Help please 7.3 doesn't start easily

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Mar 5, 2005 | 06:53 AM

dablyk

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Help please 7.3 doesn't start easily

Hi there, sorry for my english and for my strange problems.
I am from Cyech republic in Europe and I have 2002 F550 XLT Super Duty with 7.3 power stroke. It is real rarity here.
When it was warm weather in September everything was ok, but now it is about 14 degrees of Fahrenheit and I have problem to start. I have no experience with this car and I have not the 7.3 power stroke users manual.
I can see that the glow indicator lamp is lighting when I switch on the ignition, after about 30 seconds it is stop lighting and I think that I can start. Everythink looks ok, starter is new and working properly, but engine is not running...

any hints please? what can I check? where can I get 7.3 power stroke manual?

thanks for any help

Mar 5, 2005 | 09:25 AM

John Kass

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I would start by checking your glow plugs and glowplug relay. I was having the same problem, turns out I had 6 bad glow plugs and a bad relay. I changed them last week now the truck starts great even in 5 degree weather. good luck

Mar 5, 2005 | 09:53 AM

barebackjake

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From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!

heres a great artical on the glow plug system and how to make it work great
you will have to cut and paste the link
http://andersonimprovements.com/hobb...sandrelay.html

Mar 5, 2005 | 10:39 AM

dablyk

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ok thanks

thanks boys
I will check it, i thought that the problem has to be with glowing system, but I had no information about this system.

do you have any idea where can I get 7.3 power stroke manual?
it would be nice to have it, otherwise I can lost in that engine bay..

Last edited by dablyk; Mar 5, 2005 at 10:42 AM.

Mar 5, 2005 | 05:54 PM

pdkloste

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From: Yakima, WA

Also check your battery condition. If you have one weak battery, it can keep the injectors from firing.

Mar 5, 2005 | 07:49 PM

Pocket

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From: Parker, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdkloste

Also check your battery condition. If you have one weak battery, it can keep the injectors from firing.

Yes, start with the easy stuff first. Battery would be the first suspect on my list. Disconnect the batteries and test them individually.

You can then proceed to check the glow plugs and harness.

Also, just something that you could check. When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? I only ask since you don't have an owners manual and I'm not sure if you know when to replace them. Usually every 15,000 miles (~24,000 km) for normal maintenance. An old, dirty fuel filter will make your engine run sluggish and sometimes poor cranking.

Another tip and this is what I do when it's really cold out. After the glow plug light on the dash goes out, the glow plugs themselves are still on and will run for up to 2 minutes. Turn the key, let the glow plugs cycle for about 2 minutes, then turn the key to off, then back on again. You can choose to cycle the glow plugs again for 30 seconds or longer, but when you crank, it will probably be easier to start. When I do this in cold weather (under 15 degrees F), my truck cranks in less than 3 seconds and idles normal.

Anyway, hope this helps you. Nice to see we have some European friends visit from time to time

Mar 5, 2005 | 07:53 PM

Ed Willmott

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Check out eBay.com for the owners manual. It might take awhile but someone will sell one somewhere!

Mar 13, 2005 | 11:01 AM

barryw

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Hard Starting

I had the same problem and the solution is to change the glow plugs control solenoid. This item turns on the glow plugs. The solenoid is under the cover next to the fuel filter on the left. Change that, should cost about $20.00 US. IT fixed my problem. I spoke with a diesel guy and he said that the injectors are good for many.. many .. many miles.

Try this first it should work