cold start-up question
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
sounds to me like a fuel related problem, (plug it in, the engine gets warm, the wax in the filter loosens up and she will fire off) if it took you two hours to get it started even if your glowplugs were not working the cylinders would still be plenty warm by then to ignite the fuel. I have seen psd's start at 20 degree's with NO glowplug use and it only took about 15 seconds of cranking. I would look into a new fuel filter when you get your glow plugs and a new relay for the glow plugs. do the filter first that might fix it and save you time and money.
Diesel rod
Diesel rod
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Reading,PA
I think that bang may fuel in the combustion chamber exploding when the glow plug heats up. Just a shot in the dark. Yeah I agree, check your GPR first easiest place to start. Napa part#Gpr109. Only about 22 bucks.
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Bothell
Hey everyone,
On the same line.... I have a 2001 7.3 with 95k and I'm anticipating the upcoming winter. I live on the WEST side of the mountains (close to seattle), so it doesn't get nearly as cold....but often in the low 30's, and occasional upper 20's where I'm at.
What should I be doing with my rig as a start procedure on these cold days?
Note: I'm already planning on switching to 10w30 synthetic.
Thanks
On the same line.... I have a 2001 7.3 with 95k and I'm anticipating the upcoming winter. I live on the WEST side of the mountains (close to seattle), so it doesn't get nearly as cold....but often in the low 30's, and occasional upper 20's where I'm at.
What should I be doing with my rig as a start procedure on these cold days?
Note: I'm already planning on switching to 10w30 synthetic.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Baltimore
When I had my 03 Super Duty, I used Rotella T synthetic 5w-40. When cold just turn the key on until the glow plug light goes out then just fire it up. I didn't use the block heater. It didn't seem to do much for starting or warming up.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
The wait to start light isn't connected to the glow plugs in any way. It is, in fact, an idiot light. The PCM determines how long the glow plugs should run based on oil temperature and barometric pressure. I would 1) check that the glow plug relay is working properly, 2) ohm out the glow plugs and at least r&r any that are shot, 3) add an led light to the glow plug relay so you know when it is actually working (or not). Finally, I would switch to a full syn 5-40 oil.
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