Glow plug sticky cleanup thread
New User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GP replacement success
Hi all
After two winters of hard starts I finally took to the plunge and changed out my glow plugs. I wanted to share my experience because after reading this thread I was expecting the worst...
All in all things went great. The passenger side valve cover wasn't all that hard to get off and all 8 of my gp's came right out - and they were autolites
. None of my wiring was burnt up so I slid my new zd11's in, buttoned everything else back up, jumped in and fired that puppy right up!! 
Gotta question though. I've never worked on a diesel before and was surprised to see all the the electrical connections under the valve cover. They obviously get covered in oil, how does this not effect them?
After two winters of hard starts I finally took to the plunge and changed out my glow plugs. I wanted to share my experience because after reading this thread I was expecting the worst...
All in all things went great. The passenger side valve cover wasn't all that hard to get off and all 8 of my gp's came right out - and they were autolites
. None of my wiring was burnt up so I slid my new zd11's in, buttoned everything else back up, jumped in and fired that puppy right up!! Gotta question though. I've never worked on a diesel before and was surprised to see all the the electrical connections under the valve cover. They obviously get covered in oil, how does this not effect them?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
I wonder the same. That and the rubber timming belts that they use in other cars and trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
From: Colorado foot hills
Okay, here's my goofy symptoms:
Cold start - maybe
GPR not operating when it won't start. (GPR is new)
Hear a buzzing noise from the vacinity of the Manifold heater when the GPR doesn't energize
Seems like something is getting in the way of the GPR signal, maybe some sensor???
If I cycle the ignition several times, the GPR will eventually actuate and then she fires just like normal.
any clues???
jer
Cold start - maybe
GPR not operating when it won't start. (GPR is new)
Hear a buzzing noise from the vacinity of the Manifold heater when the GPR doesn't energize
Seems like something is getting in the way of the GPR signal, maybe some sensor???
If I cycle the ignition several times, the GPR will eventually actuate and then she fires just like normal.
any clues???
jer
Looks like the new GPR was 'sticky'. Took it back to CSK (was a Borg-Warner relay). New GPR operates every time. (Verified with LED Modification)
Still doesn't like to start if below 20 unless plugged in. But, that seems to be the norm for these beasts!
jer (at least the new GPR was free from CSK)
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I've got a similiar but different problem. Twice, when I tried to start my 96 F250 after sitting for a couple days, it caught but only for a 1/2 second. I tried over and over but the same happened. The first time I waited for 15 minutes and came back and it started. Another time that didn't work but recycling from key off to run position a few times and then to start got it going. Is that a GP problem or a fuel delivery issue?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Timing belts on overhead cam engines are run outside the lubrication system. The "timing cover" on such engines is really just a shield / dust cover.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
I've got a similiar but different problem. Twice, when I tried to start my 96 F250 after sitting for a couple days, it caught but only for a 1/2 second. I tried over and over but the same happened. The first time I waited for 15 minutes and came back and it started. Another time that didn't work but recycling from key off to run position a few times and then to start got it going. Is that a GP problem or a fuel delivery issue?
On another issue, my GPR is starting 'buzz' as someone mentioned in this thread. Does that mean the GPR is going out? My starting issue usually happens when I hear buzzing from under the hood. Is it time for a new GPR?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
Hey guys I got a quick question. I bridged the terminals on the gpr and then jumped in the cab but it didnt start. Does this mean the gpr is bad and I need to swap it out with a gpr109?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
From: Colorado foot hills
This is happening to me too. Started happening within the last month.
On another issue, my GPR is starting 'buzz' as someone mentioned in this thread. Does that mean the GPR is going out? My starting issue usually happens when I hear buzzing from under the hood. Is it time for a new GPR?
On another issue, my GPR is starting 'buzz' as someone mentioned in this thread. Does that mean the GPR is going out? My starting issue usually happens when I hear buzzing from under the hood. Is it time for a new GPR?
jer
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I've been driving a '97 F250 7.3L Turbo and I have had hard start problems since the beginning of January.
Leading up to January I did not have any real problems. I probably had one or two hard starts through all of November and December. Now it will not start at all after sitting over night without plugging in.
I replaced the GPR based on advice here and at the local Ford dealer but still no go. I can hear the engine trying to catch "ruh-ruh-vroom-ruh-ruh-vroom". The weather has even been warm lately (just below freezing, just above freezing - floating around 0 c with a wind chill not dipping below -7) and it still will not start in the morning.
Based on what I have been reading in this thread I believe I have a bad plug or three. Does this sound like the most likely scenario? What are my approximate costs for parts? (I am in Newfoundland, Canada at the moment - we have NAPA and Car Quest... just a ballpark if anyone knows).
This is not my truck - it's a loaner. I would not want to spend a lot on it.
Thanks for all the help! This forum has been a great help in the past (my '97 explorer had a ghost in the machine!)
Leading up to January I did not have any real problems. I probably had one or two hard starts through all of November and December. Now it will not start at all after sitting over night without plugging in.
I replaced the GPR based on advice here and at the local Ford dealer but still no go. I can hear the engine trying to catch "ruh-ruh-vroom-ruh-ruh-vroom". The weather has even been warm lately (just below freezing, just above freezing - floating around 0 c with a wind chill not dipping below -7) and it still will not start in the morning.
Based on what I have been reading in this thread I believe I have a bad plug or three. Does this sound like the most likely scenario? What are my approximate costs for parts? (I am in Newfoundland, Canada at the moment - we have NAPA and Car Quest... just a ballpark if anyone knows).
This is not my truck - it's a loaner. I would not want to spend a lot on it.
Thanks for all the help! This forum has been a great help in the past (my '97 explorer had a ghost in the machine!)
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Sending reps.
New User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
i have a 1997 f-450 7.3 and when i start it up it has no power untill the temp gauge gets up to temp no smoke just runs real rough had a new injector cam sensor then the garage said that wasnt the problem that i needed a new flywheel but it runs great when up to temp if someone could help me out could u email it to me at russelreynolds49@yahoo.com thank you
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 1
From: Monroe/Ellensburg, WA
No problem man. Just let me know. Like i said, i get back to the west side on the 10th.