Engine Block and Glow plug issues

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Jul 18, 2013 | 10:29 AM

rconnor

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Joined: Jul 2010

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Engine Block and Glow plug issues

My 6.0 Excursion is having hard start/no start issues due to it needing a #7 glow plug replaced. My tuner/chip is telling me this.

I thought I should just be able to hook up the engine block to an outlet and get the engine warm and it would start even with the glow plug issues. It took me about two weeks but I finally found the plug right in front of my face by the front right hook. I plug it in for a few hours and truck still wont start.

Am I wrong in my thinking this should work or am I doing something wrong with the engine block

Jul 18, 2013 | 10:52 AM

Lx460

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 355

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From: Spring Hill, FL

The hardest part is disconnecting the harness from the glow plug without destroying it. If it were mine, I would replace all four on aside and just get a new harness. It is your choice whether you want to chance it.

Jul 18, 2013 | 12:51 PM

JaySVX

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,955

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From: Eastern PA

You can't run off block heater alone. It doesn't get hot enough, it just warms the oil so it's not as thick to stop the cranking.

You can replace the glow plug without to much difficulty, normally. I don't know which #7 is, but check the clip first. The retainer clip comes right out with a flat head screw driver, then the plug unplugs directly.

Check to make sure the glow plug is plugged in, too. If one cylinder glow plug isn't working, that shouldn't cause a no-start condition though, there is 7 other cylinders that are getting heated up. I think your problem lies somewhere else.

Jul 18, 2013 | 12:53 PM

JaySVX

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,955

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From: Eastern PA

I would check your FICM voltage, that typically goes long before hte glow plugs. There's a procedure how to do it here somewhere, and is not that difficult to do.

Jul 18, 2013 | 02:50 PM

rconnor

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Joined: Jul 2010

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Thanks for the advice so far. the truck will start after about an hour of trying. I took that to mean that it got heated up in there enough for it crank. if I drive to a store and come back it will crank. My problem now of course is im killing my batteries from trying to start it so much. after I do get it started it no longer throws the glow plug code. its on the passenger side nearest the fire wall.

can anybody point me to the best set of instructions with pictures on how to change it. is this something an idiot that thought plugging the block up would crank his truck can do.

Jul 18, 2013 | 03:19 PM

mustang_309

Logistics Pro

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 4,138

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From: South Weber, Utah

I doubt 1 glow plug would cause that much grief trying to start. Its probably the FICM is going south on you as previously mentioned. Your FICM volts need to be greater than 45 at all times from KOEO (key on engine off), cranking, idling and WOT ( wide open throttle ) there is a FICM test procedure and a wealth of knowledge on the 6.0L in the tech folder, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...ch-folder.html , you also need some gauges that read live data to trouble shoot these trucks, like the Scan gauge II that can be had at autozone for around 160 bucks, or one of the smartphone apps like dashboss for IOS devices or torque for android, I like the Edge Insight CTS myself but it is a bit on the pricey side.

Jul 18, 2013 | 06:51 PM

Pete_H

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 111

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From: Palm Harbor , Florida

ditto above. I've been throwing the code for 2 glow plugs for six months and the truck starts and runs fine. Sounds like FICM or something else for sure. No cold start for me was FICM. No hot start for me was dummy plugs.