So I put in some motorcraft glow plugs Thursday night and new valve cover gaskets after having to cycle plugs 5 or 6 times and crank a bit at 15 - 20 degreea went out yesterday morning cycled WTS one time truck started about 15-20 degrees did the same thing yesterday night same temp. This morning it's about 5 degrees and I had to cycle the plus 5 or 6 times with a little cranking and she started. I know it needs plugged in with the temp so low but I can't get close enough to the house last night and it's gonna have to sit outside at the armory all day un plugged. I just curious is this normal and could so much cycling at once damage the new plugs?

 

Glow plugs stay on for up to two mins. after the light goes out. Wait 20-30 seconds after the light goes out before you try to start.

 

agreed there is no need to cycle the glow plugs.
once the wait to start light goes out, wait 30 seconds to let them heat the cylinders up a little longer and then start it.

 

Gunnison, Co. is the coldest spot in the lower 48 and my truck sits outside all day for work. Luckily I can usually plug it in at work, sometimes I don't get the option or am to busy and forget. When it is -15* to - 25* at the end of the day and I did not plug her in I will run the Glow Plugs thru one full cycle, about 2 minutes. You will see the battery volt meter jump up to the right when they shut off. Then I recycle them and wait for about a minute before firing up the truck. She starts but makes some good smoke when it is that cold - no smoke if plugged in. Running 5W-40 Schaeffer's synthetic oil instead of Rotella 15W-40 also helps with how fast the motor turns over and starts. Good batteries and starter are also a must, not to mention functioning glow plugs and relay.

 

Ok well that is good to know, my old idi you could here the relay clicking after the start light went out I haven't ever heard that in this truck though. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't burning up plugs I just spent 90$ on lol I am gonna have to get stuff moved around at the house though to plug her in I reckon. I run 15-40 Detroit diesel oil (I work for Detroit)