84 6.9l hard starting

opfdchief · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2008, 05:03 PM

84 f250 6.9l hard to start if it is cold engine sits for more than an hour or so the glow plugs are heating up there is white smoke comming from the tail pipe when cranking it over it just takes for ever to start any thing to help I just got the truck from a guy if it is pluged in it will start with out the glow plugs at all but if it sits for more than an hour or is cold it is verry hard to start

other question where is the water drain for the fuel system just wondering so if i get water in the fuel I can drain it

Thanks Brian

fire7882 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2008, 08:05 PM

How long does the "wait to start" light stay on?

Did you test each glow plug?

Dave Sponaugle · #3 (**permalink**) 04-19-2008, 09:19 PM

opfdcheif,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.

Sounds like you may have a glow plug problem with the cold start being hard unless plugged in.

Easy test.
Use an automotive test light, with the ground clip on the positive battery terminal.

Now remove the connector from the first glow plug and touch the test light probe tot he spade connector on the glow plug.
If the light lights, the glow plug is probably good.
If it does not light, the glow plug is bad.
Replace only with Motorcraft/Beru ZD1A glow plugs.

Send a PM to Ed at his user name,
FTE/PARTS-GUY
If you can not find Motorcraft glow plugs where you are.
Last I heard his price was around 11 dollars each.

opfdchief · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 12:16 PM

thanks I pulled one glow plug it was bad and tested the rest of them and all the glow plugs were bad when i bought it he stated he just replaced them when i pulled them one was a autolight and all the rest were made in germany plugs replaced all of them and have had no problems it starts even when it was 30 the other day with no problem even not pluged in thank you