Wont start still.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,976
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From: Rep. of Texas
Wont start still.
Turboed 93 350 with 5 speed if it helps.
Well I just installed my rebuilt starter, but it still wont start on its own. It tuurns over, but wont start. The voltage gauge shows about 8-9v, which used to be enough to get it going. So I pop the clutch and it runs fine, batteries charge up to 13-14v. Checked the water level in the batts. but its all right. If I let it run for 5 minute and then turn it off, it'll start again. Wait a day or two and it wont. The starter solenoid doesnt get hot, or at least didnt tonight when I tried for about 15 seconds, I was told that has relevance to this. One thing I notice that I know is not good is the glow plug relay box (I think, but it has wires going to it and a vented, open plastic cover on it that says 'Dont Jump Here') smokes a little when I try to crank it.
Anyone know where to start and how long itll take to fix?
Sorry if I dont check back for 4 or 5 days, but schools kinda hard this year with AP courses, taking a lot of time.
Well I just installed my rebuilt starter, but it still wont start on its own. It tuurns over, but wont start. The voltage gauge shows about 8-9v, which used to be enough to get it going. So I pop the clutch and it runs fine, batteries charge up to 13-14v. Checked the water level in the batts. but its all right. If I let it run for 5 minute and then turn it off, it'll start again. Wait a day or two and it wont. The starter solenoid doesnt get hot, or at least didnt tonight when I tried for about 15 seconds, I was told that has relevance to this. One thing I notice that I know is not good is the glow plug relay box (I think, but it has wires going to it and a vented, open plastic cover on it that says 'Dont Jump Here') smokes a little when I try to crank it.
Anyone know where to start and how long itll take to fix?
Sorry if I dont check back for 4 or 5 days, but schools kinda hard this year with AP courses, taking a lot of time.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 1
From: Prince George, B.C.
Pull the vented cap off the controller and see how many wires have melted and check for bad connections, you may need a new engine wiring harness or just run a new 4 Ga. wire from the solenoid to the controller and unhook the 2 8 or 10 Ga. ones. I am guessing that they are what is smoking, also if the batteries are dead every morning check for shorts and/or if needed replace the bateries.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
First problem.
Go get the batteries load tested. It is important that the positive wire be removed from both batteries before you test them though.
No tester on the market can test both batteries at once.
Most parts house people do not know this, they are used to one battery vehicles.
Second problem.
Check all the glow plugs with a test light.
Hook the ground clip on a positive battery terminal, remove the wire on the glow plug, touch the circuit tester probe to the glow plug terminal. No light means bad glow plug.
Also find and fix the loose or bad connection on the glow plug controller relay.
You have to remove the air filter housing to get to several glow plugs, there are two under the turbo that are real hard to get to.
Checking or replacing glow plugs is the only time I wish I did not have a turbo.
Go get the batteries load tested. It is important that the positive wire be removed from both batteries before you test them though.
No tester on the market can test both batteries at once.
Most parts house people do not know this, they are used to one battery vehicles.
Second problem.
Check all the glow plugs with a test light.
Hook the ground clip on a positive battery terminal, remove the wire on the glow plug, touch the circuit tester probe to the glow plug terminal. No light means bad glow plug.
Also find and fix the loose or bad connection on the glow plug controller relay.
You have to remove the air filter housing to get to several glow plugs, there are two under the turbo that are real hard to get to.
Checking or replacing glow plugs is the only time I wish I did not have a turbo.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
I posted a few things I have had to do to get a vehicle started.
I have had my share of hard starting 7.3L.
I am not 100% sure you can search by username, but if you find the stuff I have posted, youe'll have a good start on where to focus in the future.
For now, sure sounds like the glow plug relay controller is gone.
When you have the key on, and the wait to start light goes off, does the voltage cycle up and down (on the dash mounted volt meter)? Also, you might even be able to hear the clicking.
If you don't have those things, then the controller is bad for sure.
I have had my share of hard starting 7.3L.
I am not 100% sure you can search by username, but if you find the stuff I have posted, youe'll have a good start on where to focus in the future.
For now, sure sounds like the glow plug relay controller is gone.
When you have the key on, and the wait to start light goes off, does the voltage cycle up and down (on the dash mounted volt meter)? Also, you might even be able to hear the clicking.
If you don't have those things, then the controller is bad for sure.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: newfoundland canada
If you can count the revolutions when its turning then its turning too slow.You should have close to 200rpm when cranking.You could also try plugging it in a couple of hours before the 1st start,if it fires right up dig into the gp system(sounds like you need to do that anyway)if it does not fire up then have your starter and related conponents tested.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
The clicking is not necessarily meaning the system is working properly. Could still have some bad glow plugs. When my 88 showed 8-9 volts on the guage, it just wasnt enought to crank it fast enough with the draw from the glow plug system. Try plugging in the block heater and see if it starts easier after 2 hours of warming the block. Hard starting after a nights rest could be letting the fuel run out of the system, check the return line system and also the lift pump for any leaks. The head gasket being out does not help, it could be taking on water so be careful you dont lock it up or bend a connecting rod. Catching it in gear to start is an iffy situation if a cylinder is full of water. Hope this steers you in the right direction. I would definitely check the water level before I try starting, even cranking the engine.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Rep. of Texas
The cylinder wouldnt be full of water because its turning over. None of the wires on the relay system are melted. I think its the glow plug(s) below the turbo. How much do 8 new glow plugs cost? Those and head gaskets and it might run...hopefully. Unless it cavitated, then Im screwed.
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Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Rep. of Texas
It doesnt start by jumping, or at least didnt last time. Starts by poping the clutch.
Yeah Ive only tried to start it 3 times so I dont need a new starter, making it my 4th (really just the original another one that was new and is now rebuilt)
Yeah Ive only tried to start it 3 times so I dont need a new starter, making it my 4th (really just the original another one that was new and is now rebuilt)