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Old Jan 25, 2014 | 11:54 PM
  #1  
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psd down

i need some help here,

a buddy is working on a 7.3 psd in a e550 van.

when cold it runs horrible, is hard to start and takes forever to build rpms. but when hot runs fine. if it does start it will need revs to warm up or it will die out.

now im from the idi world but have tinkered with the psd and i know with good air heaters and good glow plugs as this engine has there should be no reason for the hard start or dying off idle.

can yall help me help him?

thanks in advance
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 02:12 AM
  #2  
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Good glow plugs, yes, AIH really doesn't matter.

Oil level and condition do matter as these are HEUI or oil driven injectors. Depending on mileage this is sometimes the starting signs of injector wear.

But to stay cheap...have you guys verified the GPR(Glow Plug Relay) is working properly?

Usually worn injector poppets can be subdued by using the block heater too. If you plug it in for a few hours does all seem well?

Do you have access to diagnostic tools that can perform a "BUZZ" test?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 07:38 AM
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Read the cold start thread in my signature. There is a ton of info on diagnosing cold start problems. As BigAl said, the biggest most expensive problem is the injectors, but there are a few other things to verify are in working order first. Ohming out the GP's and verifying that the GP relay is in good working order are the first things to do. Making sure the fuel filter and fuel pump are working properly are second, while having good clean diesel rated oil are third. If it is worn injectors, you can stave off the replacement for a while by plugging in and making the switch to 5w-40 synthetic.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 09:37 AM
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well i didnt cover everything glow system has been given a good bill of health, the block heater does not help at all. the buzz test? is the diagnostic tools injector test where it will fire injectors? my buddy has done that test they all fire he can hear them.

i will pass the cold start thread his way and have him go through everything. as for the oil weight change? i think ill have him send an oil sample out for testing to see if fuel is in the oil also, because if it is theres a good chance he has a leaking injector, unless theres another way to check for a leaking injector on these? i know the old idi can just be pop tested
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 09:39 AM
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How many miles?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 09:50 AM
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also note when it does start tons of white grey smoke comes out and diesel fuel smell will fill the air, and also he has a fancy book from ford on 7.3 and 6.0 repair but he is more of a parts replacer than a diagnostic guy so thats a paper weight in his hands lol

thanks guys
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 09:53 AM
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danv 270k

and its a service truck delivers mail, so it gets minimum maintence and nothing gets fixed unless it breaks completely right now its so bad with or without the block heater that it isnt worth using, i also forgot a 50 degree shop is where its been keept the last few days and that did not make any changes.

it also did this last summer in the heat
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 10:12 AM
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I'd lean to either low compression or the injectors have served out their service life...or both. Start with a compression test.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2014 | 12:08 PM
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thats what i was thinking low cr or injectors is there a test for injectors? i will have him test cr tuesday
 
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