Hey all, I am new to these boards and definitely like what I see. I bought a 99 F250 w/auto tranny over the weekend. This is my 2nd Powerstroke, the other was a 95 F250 with a 5 speed manual. I sold it due to the fact it went through 2 flywheels and 3 clutches in 9 months. I wound up getting a Chevy and was disappointed by how underpowered it was. Traded it off on this 99 F250. My question is about the glow plugs. First, do they stay on and continue to warm the air eventhough the "wait to start" light goes off? And if so, for how long? Also, after driving for a while and turning it off, and then starting it after 15-30 minutes of being in the parking lot(engine is still plenty warm from the trip to town), is it necessary to cycle the plugs, or is it ok to just fire it up?
I ask this because the 95 F250 kept frying the glow plug relay, so I never really used the plugs(got tired of replacing the relay). I just plugged it in everynight, and it fired no problem in the morning. Had to carry a can of ether at all times in the winter though. It wouldn't fire if it sat a few hours in 10-20 degree weather.
Anyway, any replies will be appreciated.

 

The glow plug relay will provide current to the plugs for 120 seconds total. Even when warm, I still wait for the light to go off before starting. DO NOT EVER USE ETHER!!!! Ether can hit the warm glow plugs while the valve is still open on the intake stroke and grenade the engine!! If it's cold, I usually wait about a minute after the light goes off to start the engine and it fires up just fine.

 

Thank you JMorton for your reply. I knew not to use either on the 95 F250, but since the relay wasn't working I figured it wouldn't hurt anything to squirt. I definitely won't be putting ether in this "new" PSD. Thanks again.

 

To clarify this point, the glow plug relay CAN provide current for an extended time but when the engine is warm it doesn't stay on for the entire time. Check your battery meter and you can tell when they go off.

 

Hello, I also have a 99 F250 wich does not start at all if it is not plugged for at least 4 hrs... After reading here I suspect (!) the plugs relay... How can I manage to replace it ? Is there anywhere to get this information ?? Cause you know, getting a relay out of it's connector and putting a new one should'nt be that hard.... Once you can put you hand on it!!

Thanks!

 

Here's a pick that show the location of the glow plug relay:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...7814cZOLspiYVv

Most auto parts stores will have the part.

 

The relay looks like an old, fender mounted Ford starter Solenoid, sits right on top center of the engine towards the passenger side valve cover. Piece of cake to replace.

 

it is neccesary to wait for the light to go off, it helps the computer sort of regain its composure. Because it is electronic and not mechanical the engine forgets where it left off when it was shut down, and takes the time to not only warm the cylinders and help find out where the engine is in the rotation

 

That's the first I've ever heard of this.

I always wait for my light to go off anyway.