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Trouble Starting

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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 03:51 PM
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Trouble Starting

My 85 6.9 idi has trouble starting but runs great with a quick shot of ether, I know I shouldn't use too much ether but I do.
-I replaced the return lines and cups.
-Fuel filter
-Mechanical Fuel pump

The glow plugs work and are new.
I am thinking the next move is the Injector pump. Just looking for more info thanks.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 03:56 PM
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Compression test might tell you something.

EDIT: also to consider..... is it Cranking over fast enough to start......
 
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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 09:03 PM
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Did you use grease or some sort of lubricant on the o rings? Even having a sharp burr on the plastic caps could have nicked an o ring causing a fuel drain back issue. Is it hard to start first thing in the morning after sitting, or hard to start every time?
 
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Old Jul 28, 2019 | 11:21 PM
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I did use grease, and it happens even a minute after turning the truck off.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2019 | 10:56 PM
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Is it hard to start cold as it is warm? I’m not too familiar with the 6.9s, but could you take your fuel filter off after you shut it down to see if it’s full of fuel? If it is, then that might mean there’s a problem upstream. Is your starter spinning fast enough? These starters get tired over a long period of time and the driver doesn’t usually notice until it won’t start. Mine would struggle to start on a hot summer day with a new fuel system and new glow plugs. I changed it for a gear reduction and now it cranks like a 6.0 power stroke and starts faster than I can get my hand off the key.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2019 | 02:59 AM
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Try pouring room temperature water over the rear of the ip where the lines come off then try it, if that fixes it the main rotor in the pump is wore and the injection pump should be replaced

If that doesn't seem to make a difference maybe your batteries/cables/starter have seen better days.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2019 | 11:28 PM
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90ford73. I noticed you said you replaced your starter? What did you replace it with? You mentioned “gear reduction”? Did you use the OEM or get another kind of starter?
 
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Old Jul 31, 2019 | 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by rbfunk85
90ford73. I noticed you said you replaced your starter? What did you replace it with? You mentioned “gear reduction”? Did you use the OEM or get another kind of starter?
I replaced mine with a nippondenso gear reduction unit from Napa. It was brand new, as a reman was only like 40 bucks less than a new one. The gear reduction starters are offset, where as the direct drive ones like the original are a straight unit. The gear reduction provides more torque to crank the engine over, or it is supposed to lol. Some say the dreaded top bolt is easier to get to on a gear reduction starter due to their offset design, I didn’t find it that much easier.

There was a great difference between the old and new starter, but I think that is because of how worn the old one was. A new starter of any kind would’ve been a major improvement.
 
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