Cold Start Issues
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Cold Start Issues
I just bought myself an 84 F-250 with a 6.9. When i go to start it in the morning, it refuses to fire. I can crank on it and crank on it but it doesn't say a thing. It's about 25-30 degrees here, i plug it in for about two hours before i try start it. it smokes while it turns, and the glow plugs are brand new and working. When i finally give up and hook it to the 6.0, it fires up and runs on all 8 the instant i let go of the clutch. I have guys telling me its not turning fast enough, and guys telling me i need a booster pump. What do you think? BTW, for the rest of the day it will start and run flawlessly.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 751
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From: Kodiak, Alaska
Your return lines need to be replaced beacuse you have air intrusion in your injection lines (a common problem that the new diesel causes) that is why when it sits over night it wont start but the rest of the day it will start. The IDI engine is not designed to run a booster pump and you dont need it. Have you load tested your batterys? If your batteries are good and it is still cranking slow you might need a new starter (you wouldnt belive the diferance it makes!). These engines need a lot of cranking amps to turn your starter fast which gets your fuel lift pump running and your high pressure pump injection pump running. If you have air in your fuel system it can take a lot of cranking to get it to start beacuse you have to purge the air out of the injection system before it will start.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 751
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From: Kodiak, Alaska
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tructions.html
Try this, test your batteries, test your starter. All of the above can be bad from trying to start it and burning up your starter, leads, and batteries but air intrusion is your root problem.
Try this, test your batteries, test your starter. All of the above can be bad from trying to start it and burning up your starter, leads, and batteries but air intrusion is your root problem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
DO NOT USE YOUR BLOCK HEATER ON YOUR '84!!!!!!!!
The early 6.9's (1983-1985) where the block heater is located, the block likes to crack if you use the block heater. Doesn't mean it WILL happen, but the chances are there.
Install a inline heater in the heater hoses, or a block heater that mounts in the lower rad hose.
The early 6.9's (1983-1985) where the block heater is located, the block likes to crack if you use the block heater. Doesn't mean it WILL happen, but the chances are there.
Install a inline heater in the heater hoses, or a block heater that mounts in the lower rad hose.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Kodiak, Alaska
DO NOT USE YOUR BLOCK HEATER ON YOUR '84!!!!!!!!
The early 6.9's (1983-1985) where the block heater is located, the block likes to crack if you use the block heater. Doesn't mean it WILL happen, but the chances are there.
Install a inline heater in the heater hoses, or a block heater that mounts in the lower rad hose.
The early 6.9's (1983-1985) where the block heater is located, the block likes to crack if you use the block heater. Doesn't mean it WILL happen, but the chances are there.
Install a inline heater in the heater hoses, or a block heater that mounts in the lower rad hose.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Same place as any IDI, but the block casting is alot thinner on the earlier 6.9's.
That's why my '85 van pisses me off, I refuse to use the block heater on it for this reason! And it doesn't like the cold, but the starting system ain't up to par either.... but still, I need to find/install an inline heater.
That's why my '85 van pisses me off, I refuse to use the block heater on it for this reason! And it doesn't like the cold, but the starting system ain't up to par either.... but still, I need to find/install an inline heater.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Kodiak, Alaska
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Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
Mid 85 is when they changed the block, if you have an 85 block you need to verify if it's the updated block or the older block.
6.9 Block ID info
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
6.9 Block ID info
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Here's a thread from when I was having starting issues:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-speed.html
New 4/0 cables with soldered copper lug ends, starter professionally rebuilt, and now it starts in sub zero weather without the block heater. I may need to get a video of that if it hits sub-zero temps again this winter.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-speed.html
New 4/0 cables with soldered copper lug ends, starter professionally rebuilt, and now it starts in sub zero weather without the block heater. I may need to get a video of that if it hits sub-zero temps again this winter.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
We were seeing -12 this year, My trucks start instantaneously without being plugged in.
Where a block heater is effective is keeping it all warm so one does not have to run them to warm them up, start and go more or less ...
The real debate is whether it's better/cheaper to warm them by running or with a block heater.
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Where a block heater is effective is keeping it all warm so one does not have to run them to warm them up, start and go more or less ...
The real debate is whether it's better/cheaper to warm them by running or with a block heater.
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 4
From: Victor, MT
x2 with what festus is saying, and x3 or 4...or 5...whatever it is....to the air intrusion...dont keep cranking and cranking, get a return line kit from typefour, he has a kit that does great.
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