'94 7.3 IDI Starting Problems

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Mar 21, 2011 | 12:26 PM

Lawpuppy

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'94 7.3 IDI Starting Problems

Recently I purchased a 1994 F350 7.3 4x4. The truck has run great but it is not starting now. I purchased new batteries and have replaced the starter with no luck. When we try to crank the truck there is a clicking noise. The source of the noise is a small box with multiple wires coming out on the top of the engine. We are new to owning a diesel and I am in unfamiliar ground. I believe that this box is part of the ignition system and is probably the ignition terminal but I am not sure. It looks like the ignition terminal but it has a metal coil on it. I would put a pic up but my digital camera is dead. Any help at all would be appreciated, just really don't want to have to spend a fortune at a mechanic.

Mar 21, 2011 | 12:48 PM

wreckinball

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From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley

That is the heart of the starting system, the Glow Plug Controller. The clicking on and off is it turning the glow plugs on and off to warm the precombustion chambers. You have bad glow plugs probably so check out sticky post number one on top of the forum page, its the 87-94 gp thread.

Mar 21, 2011 | 01:26 PM

Lazy K

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Can you clarify?
When you turn the key switch to the "on" position, how long does the "wait to start" light stay on?
When you then turn the key to the "start" position does the starter motor run at all?

Mar 21, 2011 | 04:27 PM

Aune163rd

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From: Victor, MT

x2 on the GP Controller wreck. And words of advice, if you have bad glow plugs....put only and i mean ONLY Motorcraft Glow Plugs. Any others the heads of the plugs swell up after a couple cycles of the plugs. Causing them to break off in the cylinder head which makes for a frustrating night in the garage....cause you have to pull the head off to get them out. The heads weight 125 lbs each. So do not put any knockoff replacement brands of glow plugs in this thing.

Mar 21, 2011 | 05:46 PM

Israelx7

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Aune163rd

OK, now you got me thinking. I replaced my GP's with a set I got off E-Bay when my truck was hard to/no start...been much more reliable since...about 6 months...but, should I be pulling the GP's to check for the swelling you mention?
(No, I don't mind grease under my fingernails...when I have to...but I don't go looking for it.)

Mar 21, 2011 | 06:06 PM

snaponprofile

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From: NY

X2 on what aun said. Anything other than motorcraft will swell and you won't get them out unless you pull your heads.

Mar 21, 2011 | 06:38 PM

FORDF250HDXLT

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From: Mi'kma'ki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Israelx7

if they come out easy,consider yourself fortunate and have a set of motorcraft ready to install in their place.
glow plugs are not an item worth skimping on.they can be had for around 10 bucks a piece online.