I have a new 2001 PSD and it's my first ever deisel. If I forget to wait for the glow plugs before I crank the engine to start it is there a chance I can do any damage to my engine?

 

The glowplugs are just a starting aid, if it fires right up you'll be ok. I have mine on a switch and after the first start of the day I don't normally use them. What you want to avoid is excessive cranking, the starter is a high dollar replacement.



Alan

_____________________________
95 C350-4x4,PSD,4-Door Bronco(Huh?),49K,auto,AIC,switched glow plugs,switched TC lock-up,4.10,Banks PowerPack,straight piped,Mobile-1 gearboxes,Rotella,BFG AT's 295/75/16

 

You will not hurt your engine, although it may run rough when it starts because the fuel will not ignite properly without glowplugs. Also you will cause wear on the starter/batteries due to longer cranking intervals. You should also make it a habit to warm your diesel for about 5 minutes before driving away, this will save wear and tear on the engine.

 

Hi, you will also notice a puff of black smoke when it does start from the excess pumped in during the first try.
John (FATFORTY)

 

No damage will happen if you don't wait for the"wait to start light" to go off , however as stated you may crank much longer. You should get blue smoke at start up due to the lack if heat to ignite the fuel. Warming the engine til you feel heat from the heater or see the temp gauge start to move is best before you drive,then drive the truck EASY until at operating tempurature. Running diesels cold wears them out FAST! No ignition so they require heat....Les

 

I don't know how much I gain by doing this,but occasionally when it's real cold I will hold the gas pedal down and crank a couple turns prior to letting the glow plugs work. MY THOUGHT: since the 8 cyl's are at different positions, half are 1/2 or less capacity the others are 1/2 or more, having a little fuel in the cyl. the heat might just do more warming. I have had diesels that started much harder the the IH 6.9/7.3. Such as PEUGEOT,TOYOTA and C***y the latter didn't like to start in the summer without the glow plugs. good luck with your new truck PHIL

 

You can do whatever you want with the accelerator pedal and it won't have any effect on anything until it starts. The injectors control the fuel and are controled by the computer. They won't give you anymore fuel than the computer is programed to give you until it senses that the engine has started and is running.