Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

Another glow plug question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 01:31 AM
  #1  
Txlranch's Avatar
Txlranch
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Question Another glow plug question

Hi all,
I have been reading forums and articles for days now on GP's but I still have questions. I have a 1990 F250 7.3l IDI, having hard starting issues.

1. Where is the glowplug controller and/or relay located? I thought they were on a valve cover but not on mine.
2. My Wait To Start light comes on for just a couple seconds, then I hear a rapid clicking with the key on. Will just one bad glowplug cause that?
3. I tested my glowplugs by removing each one and using jumper cables to make them glow. One did not work at all, one heated up really slow from the center, the other six heated up pretty quick from the tips. I think I'll replace the two, or should I do them all?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Colby.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 05:05 AM
  #2  
hookedondiesel's Avatar
hookedondiesel
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Rockland Ontario
It should be at the "center, back of engine", near the firewall.
If their not "motorcraft", and you already have them out, I'd change them.
It has been said that "faulty" plugs will cause this noise.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 08:22 AM
  #3  
jas88's Avatar
jas88
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,969
Likes: 595
From: Greater Austin, Texas
Club FTE Silver Member

This should tell you all you need to know about glow plugs:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...le-system.html

It's at the top of the forum labeled "Read First" because this comes up about every 10 minutes or so around here.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 09:46 AM
  #4  
Phy's Avatar
Phy
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 4
From: 8600 ft in Colo
One or two bad plugs will cause the controller to short-cycle, thereby not heating up the good plugs enough, resulting in cold start problems...
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:15 AM
  #5  
Txlranch's Avatar
Txlranch
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Well I changed the 2 bad glow plugs, and it seems to be working perfectly. The WTS light came on for about 10 seconds, no clicking, and she fired right up. Thanks for your input, I will probably have more questions!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DrCharles
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Dec 10, 2017 06:20 PM
NCFarmLife
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
7
Mar 1, 2017 10:24 AM
pjcat
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
3
Feb 2, 2015 08:41 PM
marks500
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
19
Oct 9, 2008 11:11 PM
Ace of Spades
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
2
Aug 8, 2004 01:29 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:21 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE