Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Help 2001 won't start cold

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 07:29 PM
  #1  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Help 2001 won't start cold

I have a 2001 f350 crew cab dually automatic. Anyway my problem is it will not start cold unless plugged in. I have replaced the glow plugs, glow plug relay,fuel fitler, changed oil and the valve cover gaskets. I then checked the glow plugs and they ohmed out fine. When it starts it runs fine with plenty of power just can't figure it out. I'm running 15w40 rotella in it. Please help
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 07:32 PM
  #2  
F350-6's Avatar
F350-6
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
So when it finally does start cold, it is 100% perfect or it gets better as it warms up?

Outside temps? Miles on engine? How often is the oil changed?
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 08:27 PM
  #3  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
today it got up to 60 probably 40 this morning. It has right at 300,000. I'd say very close to 100% I've owned it about 8 months change oil every 5000 miles. don't really know before I bought it. I own a 2003 with 330,000 all original engine parts including glow plugs . so this really has me stumped.
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 08:41 PM
  #4  
F350-6's Avatar
F350-6
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
The truck should start at 40 degrees even without glow plugs. I was going to suggest worn injectors, but the truck wouldn't be close to 100% when it finally did start.

I wonder if plugging it in is really having an effect on things or just seems to since it's a random issue? How does it start cold if you unplug the ICP sensor first?
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 09:20 PM
  #5  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
It will not start without plugging it in for a hour or more. Unplugging the icp does not change it. I actually swapped it with another truck. Thanks for the suggestions. any other ideas?
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2015 | 10:12 PM
  #6  
Bonanza35's Avatar
Bonanza35
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,399
Likes: 188
From: Norco,CA
Club FTE Silver Member

Try another relay. Did you change the AIH relay or glow plug one. Sounds like relay to me. Had the same problem once.
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2015 | 07:53 AM
  #7  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
I've even jumped the glow plug relay. With some help I was jumping it and had someone turn the key on and the spark quit with the key so the relay is working. pretty sure it is not the relay. any other ideas. sure has me stumped
Thanks everyone
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2015 | 08:51 AM
  #8  
sowaxeman's Avatar
sowaxeman
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 511
Likes: 2
5w40 is preferred in the winter as it helps with cold weather starting. That's what I run year round. But not sure that is the only thing going on.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 12, 2015 | 10:26 AM
  #9  
HD Rider's Avatar
HD Rider
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 13
From: Glendive, MT
Compression or Injectors.
 

Last edited by HD Rider; Mar 12, 2015 at 11:01 AM. Reason: add
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2015 | 06:45 PM
  #10  
F350-6's Avatar
F350-6
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Perhaps it's time to check the injectors. Remove the valve cover and watch for the oil discharge while cranking from the oil spouts as shown here.



They should all be spitting out the same amount of oil while cranking or when (if) it starts cold. If you've got injectors not discharging oil while cranking, that tells you you've either got an oil supply issue (unlikely if it runs normal once it starts) of you've got worn internals on those injectors.

Also look for signs of oil bubbling up from where the injector mounts into the head or any signs of an oil stained fuel filter. Those could indicate bad injector o-rings, although o-ring issues usually make it harder to start when warm, not cold.
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2015 | 12:43 AM
  #11  
twags6's Avatar
twags6
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
Club FTE Gold Member
Check and clean all your battery connections thoroughly. My passenger side positive keeps corroding between the stud and clamp. It got so bad that she wouldn't start below 20* with 7 working glow plugs. All the voltage read good until you cranked, then there was 7-8 volts difference between the battery stud and cable clamp! Blew my mind. One of these days its getting new cables, but for now, its gets terminal cleaner and a light polishing inside and out.
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2015 | 08:27 AM
  #12  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
I don't believe the oil is my issue' I'm running 15w30 in a 1999 with 230,000 a 2001 with 160,00 and a 2003 with 333,000 all start about to 15 degrees without being plugged in.

When I replaced the valve cover gaskets and glow plugs I watched the injectors oil and they all seemed smooth and basically the same output.

I'll check the battery terminal but it spins pretty fast.

any other ideas?
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2015 | 11:58 AM
  #13  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Update its right at 50 degrees here today and raining the truck started right up without using the block heater. There was very little smoke on startup. so its something to do with temperature.
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2015 | 04:26 PM
  #14  
flatbed444E's Avatar
flatbed444E
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
mistake can't type. I'm running 15w40 rotella t. It has been 55-60 degrees the last few days truck starts and runs fine. It anybody ca n point me in the right direction it would be appreciated. Kind of a pain to always park close enough to plug in if need be. Thanks all
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2015 | 10:36 PM
  #15  
HD Rider's Avatar
HD Rider
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 13
From: Glendive, MT
Double check the glow plug system.
Voltage drop across the relay, continuity thru the vavle cover gaskets, ect.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE