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

Hard starting 7.3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 24, 2012 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
oldblue89's Avatar
oldblue89
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Hard starting 7.3

I read through the glowplug sticky and tested my system. I have an 89 7.3 with a good glow plug system (and 8 new zd9 berus and about 9v at each connector with the key on). Wait to start light comes on for 8-10 seconds as it should. I can hear a click but no where near as loud as on my 86 f350 with the 6.9 (with the zd1a plugs). It takes 10 seconds of cranking to start my 89.

The truck has no air intrusion but is hard to start cold even at 90 degrees outside. The truck does not smoke whatsoever and makes good power - also starts up great once its warm. Could it still be the injectors or ip? Maybe the little brass valve on the top of the ip? - I might pull and clean that.

Is there something I'm missing here - the problem just feels like glowplugs despite the system appearing operational.

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2012 | 08:16 PM
  #2  
johnboggs21's Avatar
johnboggs21
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
how many miles are on the IP/injectors?
 
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2012 | 08:17 PM
  #3  
tje2015's Avatar
tje2015
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Harrisonburg, VA
IIRC the voltage to the GP's are suppose to be 12 at each one but Im not sure if i do remember correctly. If that is the problem, you might just try cycling the gps twice and then see if they are hot enough to get that ol girl to start.

How sure are you that you have no Air Intrusion?
If you have an aid that can start it while your hitting the schrader valve, and you get fuel right at the start then I doubt you do have air intrusion issues.
Just a couple quick shots in the dark here.
 
Reply
Old Jun 26, 2012 | 10:27 PM
  #4  
oldblue89's Avatar
oldblue89
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Can anyone confirm the glow plug voltage to be 12? Bad relay maybe? - It works just the same if I jump it with a screwdriver. Looked at a glowplug today (forget what brand) and it said 10.5 volts on it. Is this a max or min or recommended?

Cycling plugs twice seems to help so the potentially low 9v could be the culprit?

If anyone has a working system and can check voltage at their bullet style glowplug connector (years 1987+) that would greatly be appreciated.

The truck used to stall out at stops and have injector clatter/chatter sometimes - these issues have since subsided/gone all together. 154k miles on injectors and ip - truck is plenty powerful (compared to my other idi with similar mileage) and is now even better with a sidewinder turbo. Got 18mpg highway with 4.10s a zf5 and 4x4. Just got 15 mpg now with the turbo - mostly 40-60mph but I was pulling up through the Appalachian mountains.

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 05:39 PM
  #5  
hookedondiesel's Avatar
hookedondiesel
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Rockland Ontario
I can't confirm it, "yet' but when i get a chance, I'll test the voltage.
Having said that...your glow plugs should have 'full" battery voltage to them.
Have you checked the condition of your batteries.
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2012 | 11:32 AM
  #6  
hookedondiesel's Avatar
hookedondiesel
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Rockland Ontario
Well, I went and tested one, it was at 9.6 volts, energized.
Battery voltage was at 12.4.
These are about one month old. i suppose there's a voltage drop as the plug heats up.
Mines a 1990, and I have the bypass, push button to turn them on.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Me_Rock
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
May 7, 2015 09:02 PM
GlennSwett
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
144
Mar 13, 2014 11:08 AM
steelcutter58
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Apr 10, 2013 05:05 AM
drrmwall
General Diesel Discussion
1
Jun 4, 2009 05:32 PM
chevma-67
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
10
Dec 7, 2007 10:27 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:47 PM.

story-0
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-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 10:59:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE