Just posting a solution for a cold start problem I was having. I don't know what the root problem was but I solved starting prob when it got warm & added a third battery for starter boost.

I didn't have enough diesel to make it home so I stopped at a small quick trip place for fuel. I did not add the winter additive like usual, now I know better. The next morning it was not real bad cold, but around 15 deg or so. Block heater plugged like normal but would not start, only engine/starter spin. Cycled a few times, .... all the normal stuff; not going anywhere. Tried next morning, nothing. Tried a couple days later when it was back up to the 30's, still nothing. The starter was turning OK, everything seemed normal. I knew anywhere around 25 deg I have never had a problem before with no block heater, 30ish even with no additive.

I was off work Sunday and finally got to work on it. I saw the volts was a little off when the glow plugs kicked in. I read somewhere that the injectors will not work if the rpms are less than 250? Not a quote, since I was not paying that much attention at the time. Problem fixed! Hooked up a battery from my old mustang and it was ready to go. Oh, I was lucky that the weather happened to be 60 deg Sunday so nix the freeze or gel possibility. Something was wrong with the diesel from the station because I noticed it took almost twice the fuel to go same distance when I fuel up at normal place, big truck stop.

 

So, did you permanently install the third battery, or merely use it as a booster?

 

I had a similar problem. In my case I went ahead and replaced the glow plugs and glow plug controler, and haven't had any problems since. Actually it starts better than ever. It only cost about $180, and about three hours. Really simple in my '95 F350. I have 145000 miles or so, and wasn't sure if they had been done, as I picked it up at 114000, but like I said, it was simple and pretty inexpensive enough. Hopefully, it will now last many more miles.

 

Had a similar problem with my 94 psd. Except mine was a worn out starter. Just wase'nt cranking her fast enough.

 

Quadzilla, I used it as a booster only. Sorry, for the bad terminology of 'added'. I just yanked it out and took it to the psd and hooked up with jumper cables. It's back in the mustang now. I usually always carry a used spare battery with me in my other vehicles, but I haven't in the psd. It has always started & ran great until this quick 5 gallon fill up. I think I better cap one and shove under tool box this winter, especially before any trips.