my 93 F350 idi ATS turbo blows smoke when i start after its been siting for a day or more in the cold. I have done a so much research im not sure what to make of it. I have read that some smoke is normal and other say its glow plugs. I have also heard only use Motor Craft GP's. well I have only had the truck for about 2 months and the GP's are supposed to be new, i took a look at them and this is what brand they are 1993-1994 FORD 7.3 L TURBO Diesel Fuel Injectors NEW Anyone ever used or heard of these? The smoke that blows is gray and smells like diesel, it last for about 20 seconds (It sends a nice cloud into the neighbors yard is this normal? also when i start it if fires up but i have to feather the throttle slightly for about 10 or 15 seconds so that it does not die, is this normal? Lastly i just back flushed my the engine and filled it back up with Fleet Charge has any one used this? and are the Napa test strips compatible with Fleet Charge? It seems to me like they are but just seeking the advise of others on this. One last thing on the smoke issue is that it does not happen unless it fairly cold out or if its been siting a while. looking forward to some answers and advise. Thanks FTE

 

sounds like you could have air intrusion also sounds like the advance on the injection pump isnt working correctly.

 

So whats the best way to test for air intrusion? does it affect performance? and as fare as the injection pump its supposed to be new any advise on how to fix it?

 

yes,this is normal.
it can last for up to a couple minutes with low temps.
those are fuel injectors you linked to, not glow plugs.

when you start the truck,turn the key forward,and step to the floor while the WTS lite is on.
release the peddle,and start the engine once the lite goes out.
this will set your high idle/cold advance and the engine will have more "rattle" to it for a few minutes.
this will reduce the smoke,provide easier starting,and warm the engine up sooner.

do NOT crank the engine with the peddle to the floor.release it first.there's no need to hold it.turn key/see the WTS lite/press the skinny to the floor,let up/WTS lite off = crank and start.

no.start the engine as noted above.also watch to see if you have afterglow.
watch the volt meter and listen for a "click" repeatedly after the WTS lite goes out.
do don't wait until this clicking is done.start the engine as soon as the light goes out.this extra "clicking" is your GP's continuing to heat your pre-combustion chamber for a smoother idle after startup.

yes.that's what im using now.
yes Napa's test strips are compatible with it.
however Naps's SCA's "additives" (called "napkool") is NOT compatible (though its good stuff.it just can't be mixed with the type of sca's that are already included with this coolant.)
the results would be a build up of sludge and a lack of cavitaion protection.
make sure to use fords or cummins coolant additive to replenish when needed.

the smoke thing all makes sense.
also make sure to test that all glowplugs are working.
but smoke at startup-perfectly normal.
we have no computers nor sensors etc,to help compensate for things like modern diesels have.
just the basics,like high idle,cold advance,and a little afterglow(the pre '87 was even more basic lol.)

 

FORDF250HDXLT
sorry for the bad link I looked a little harder and found out that I have Delphi GP's which I know nothing about. Thanks for the good advise im going to try starting it they way you said and see what happens. Thanks again for the good info, I freaken love my truck and just want to take care of it.

 

not sure about those glow plugs.
they make nice injectors though.
generally the consensus here is,that the stock motorcraft(made by Beru in Germany) have the lowest failure rate.
so far iv only read on person who had Beru's swell up and get stuck in the head,and i read way to much lol.

wile you did the flush,hopefully you replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses? generally those don't last for ever,and should be replaced with a flush,or at very least every other.sure beats risking having them blow when your on the road!
the cap (should be 13 lb only) is also something to replace every other flush,as the springs/pressure rate slowly ware out/drop over time as well.
when and if,you need a thermostat,also only buy that from ford.aftermarket thermostats do not work properly with out engines.
(not only do i hate paying factory ford items from the local stealership due to their very unfair prices,they are crooks with service! and i hate to support them.but i had to suck it up.i wish i ordered it online before hand so they didn't get my $.)

 

Well as far as the hoses go they looked new and were from napa so i did not replace them. the coolant i was not sure of so i replaced it with fleet charge just for peace of mind. im going to take a closer look at the cap though. I finally got my trailer hooked up to it this weekend. The 24' toy hauler that acted like it was going to kill my expedition was tamed by the old f350, It was like it was part of the truck. I towed it from see level to about 3500 feet and it was like it was part of the truck. man a dually sure tows nice, I LOVE MY IDI F350

 

sounds like a nice one that's been properly maintained.
yeah,there's nothing like towing with a diesel dually.
you know you have the right truck when you can't feel what your towing lol.

 

Actually i believe i read in our F-250 manual that while cranking you should depress the throttle 1/2 way until the engine starts. This obviously adds more fuel making the cold start easier and faster.

 

Ill check my manual too. well if its normal then it sounds like im in good shape.