Fuel Filter

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Dec 24, 2003 | 01:13 PM

ScottI

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From: Dallas, OR

Fuel Filter

I have a 2000 F350 diesel 4 X 4 with 68,000 miles. We had a recent cold snap in Oregon and my truck failed to start right up in the morning. A service engine dash light came on. The truck cranked normally but sounded starved. Would water freezing in the filter cause this. Ten minutes later the truck started and ran fine but the light remained on. Later in the day I started it again and no light and no problem starting it.

If it is my fuel filter, where is it and how do I fix my problem? The next few nights I plugged in the block heater and there was no problem in the morning.

Dec 24, 2003 | 11:40 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Hi and welcome to FTE

It sounds like maybe some fuel gelling going on.
Use the heater and try adding some anti-gel aditive to the fuel.
You might want to make sure that all of your glowplugs are working too.
Jimmy

Dec 29, 2003 | 09:50 PM

ScottI

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From: Dallas, OR

The anti gel didn't cure the problem. How do you check to see if your glow plugs are all working?

Dec 30, 2003 | 02:06 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

You would want to use an amp clamp over the wires to see if they are drawing any current.
Jimmy

Dec 30, 2003 | 06:59 PM

ScottI

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From: Dallas, OR

Thank you lxman1 for your help. I talked to the service manager of our local Ford dealership and he said it sounded like a glow plug relay.
They wanted $95 for one, but a parts place in town had one for $20. I'll not plug in the block heater and see how it starts in the morning simulating a night up on the mountain with no extention cords available.

My fingers are crossed.

Thanks again.

Dec 31, 2003 | 12:11 PM

ScottI

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From: Dallas, OR

I had an easier time starting the truck this morning but it still doesn't act right. I had to turn the key on and off several times before I got a WAIT TO START ENGINE light. I aslo hear a relay clicking on and off under the dash. Any ideas?

Feb 20, 2004 | 09:57 PM

ScottI

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From: Dallas, OR

The problem has had me checking every where. It's mid Feb and I still have no answers.
I disconnected the two batteries and my problem was cured for about two weeks. I came back this past weekend. Infact I had to pull over and shut the engine down because it was missing so badly. Sounded like fuel starvation. I think the trucks computer is the culprit. Anyway, I disconnected the tow batteries again and so far so good.
Do the PCM fail? Come loose? Can poor batteries cause this?