Glow Plugs
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Vincennes, IN
Glow Plugs
I have an 89 7.3 Diesel. Now that winter is coming on, its hard to start after sitting in the school lot for approx 7 - 8 hours (at approx 30 degrees). Its fine in the morning because I plug it in. My question is, how do I know when my glow plugs are worn out? Do they progressively get worse or do they just suddenly quit? What else could be causing my engine to be hard to start? As I understand glow plugs are fairly pricey, so I don't want to replace them and then that not be the problem. Thanks a bunch!
Also, any tips on starting a cold engine or how to keep it from getting cold while not accessible to an outlet would be appreciated.
Also, any tips on starting a cold engine or how to keep it from getting cold while not accessible to an outlet would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 371
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From: West Columbia, SC
Glow Plugs
the symptoms you described sound like a glow plug problem. Usually the relay goes 1st, but if youve never replaced the glow plugs, They may be the problem. To check the relay, turn key on use a test light you should have power on both sides of the relay if you only have power on one the relay is the culprit, if you dont have power at either, check wiring or fuses. hope this helps.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Vincennes, IN
Glow Plugs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-Jan-03 AT 05:15 PM (EST)]Just now got a chance to test the glow plugs. I did not have an ohmmeter handy but was told a test light was just as good, so thats what I used. Two of the plugs were burnt out. Would two burnt out be enough to cause the problems mentioned above (hard starting after sitting in 50 degree temperatures with excessive white smoke)? Thanks again
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Vincennes, IN
Glow Plugs
I apologize for my ignorance, I'm new to this diesel engine game. 
Can you please elaborate on your reply above? What exactly do I need to look for to determine the cause of the two plugs burning out? Could they have just burnt out from "old age"? If I replace these two are they just going to burn right out again?
Again, sorry for being so ignorant.
Can you please elaborate on your reply above? What exactly do I need to look for to determine the cause of the two plugs burning out? Could they have just burnt out from "old age"? If I replace these two are they just going to burn right out again?
Again, sorry for being so ignorant.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 371
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From: West Columbia, SC
Glow Plugs
forgive me for my igonorance. I didnt see that the truck was an 89 Model. I suppose they have never been changed. What exactly did the 2 look like. If just the tips were burnt you can just replace the 2. I would however go ahead and replace all 8 but i dont know what kind of a budget you are on. If you can do it you may try the relay(controller) too.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3
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From: Sundance
Glow Plugs
I have a 96 PSD and it also starts hard if it's colder (30 degrees). Sometimes it has to be pluged in before it starts. I'm thinking it's the glow plugs but not 100% sure. It starts fine on warmer days, Has good power and runs great. It has 109,000 miles. I bought it with 72,000 and never changed them yet.
My question is, how hard is it to change the glowplugs. Any special tools? Any tips would be helpful. Thanks. WyJoe
My question is, how hard is it to change the glowplugs. Any special tools? Any tips would be helpful. Thanks. WyJoe
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 371
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From: West Columbia, SC
Glow Plugs
The tools i recommend are: 13mm swivel socket to take the valve covers off, 13mm short for the rear ones, Air wratchet (isnt a must but HELPS ALOT), regular metric sockets 3/8 or 1/4 drive, i use a deep well 10mm or 11mm 1/4 drive to R+R the glow plugs out after removing the connector of course. some people use anti-seize on the threads of the glow plugs, i havent yet, but you can if you want. Just dont get any on either end. Altogether its not a bad job. Air tools do make the job alot easier.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Royse City TX
Glow Plugs
so happy all I need to do on my 91 is pop the air intake bowl off and use a single deep socket 10mm to change my glow plugs...
I changed teh ahrness this year (*never been changed and it was corroded in a few places) runs nice since..I stillhaqve other issues, but not related to glow plugs.
I changed teh ahrness this year (*never been changed and it was corroded in a few places) runs nice since..I stillhaqve other issues, but not related to glow plugs.
New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3
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From: Sundance
Glow Plugs
Hey guys. Thanks for the info! It's nice to get replies back quickly. I'll be changing them this weekend.
Are there any certain brands that seem to last longer or any that are just not worth putting in. Thanks again!
Are there any certain brands that seem to last longer or any that are just not worth putting in. Thanks again!
New User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Mission Canada
Glow Plugs
I have a 94 7.3 and i know the system is a little different than mine. I was having problems with starting and found out it was the glow plug timer. Then i found out i had some glow plugs burnt out. Changed it all and works great.
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