cold start problem.Starter fluid?
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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cold start problem.Starter fluid?
It's 20 below today, and since my f250 psd barely starts at 32 it will not start today even with the heater plugged in. I know you're not supposed to use starting fluid because it could explode when the glow plugs glow, but can you disconnect the glow plug relay and then use starting fluid safely? I have some old diesel construction equipment that starts easier than my f250 if I use starting fluid in them.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Indiana
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Lansdowne. Ontario. Canad
I use starting fuild on an old Ford 5000 tractor all the time, she's an old girl and even when plugged in she'll still need the starting fuild to help start it in winter conditions. But I agree with everyone else here that you shouldn't use any type of starting fuild whenever you have glow plugs in the system. The starting fuild also is hard on an engine when first starting up as the old tractor knocks and compains for a short while until things start to warm up a bit, but that's a tractor and there built tough. The diesel fuel also lubricates so if your trucks hard to start and the glow plugs are working correctly, the batteries are up to par, the fuel and air filters are working correctly then I'd check on the compression, as low compression diesels are hard to start. Do use WD-40 and in extreme cases I've poured 10W30 oil into the intake while cranking on the old tractor as she has low to no compression left, the oil acts to seal the rings and bring the compression back up enough to start the engine.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: New Jersey
i usta use either on my old indirect 7.3L. All I did was wait untill wait to start light goes out and also wait untill volt gauge stops jumping. After volt gauge stops jumping, I would wait another minute or two and then give it a shot of either and then crank engine. You also must not turn key to off postition, because that resets the glow plug system. Never had a problem, but engine sure sounds like some one is traped inside and trying to get out with a jack hammer!
Newer trucks might need a aftermarket volt gauge or disconnect glow plug relay.
I recommend finding out why your truck does not start so good anymore! Sounds like you gotta some problems that need to be addressed first. Never had problems starting a powerstroke untill zero or below.
Newer trucks might need a aftermarket volt gauge or disconnect glow plug relay.
I recommend finding out why your truck does not start so good anymore! Sounds like you gotta some problems that need to be addressed first. Never had problems starting a powerstroke untill zero or below.
Last edited by gameboynws; Jan 11, 2004 at 05:45 PM.
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my boss, (a fairly inteligent and experienced farmer) has a 94 7.3 350 service truck. It is not a powerstroke. but the glow plugs are half shot, so in cold weather, it will not start without starting fluid. The trick is, spray the fluid in, and then immediately start cranking and don't let the glow plugs warm up. I believe if you turn the ignition to start right away, the glow plugs do not ignite, but I could be wrong for the powerstrokes.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Burton, Ohio
You can put your gps on a switch so that way you can shut them off when you want. Otherwise you have to get up there and pull one of your wires off your relay so it does not energize.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Canyon Lake
I guess every one has short cuts. Diesel engines only have a couple of things that will keep them from starting. and adding a explosive fuel to start a engine, is a SHORT CUT. and not a verry good way of telling some one who is not a mech to try. I guess you have never seen the efects of either in a diesel engines that were not designed for quick start.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 371
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From: West Columbia, SC
i have seen what happens if you do not unplug the glow plug system and spray tons of it in there. Im not saying this is the best way to do it as i prefer not to. I try to correct the hard start probelm and fix the complaint altogether w/ o even using ether.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Burton, Ohio
No... using a starting aid is not the right way to go about it. Sometimes though its all you need on those extra cold days. Sometimes you just don't have time to replace your glow plugs. Which was the only reason I had used either a couple times. It isn't going to kill your engine to use a small amount of either. As long as your glow plugs aren't coming on.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Foothills of NC
USE WD40. It will not hurt the engine, it will not either lock your engine, nor will it blow a gasket, or rev the engine wide open upon start.
It will start your enging most times, you can continously spray it into the intake until the enging runs on its on.
I have used a whole can at one time to get one to pick up fuel when it ran out. The WD40 acts as a lubricant like the diesel fuel, where either has no lubricant and is VERY explosive, not to mention that if you breathe too much of it you may take an unwanted nap.
It will start your enging most times, you can continously spray it into the intake until the enging runs on its on.
I have used a whole can at one time to get one to pick up fuel when it ran out. The WD40 acts as a lubricant like the diesel fuel, where either has no lubricant and is VERY explosive, not to mention that if you breathe too much of it you may take an unwanted nap.
