my 94 late build does not like to stay running if it is 40 degrees or colder out unless it is plugged in. is this normal, it doesn't seam to be a fuel problem because it smokes like crazy when it does finely start after cranking on it after a while. any thoughts

 

Have you checked the glow plugs to see if they are all working? A lot of white smoke on start up says some of the glows aren't working.

 

it it a powerstroke, or an IDI engine?

 

yes it is a power stroke, a july build date.found that out the hard way every time i order a part i have to tell them its a 1995. is there a way to test the glow plugs on the truck. o ya when i first got it i found the left bank pigtail was fried napa had a kit valve cover with new pigtail and i replaced the four glow plugs on that bank.

 

what type glow plugs did you put in? if anything other than motorcraft ZD-11's, i bet they are burned out already. the autolite glow plugs are the absolute worst garbage made and sold, i have seem many burn out after one start. and the champions and a very close second on the garbage scale.
first thing i would do is check for voltage on the output side of the glow plug relay at key on on a cold engine.
if you have voltage, than i would say dead glow plugs.

 

ya i got them from napa so who knows what they are. i will get out my volt meter and check it out. thank you for the advise, i will do that in the next few days and get back with what i find. its a pita when it does this because when that phone rings that truck has to go.

 

i have been getting my glow plugs from rock auto for quite a while now.
they have the ZD-11's for $9.13 each : More Information for MOTORCRAFT ZD11

 

Orielys sells Motorcraft gp's

 

but there are no oreallys in PA, VA, NJ, NY, DE, RI, CT, or MD