How Long Before Starting
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: IOWA
There should be a light on your dash that says 'wait to start', it will be on for a few seconds and then go out, after that you should be good to start. Usually depends on how cold it is, the colder it is the longer you'll have to wait. I'm not sure, but when the light goes out, it doesn't mean that the glow plugs have quit heating, so if you sit there a little longer, I think they will still keep heating. And if not, you can turn your key on, let the light go out, turn it off and on again. And if it's cold enough it always helps to plug your truck in, it'll make it a lot easier to start.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle
Chad;
If you watch your ammeter you should see it go way over into the discharge side of the gauge. This, not your "wait to start" lite, is a correct indication of the glow plugs turned on. If it is cold enough, and you wait a couple of minutes the gauge will return to approximately center - glow plugs should now be off.
Observe this operation - it may be helpful in the future when you are trying to troubleshoot a hard to start problem. If you catch enough clues when your truck is operating properly it helps you see when something is wrong.
If you watch your ammeter you should see it go way over into the discharge side of the gauge. This, not your "wait to start" lite, is a correct indication of the glow plugs turned on. If it is cold enough, and you wait a couple of minutes the gauge will return to approximately center - glow plugs should now be off.
Observe this operation - it may be helpful in the future when you are trying to troubleshoot a hard to start problem. If you catch enough clues when your truck is operating properly it helps you see when something is wrong.
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From: Seattle
Originally Posted by Craze
..., not your "wait to start" lite, is a correct indication of the glow plugs turned on.
sorry.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by zog02
I was reading my ford diesel supplement to my 02 PSD. It says the plugs will shut off after 2 min. So I believe you can leave it "keyed" to long.
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2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
2001 400ex SportTrax
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0PSD TSA SC SB
2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
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From: IOWA
Originally Posted by Craze
Uh, didn't really mean that this is wrong farmb0y, I just ment to clarify that the "wait to start" is just an indicator.
sorry.
sorry.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
When I've bench tested glow plugs they are red hot within seconds. I would say waiting for the WTS light to go out is quite adequite. Any more than that and IMO you're just overstressing the glow plugs. I don't know if they are set to turn off as soon as the engine is running though. Anybody know?
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From: central ohio
cold start
I am the proud owner of a 1995 F250 with the PSD. The temperature is dropping some and I am having a tough time getting started in the morning. The owners manual states that the veh should be plugged in if temp falls below zero degress F!!! Can this be correct???? I may have a fuel injection situation also because i have copious amount of white smoke once i get the engine started.
HOw much pedal should I give when starting?? Half way down???? an inch or two????? The vehicle is parked outside and I am concerned that things are just going to get worse as the snow starts to fly. This is my first diesel engine so thanks for everybodies patience as I learn my way around my PSD
HOw much pedal should I give when starting?? Half way down???? an inch or two????? The vehicle is parked outside and I am concerned that things are just going to get worse as the snow starts to fly. This is my first diesel engine so thanks for everybodies patience as I learn my way around my PSD
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by krija
I am the proud owner of a 1995 F250 with the PSD. The temperature is dropping some and I am having a tough time getting started in the morning. The owners manual states that the veh should be plugged in if temp falls below zero degress F!!! Can this be correct???? I may have a fuel injection situation also because i have copious amount of white smoke once i get the engine started.
HOw much pedal should I give when starting?? Half way down???? an inch or two????? The vehicle is parked outside and I am concerned that things are just going to get worse as the snow starts to fly. This is my first diesel engine so thanks for everybodies patience as I learn my way around my PSD
HOw much pedal should I give when starting?? Half way down???? an inch or two????? The vehicle is parked outside and I am concerned that things are just going to get worse as the snow starts to fly. This is my first diesel engine so thanks for everybodies patience as I learn my way around my PSD
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by krija
.....HOw much pedal should I give when starting?? Half way down???? an inch or two?????
I don't know where I read or heard this, but you're not supposed to depress the accelerator while starting (or attempting to). It's bad for the engine. All I know is some part of the engine (I'm assuming the fuel pump) does all the work.
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From: wichita kansas
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
When I've bench tested glow plugs they are red hot within seconds. I would say waiting for the WTS light to go out is quite adequite. Any more than that and IMO you're just overstressing the glow plugs. I don't know if they are set to turn off as soon as the engine is running though. Anybody know?