I need some input since I'm cheap and kind of stranded. It is around 15F today.

It got cold and my truck won't start now. I tried yesterday (without it being plugged in) a few times and was successful in getting it started twice, but it sounded awful. Kind of like something was missing. I left it running for a few seconds, but nothing changed. So I turned it off.

Since then I haven't been able to get it started. I have had it plugged in for three hours and it still won't start. I hear the block heater sizzling, so I know that is working. I am leaving it plugged in and will try later, but I'm concerned the batteries are getting drained.

During the last fuel-up I put in a little Diesel Kleen additive, but not much.

I recently changed the oil as well. At 35F it starts without any problem. (or at least it used to start without any problem a few days ago)

Since I was able to start it yesterday without plugging it in, I feel like the glow plug relay is fine and the batteries are fine. And since it made the terrible noise when I started it, it seems like the glow plugs may be bad. I have tried cylcing the key on and off several times too.

I really don't want to replace glow plugs because of the work involved out in the cold. I hope that's not the case.

Suggestions would be appreciated. My plan of action is to try some extra help from a jump start, and then look at replacing the glow plug relay.

Is the relay something that isn't needed when the ambient temperature is warmer?

 

I'd begin to wonder if your fuel wasn't beginning to gel

 

Im with bricott. Maybe your fuel gelled. See if you can find some diesel 911. This will ungel your fuel.

 

Wow, I just took a look at weather.com and they say its six degrees out right now with the wind chill. My truck isnt plugged, I hope it starts.

 

Well, im shocked. My truck would not start. Well i started and ran for about 2 minutes then died. For the the first time i pluged it in...

 

Isnt your diesel fuel winterized? My truck sat for 7 hrs unplugged in 4 f temps and started fine.

 

Yes the fuel is winterized. And I also put and antigeling additive in every tank. Like I said this is the first time I had this problem. I think I may have forgot to put the additive in my last tank. I just started it up after being plugged in for an hour. I also think the fact that I removed the fuel heater because it was shorting out may have something to do with it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I had to take a few busses over to get a new glow plug relay from international. It was only $21. That didn't help. Neither did extra juice from another van.

Where can I get the diesel 911?

 

Walmart may carry it, so does napa. Give some places a call.

 

benrosey try changing fuel filter somtimes water freezes in the filter make sure u fill filter with diesel fuel.somtimes happens on the tracter trailers we drive that will usually get them going.hope this helps. good luck

 

I called power service and found two places in town that carry diesel 911. Will get some tonight when I get a ride.

In the meantime, I'm going to remove the fuel filter and let it warm up in case there is any water in it.

Then I'll add the diesel 911 as directed.

Thanks again. I'll let you know how I fare.

 

Still haven't got the diesel 911, but I pulled the fuel filter off and the diesel was completely liquid. Will draining this and adding diesel 911 still help at all?

 

I just tried some diesel 911 myself and it didnt help. The fuel isnt gelled anymore and I still cannot start.

 

If it makes you feel any better, you got a good deal on your GP relay. I just paid $52 plus tax at the local International dealer...

 

I've been reading elsewhere about an in-line fuel filter that may be affected (clogged by gelled fuel). Does anyone know about this and where it is located? Since my main fuel filter looked fine, I want to check this one.

Also, how do you tell if the fuel heater in the main fuel filter housing is operating properly?

If I got ahold of an OBD tester, would that tell me if my glow plugs are shot? I have no interest in working outside at length in the cold.

I have a 99 350 PSD. I soon hope to not own this truck. This is more grief than I need (coupled with my oil leak that I cannot solve). Have mercy.