Hard and long to start

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Jan 26, 2021 | 11:24 AM

Heavy hual guy

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Jun 2020

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Hard and long to start

I have a 1988 f250 7.3idi and it is having a very hard time starting every day. I have put in new glowplugs. A new glowplugs relay and controller. And I have a facet lift pump mount up under the frame but still running with the factory mechanical pump. I go to leave everyday for work after school at 2.45 and it will never pop off. I start for 15 seconds at a time and I can do that 3 times before the batterys become to week. Then I get Jumpstart by my dad and still takes another 2 15 second starts and finally pops off. My boss told me to get up this morning and start it and then not touch it tell I have to go to work. And I am siting here this morning and it just cranks tell the batterys run dead. So im usually s.o.l everyday and need help to figure out this issue

Jan 26, 2021 | 12:10 PM

Olds64

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 3,940

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From: Edmond, OK

When the truck finally starts does it spit white smoke? You could have an air intrusion issue. Depress the schraeder valve at the fuel filter while a buddy cranks the engine. You should get a solid stream of fuel from the schraeder valve. If it still has trouble starting you can bleed the injector lines with the truck running. Just loosen 1 at a time until they start to spit fuel and then tighten them again. Good luck.

Jan 26, 2021 | 01:57 PM

DarkOverCast

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Joined: May 2015

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Sounds like your batteries or starter is weak if all you get is three 15 second crank cycles.

I'd get the batteries tested, clean every connection, then if that doesn't fix it swap the starter out.

Jan 26, 2021 | 02:32 PM

lonewolf_

Scope Wizard

Joined: May 2019

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkOverCast

Sounds like your batteries or starter is weak if all you get is three 15 second crank cycles.

I'd get the batteries tested, clean every connection, then if that doesn't fix it swap the starter out.

\
yep, that be my first guess too.

Jan 26, 2021 | 04:12 PM

Heavy hual guy

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5th Wheeling

Joined: Jun 2020

Posts: 35

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I'd get the batteries tested, clean every connection, then if that doesn't fix it swap the starter out.[/QUOTE]
I did get new batteries last year when I started driving this thing. But my dad was saying it's about normal for him to 3 cranks out of it. And we are thinking about the starter probably needing replaced. Is there any else on the motor or electricaly I could check or replace. Also I noticed before I changed my glow plug controller the wait to stat light would come on for about 10 seconds then shut off then the relay would start clicking. But now with the new one its only one for about 4 seconds then the light goes out and starts to click. And then I would try to cycle the plugs a 2nd time then the light would only be on for 2 or so seconds then kick off and click. And idk is it supposed to be like that or if I should switch back to my only controller or I dont know

Jan 27, 2021 | 07:28 AM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,421

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

you have a problem with the glow plug circuit.
4 seconds wait to start light is the hint.
it should be closer to 15 seconds.
what brand glow plugs did you put in it?
motorcraft ZD-9 glow plugs ONLY in these engines.

Jan 27, 2021 | 05:40 PM