hey there,
I'm new to Fords, diesels and this site but I could still use some advice. My ignorance requires it, in fact. My 96 psd rarely starts first time, can take 5 tries w/ long cranking before she goes. Turns over fine, not sure about battery condition/voltage. white smoke under hood (exhaust leak I think) but can't pinpoint till wife helps. Low temps about 45 over night, 50-55 when i try to start. Always starts first crank rest of day even with not waiting for light off to start. temp gauge reads very low for first 15 minutes or so. replaced thermostat, no change. NO response from truck on first start, even with full throttle, until 5 minutes of warm-up. Will not roll an inch with it floored. LOW power until 5-10 minutes of driving warms it up good. Then this truck hauls butt (can I say that here?) with no apparent troubles. Twice she's started once I bounced around in the seat shaking the steering wheel. What the..?
Problem's been around last 3 weeks or so. REcent oil/filter, fuel filter, coolant change. Thanks in advance to all you studied/experienced/born smart.

 

glo plug

glo plug relay

try those two after you check the battery voltage.. Should stay above 10.5 volts the whole time.....

Theo