Cold Start Diagnostic Question
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, Wa
Cold Start Diagnostic Question
Hello, new to this forum. Just had a quick question. Going to check out a 94.5 powerstroke f250 tomorrow and was just wondering if a mechanic would be able to diagnose a problem that a cold start would reveal. Basically, the seller if fine with me coming over and giving the truck a cold start and with me taking to a mechanic, but it would save a bit of time if we just met at the mechanic. Is a cold start really necessary?
Thanks
Kyle
Thanks
Kyle
Postmaster
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 0
From: Monroe City in
You can ohm out the glow plugs your self with just unpluging the valve cover pig tail and useing a multi meter. Also you will be able to check your glow plug relay with a multi meter. It wont mater if the truck is warm or not when your are doing this. Honestly glow plugs, relay and under valve cover harness and gasket are not a bad job to do and the truck is most likely ready for them anyway. I guess what im getting at is if those are bad dont let it stop you buying it if the truck is nice. Welcome to fte!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
Welcome to FTE! 
Is there a cold start problem with the truck already? If so, like Gabe said, the glow plugs, relay, and UVCHs and gaskets aren't bad to do. If there is a cold start problem it will more than likely be one or more of those things. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Is there a cold start problem with the truck already? If so, like Gabe said, the glow plugs, relay, and UVCHs and gaskets aren't bad to do. If there is a cold start problem it will more than likely be one or more of those things. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Welcome to FTE.
I'd say it all depends on the mechanic. If it's one that has a lot of experience with the 7.3 motor, then it's worth a ton for him to be there for the cold start.
If it's the type of mechanic that is so popular now that just plugs his scanner into the truck and then looks at the screen to see what needs to be fixed, then you'll likely be wasting your time with someone who will just throw parts at it until he gets lucky or you run out of money.
I'd say it all depends on the mechanic. If it's one that has a lot of experience with the 7.3 motor, then it's worth a ton for him to be there for the cold start.
If it's the type of mechanic that is so popular now that just plugs his scanner into the truck and then looks at the screen to see what needs to be fixed, then you'll likely be wasting your time with someone who will just throw parts at it until he gets lucky or you run out of money.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, Wa
Thanks so much for the replies! Well, it would just be me there for the cold start and to be honest i really dont know much, i've just heard to make sure that it doesnt take forever to start (its not too cold out here in washington now) and to look for excessive smoke coming out the tail pipe when cold started. Just curious is those signs would be something that a mechanic (experienced) would be able to diagnose without a cold start. A good point was made as to the mechanics ability and knowledge, im not sure how familiar the one i am taking it to is with the 7.3, but they work with diesels.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, Wa
If it is just to see how the glow plugs are i guess im not too worried, i've heard that giving them a cold start could let one know if there are injector issues which ive heard could be pricey to fix.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
You ALWAYS want to cold start a truck that you're buying. If the seller warms up the truck first, or wants to drive the truck to meet you somewhere, walk away.
If you're concerned about a cold start issue, and want the mechanic to diagnose it, do this - bring a camera with, and shoot a video of the cold start. If there's an issue, show the video to the mechanic when you get there.
If you're concerned about a cold start issue, and want the mechanic to diagnose it, do this - bring a camera with, and shoot a video of the cold start. If there's an issue, show the video to the mechanic when you get there.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, Wa
Yeah, i was under the impression that that was the case. Anyways, cold started up fine and bought the truck. Really appreciate everyone you replied to my thread. It does have a leak in the radiator though, you can see a bit of coolant on the top. Would this be easy to repair or do i need a whole new radiator? Might be hard to answer without a pic, i'll see if i can upload one here soon. Thanks again!
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,111
Likes: 1,546
From: western SD
The 94.5 has the old style radiator, and won't have the nipple for the degas bottle. It uses the overflow tube to the overflow tank.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11,132
Likes: 3
From: Southern West Virginia
