" ?

plug it in for 3-4 hours and try to start it. if it fires rite up, it is in the glow plug system.
if it still will not start, it is something else.

it is not air intrusion, because if it was it would start with the ether and then die again because there is no fuel to burn until you reprime the fuel system. .

 

I hate to admit that I'm wrong, but I totally missed the ether part. Sorry for miss-advising.

 

mehhhh. nobody's perfect.
even Einstein made mistakes.











just don't let it happen again!!!

 

I dont make promises I can't keep

 

Injectors are somewhat new (according to PO). IP is the factory one I believe. I'm thinking that its NOT the IP because of how well it runs after it starts. It just takes a good amount of cranking to start and thats the only issue really. So the more i think about it, I'm really guessing glow plugs. system works fine at least up to the GP solenoid. I have it on push button and I can hear the solenoid click when i hit the button. So maybe the wiring after the solenoid or the connectors. Or even just the glow plugs themselves. I've had the battery charger on "boost" with my old batteries and i hit the button so maybe the extra amps blew out the glow plugs??? not sure if that is possible but its a theory. anybody have a link to buy new connectors for the glow plugs? ill start with connectors and glow plugs themselves.

 

ftermarket glow plugs. most parts stores sell autolite and champion plugs, they are the biggest crap out there and i have seen them burn out in as little as one start cycle.
rock auto has the proper motorcraft ZD-9 glow plugs for $9.13 each.
the wiring harness is crazy expensive, and usually not needed. when my connectors fell apart at around 350,000 miles, i replaced them with bullet style crimp connectors, then put heat shrink tubing over the connectors to seal them.