Hey Guys, I am very new to this forum and I have been around PSDs, and the OBSs since I was in High School. I work for my best friends windmill company and we have this one ton dually that has been a dedicated pulling unit since it was brand new in 1983 (Only 145,000 on the odometer). I have read the concerns on cavitation and the truck is solid with just a cracked front windshield and a very nice flatbed. We are in the process on switching the rig to a 1998 Lodiak 12 series cat. So to make a long story short, 800 dollars later and the truck is mine. It starts great with no problem in spring and summer weather but won't start in the winter. It hazes a little white at idle but doesn't smell like antifreeze. I don't have the funds for a new IP and Injectors yet, the glow plug light comes on and shuts off after a few seconds. The question I have is a total rehaul of the glow plug system a good idea, I will also replace the return fuel lines on the injectors. I dont need to go crazy with block heaters and things because I live in West Texas where the coldest it usually gets is upper twenties maybe. Just need some advice to make it a reliable starter and perhaps any simple mods untill i can afford to put new delphis and IP in.

 

Congrats on the new rig! 145K is low mileage! Cavitation isn't a big concern on the 6.9, but take care of your SCAs.

Does sound like a glow plug problem, WTS light should be on 10-15 seconds the first time up.

Read here: Glow Plugs 101 Tutorial

And here: 6.9/7.3 IDI Diesel New Owner FAQ

 

Thanks for the advice and by a few seconds its like around 3. I am going to pull out a meter and test everything. But feel free to comment on things that should be done on a regular basis or things that are just good habit.

 

Congrats on the truck, sounds like a good deal. I would just buy a new set of Motorcraft Beru glow plugs and throw them in, then check the WTS light before doing anything else to the GP system. Do the return lines, and pull the fuel filter and fill it with ATF or diesel Kleen, start it for about 30 seconds, shut her down and let it sit overnight, then drive her like you stole her the next day to flush out the fuel system. It is due for a pump and injectors, but a lot of guys have gone a lot longer without them! We can point you in the right direction on the little things. You might want to get the timing checked if you can find a mechanic that still remembers how!

Welcome to the dino-diesel forum, and good luck,

Mac.

 

I am going to change out the return lines this weekend and do the diesel clean trick to the filter. I ordered the glowplugs today so hopefully ups ground will get them here before saturday.

 

Put a real bed on it

 

Well the return lines and new viton o-rings took care of the smoking issue. I just got a set of autometer gauges all ultralites pyro, and boost/vacuum. I was wondering where the best place to set the probe for the pyro. As well as the thought of running the boost gauge to my vacuum tree that way i can monitor vacuum pressure due to the brakes.... I am not to sure how to plumb the thing into that system. all the stock gauges work. No Tach... something to add later. Anyways let me know what you think about that idea and let me know the best place to put the pyro probe. Also Can i drill and tap it with manifold left on?

 

I don't have the factory owners manual and was wanting to know which fuses to tap into to install the autometer gauges that i have for the truck. I guess what I am saying is I could use a fuse block diagram not the wiring diagram just the block itself. I just couldn't seem to get google search engine to work for me. Thanks for all the help.

 

I'm going to use one of these to power my gauges and radio gear in my truck:

Since it's going inside the cab, it doesn't need a fancy cover like the $40 unit from Blue Sea. I'm going to wire the gauges on one or two circuits and then the CB and 2m radios will get their own.

 

I am no electrical engineer and never have put an extra fuse block in so could you explain to me how to do that? Also on the autometer ultra lights, what size fuse would you need for them? Would you run a hard line from the starter to the fuse block? I have no idea how to go about this. my other ride is a 69 El camino that has been in the family for ever and I run everything on the stock glass tube fuses. I am mechanically inclined lol that one has a stroked 427 sbc with a t56 six behind it. But I can't wire anything without worrying. I had a issue when i was 16 with a amp meter crossing over. Barely had time to cut the ground off the battery and took 3 weeks to rewire the thing.