So little back round first. I am new to this group, but have learned a lot already so thank you in advance for all the support. I have a 1991 ford f350 dually 7.3 idi with a banks turbo kit (installed before I owned it.) A brand new transmission, radiator, batteries, starter, mlps, FIPL Glow plugs, and glow plug controller (wired to a button). Doesn't matter the temperature outside we have even been up to 90° F the truck has a problem starting if I don't hold the glow plugs on for a minimum of 10 seconds and will smoke white until completely warm( not billowing clouds as I have read about when it burns coolant but at definitely a good amount) after she warms up it stops smoking and can be turned off and on again very easy. I don't know how the power should feel when I WOT as it didn't run when I bought it for a measley $1200 so I don't have any information on that. Any help would be appreciated.

 

welcome to FTE.
how many miles on it?
it may just be a little tired.
what brand of "new glow plugs" were put in?
most all aftermarket glow plugs burn out after a few cycles.
motorcraft ZD-9 plugs are the only ones that work in these engines.

 

They are the motorcraft ZD-9 which I bought based on recommendations from other threads. The mileage is unknown. based on condition I would guess anywhere between 200,000-350,000 miles. She runs quite smooth with little vibration.

 

If she starts when warm that's a good sign. I wouldn't call 10 seconds of glow plug excessive. The glow plugs haven't been put on a manual switch, have they?

 

It is wired to a manual switch. Bought it like that.

 

normal wait to start time is 10 to 15 seconds, than pulse every second or so for another 30-60 seconds to keep the plugs warm to help the engine burn cleaner.
real cold can see the plugs lit for 20 seconds.

 

Any thoughts on why the truck won't start in 80° F though. And what I can do to fix it? Or is it normal to have to use the glow plugs when it is that warm

 

Are you sure its a glowplug problem, and not an air intrusion problem? Both can cause hard starts and smoke when cold.

 

I have clear hoses on my returns but have not noticed any large amounts of air in the system or foaming.

 

IDI or powerstroke should start at 60f with out glow plugs if compression is there

what is your cranking RPMs? a slow starter can make for hard starts

 

glow plugs will work until engine temperature reaches around 110 degrees. then the controller will turn off.

 

Have you removed the fuel filter after running around town? There shouldn't be any air in it. That's a sign of air intrusion. You might want to move those clear acrylic hoses to the fuel supply side too.

 

So I have a electric fuel lift pump with a clear lower canister. It always has had roughly 10% air in it. Not sure if that is normal I have tried to bleed it through the shrader with no luck. Is that a sign of intrusion or is that normal.

 

Those electric pumps are often more trouble then they're worth. Many of them leak air around the bowl or at the fittings. Im a proponent of a good quality (Motorcraft) mechanical fuel pump just like International intended.
In the morning, when your press the glow-plug button for 10 seconds and crank the engine, does the engine start immediately (less than 2 revolutions)?

 

yes it will start immediately after the glow plugs have warmed the system. But smokes until it is up to operating temperatures