Starting problems
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 4
Starting problems
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.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,566
Likes: 5,601
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
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.
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.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 4
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.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,566
Likes: 5,601
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
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.
real cold can see the plugs lit for 20 seconds.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 4
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
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
Are you sure its a glowplug problem, and not an air intrusion problem? Both can cause hard starts and smoke when cold.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Edmond, OK
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.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 4
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
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From: Mojave, Ca
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)?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 49
Likes: 4
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)?
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)?