Starting Issue
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
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Starting Issue
Hello All,
I just purchased my first truck, a 1988 Ford F-250 with the 7.3 diesel and 5 speed manual transmission. Got a great deal on it because it has a minor starting issue. hoping you fellows could help me get it figured out. I'm new to diesel engines( and pretty ignorant of engines in general).
Bought it from a farmer who used it only occasionally. Engine turns over but won't start. with a shot of starting fluid, however, it fires right up and runs fine. it will usually restart fine without starting fluid if it's been running for a while. The guy I bought it from was thinking that is was probably the glow plugs. It has 197,000 miles on it, by the way. which I understand isn't too high for a diesel.
Any help diagnosing the problem would be greatly appreciated.
I just purchased my first truck, a 1988 Ford F-250 with the 7.3 diesel and 5 speed manual transmission. Got a great deal on it because it has a minor starting issue. hoping you fellows could help me get it figured out. I'm new to diesel engines( and pretty ignorant of engines in general).
Bought it from a farmer who used it only occasionally. Engine turns over but won't start. with a shot of starting fluid, however, it fires right up and runs fine. it will usually restart fine without starting fluid if it's been running for a while. The guy I bought it from was thinking that is was probably the glow plugs. It has 197,000 miles on it, by the way. which I understand isn't too high for a diesel.
Any help diagnosing the problem would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 276
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From: Orange County NY
80% possibility, glow plugs.
20% possibility, fuel delivery.
Read the stickies for newbs above:
Start with https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/906604-glow-plugs-87-thru-94-new-style-system.html
Report back with any questions.
20% possibility, fuel delivery.
Read the stickies for newbs above:
Start with https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/906604-glow-plugs-87-thru-94-new-style-system.html
Report back with any questions.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 10
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Thanks for responding, I'll look into the two items you mentioned.
Also, a few things I forget to mention: When I first turn the key, the wait to start light blinks on for one second or less and then turns off. Also there is a clicking sound from under the hood.
Also, a few things I forget to mention: When I first turn the key, the wait to start light blinks on for one second or less and then turns off. Also there is a clicking sound from under the hood.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 13
Grab a test light hook the gator clip to the + on the battery and start testing GPs Remove the connector on the glow plug before testing as it will give you a false good otherwise. If the light lights up, good glow plug, if it doesnt, its bad. This test doesnt give a good indicator of how good a plug is, but is a quick easy way to find out if there are any burnt out.
My bet is a few or most GP burnt out. Be sure to use motorcraft plugs, O'Riellys has them, Ford has them as does international and online.
My bet is a few or most GP burnt out. Be sure to use motorcraft plugs, O'Riellys has them, Ford has them as does international and online.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,958
Likes: 592
From: Greater Austin, Texas
The parts truck for my diesel Bronco project was the same truck as yours, and it also would not start without ether when I got it. It had 2 problems - most of the glow plugs were bad and the battery cables were junk. I replaced all the glow plugs with Berus, which got my controller to come on and stay on steady for 8-10 secs like it is supposed to, but it still would not start on it's own (ie without the ether). Once I replaced all the battery cables with 2/0 welding cable, it now fires right up when cold, no ether required.
The Motorcraft glow plugs are by Beru, so those are what you want. I got mine on Rockauto.com. Be very patient taking the old ones out so you don't break one off in the motor.
The Motorcraft glow plugs are by Beru, so those are what you want. I got mine on Rockauto.com. Be very patient taking the old ones out so you don't break one off in the motor.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 276
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From: Orange County NY
you need to read the glow plug sticky again...and maybe again one last time to be sure.
you'll pro'lly need to go through the whole system,cleaning connections,replacing a wire or two and whatever other what not.
glow plugs are cheap enough. If they're not new and the right ones, replace!
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New User
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I think I'll begin by checking connections and replacing the glow plugs.
Also, I was told that it was a good idea to replace the glow plug wire harness ( correct part name??) at the same time as the glow plugs. Is this important?
Thanks again for all your help.
Also, I was told that it was a good idea to replace the glow plug wire harness ( correct part name??) at the same time as the glow plugs. Is this important?
Thanks again for all your help.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 276
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From: Orange County NY
Don't just throw parts at it.
Understand what you're doing and why, and go through the system...systematically. If you search, you'll find trouble trees or flow charts to walk you through the testing and diag.
Spend $30-$40 on a DVOM and a test light, if you don't have them. They'll serve you well, even if you only call on them once in a while.
I don't mean to sound preachy but it's simple if you just read up, print the wiring diagram and look at the truck.
You should be able to troubleshoot it and get it all working like it was designed to. And you'll be able to help the next guy.
Understand what you're doing and why, and go through the system...systematically. If you search, you'll find trouble trees or flow charts to walk you through the testing and diag.
Spend $30-$40 on a DVOM and a test light, if you don't have them. They'll serve you well, even if you only call on them once in a while.
I don't mean to sound preachy but it's simple if you just read up, print the wiring diagram and look at the truck.
You should be able to troubleshoot it and get it all working like it was designed to. And you'll be able to help the next guy.
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