I bought a 1997 F350 last march with 165k miles. I drive it only about once a week or so. I noticed this winter that if it got down into the mid 30s It would not start after sitting for several days. I would have to plug it in for several hours in order to get it to start. The other day I tried to start my truck after it sat for over a week and it would not start. I plugged it in for 24 hours and still won't start. I am new to diesels and do not know what to do. Please help if you can.

Thanks

 

That could be a lot of things. Bad glow plug relay or bad glow plugs or connections. If it was me I would first check the oil level and possible change the oil if you have never. Also the batteries are really important. make sure they are fully charged and in good working order. These diesels need to turn over fast to start, unlike gassers. Someone else will be along shortly to help out.

 

Any smoke when cranking? does the tach register RPM? Does the Wait to start light come on when you turn the key on?

 

i had the same prob had one shot battery and i know that i have 4 gps out and found out that the gp regulator i had bought was actually a starter solinoid they got me for like ten bucks. but if i plug mine in now she starts up like a new just leave it plugged in thats all i do. when its cold but gin to change out the gps soon

 

I will answer your questions in the order received,

I changed the oil less then 500 miles ago.
Batteries are 2 years old
Did not notice smoke when cranking. I will verify
Did not look at Tach. when starting. I will check
Wiat to start light comes on for about 10 sec. then goes off.
Not sure how old the glow plugs are.

Thanks for the help.

 

Verify the other questions and get back to us.

 

My Tach goes up to 100-150 rpm when I turn the engine over.

I do not see any smoke coming out of the tailpipe.

 

You need to check the High Pressure oil pump reservior. Here is a pic to help you locate the fill/check plug

 

Then test the GPR ,,block heater & all , still need the gps to work...

 

Thanks

I plan on checking the HPOP reservior as well as the GPR I have also heard that the camshaft sensor is a weak link on this engine and if it goes out it will not start. What is the opions on this?

 

Yes the cam sensor is a weak link, but if you have RPM's registering its working.

 

I pulled the HPOP fill check/plug and looked inside. The oil level is about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the threads. Is that about the normal level?

 

Yep that is good. let me do somethinking on this and I will be back soon!

 

how far does your voltmeater drop from turning the key to the on position, also try tapping on the gpr with the blunt end of a screw driver and then check to see if the voltmeater droped. my gpr is on its way out, without glow plugs it wont start unless pluged in a long time. when it doesnt work i tap on the gpr with the key on till the glow plugs acualy come on then wait about 30 seconds after that and it will fire every time. you can try crossing the termanals on the gpr with the key on and if you get a spark the gpr isnot working

 

If it were just Glow plug related there would be smoke. I don't think the injectors are firing. We are at the stage where we need some data from a scanner. Do you have any buddies with one? Or might be able to have a mechanic friend come over and scan it for you?