Engine won't start unless I use starting fluid. Replaced fuel filter. Replaced glow plug controller. Checked fuel pump on motor. Checked glow plugs with test light. Checked air filter. Cranks good, no start till I spray with starting fluid. Runs rough until warmed up good, then runs ok with slight miss and white smoke sometimes. Has been hard to start all winter. One day it wouldn't start. Batteries charged , still no start. Please help !

 

How many miles? How's the fuel filter? What kind of glow plug regulator? Please avoid that starting fluid unless you disable the glow plugs. Have you ever ohmed the glow plugs or injectors?


Welcome to fte by the way.

 

You can't test glow plugs with a test light, because if they are dead shorted, they will illuminate the test light without producing heat when energized.

You need to use a multimeter. I've had two sets of motorcraft that were all dead-on 0.8ohm. I believe the acceptance range is 0.5-2.0 ohm.

Avoid starting your truck with starting fluid, it can be damaging if you use too much.

 

Thank you ! I dont have an ohm meter, dont know how to. Use one. I may get all new glow plugs and try that. The motor wouldnt start on day but had started previously. Would glow plugs go out that fast ? I replaced them two years ago

 

I just replaced the fuel filter . its got about. 260 thousand miles on it. Maybe I will get new glow plugs , I replaced them about two years ago. I hate using starting fluid , but that's the only way it will start

 

First your in the powerstroke section, if you have a 93 then it isn't a powerstroke. The powerstroke first started mid 1994. In 93 your 7.3 is an IDI, it works very differently and you'll want to head to that section, maybe a mod can move this thread.
This section Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Second using ether(starting fluid) in an IDI has been shown to do serious damage and should be avoided.

The two very common causes for an IDI not starting when it cranks ok is either the glow plugs aren't working or it has air in the fuel system, look up "air intrusion".

How long does the wait to start light come on?

You say you replaced the fuel filter, was this before the starting issue started?

 

Thank you ! I just replaced the fuel filter after the problem started. Haven't replaced glow plugs yet but tested them with light. Also replaced glow plug controler with new one since problem begin. Also checked fuel pump. It will only start with starting fluid. I did noticed my wait to start light does not come on when i turn key on.

 

This thread is a sticky in the IDI section cause it has a lot of very good info on diagnosing the glow plug system. I suggest giving it a read.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...le-system.html

 

You need to check for fuel see if your lift pump is producing fuel to the injector pump if it is check your injector pump is it pumping fuel to the injectors my guess is If you've always used ether to start it your injector pump is weak or your rings are junk

 

Oops, didn't see it was a 93...

 

what brand glow plugs are in it, autolites, rite?
those are the absolute worst crap ever made, followed very closely by all the other brands parts stores sell.
you want motorcraft ZD-9 glow plugs only.

 

Thank you all for the input . problem solved. It was a bad glow plug controller. And a loose wire. Runs Great now !