How much is too much?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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How much is too much?
My truck doesn't like to start when it's cold out and the heater's not plugged in. How much cranking is too much? I'll crank it over for about 10 or 15 seconds (with my foot to the floor on the gas), stop for about 30, try again for about 10 or 15 seconds again, then stop for about a minute. Usually on the third try it'll start up (while feathering the gas to coax it). I know starters for these things aren't cheap, and just wondered if there was a better way (besides plugging'er in, since that's not an option right now). Winter's over, so I'm not too worried anymore, just wanted to get opinions/knowledge.
I know the starting instructions over the visor say not to crank for more than 30 seconds, but even 30 seconds seems really long to me. Could I crank for 30 seconds w/o shortening the life of the starter big-time?
I know the starting instructions over the visor say not to crank for more than 30 seconds, but even 30 seconds seems really long to me. Could I crank for 30 seconds w/o shortening the life of the starter big-time?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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How are your glow plugs? That would be the next "first thing" I'd check.
Use Motorcraft/Beru ZD-9's $9.99 at autozone.
Do a search on this forum on tips to use when replacing them. Well worth it.
I'd be suprised if your truck does not start better.
Use Motorcraft/Beru ZD-9's $9.99 at autozone.
Do a search on this forum on tips to use when replacing them. Well worth it.
I'd be suprised if your truck does not start better.
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While you're cranking the engine over, watch your exhaust pipe in the rear view mirror. When the engine finally starts, is there a big (BIG) black cloud of smoke that takes several seconds to go away? Or, is there a bit of smoke that clears quickly? A lot of smoke - look to your glow plugs for a problem. Not much smoke - your injector pump is losing its prime. Look for traces of fuel around the pump, then start checking for wet spots on the fuel lines between the pump and the tank.
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The WTS light stays on for maybe 5 seconds the first time I go to start it. After cranking though, it'll stay on for a second or two the next time I turn it over.
When it finally does start, yes, there is a big cloud of black/blue smoke that takes a few seconds to go away. Guess I should learn how to replace the glowplugs, ehy?
Thanks for the added info ontop of how to extend starter life... or at least how to not end it prematurely.
When it finally does start, yes, there is a big cloud of black/blue smoke that takes a few seconds to go away. Guess I should learn how to replace the glowplugs, ehy?
Thanks for the added info ontop of how to extend starter life... or at least how to not end it prematurely.
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That would be my guess. The biggest hassle with changing GPs is if they are swollen on the end, they can be a real PAIN to get out without breaking off that tip into the pre-cup/cyl. Then you have to pull the head off to get the tip. Otherwise when you turn over the engine, you will destroy the pisron, rod, etc. mega $$ now.
Do a search on GP R&R. There are numerous threads on the topic. Will give you more info and tips than I can possibly remember to type out here.
Take your time!!!!
Good luck.
Do a search on GP R&R. There are numerous threads on the topic. Will give you more info and tips than I can possibly remember to type out here.
Take your time!!!!
Good luck.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Check out www.members.shaw.ca/k2pilot/
There are tips on how to change gps and other useful stuff. Do not use anything other than Motorcraft/beru gps. Good luck with it.
There are tips on how to change gps and other useful stuff. Do not use anything other than Motorcraft/beru gps. Good luck with it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Huntington Indiana
Yes in cold weather the wts will stay on for 20 seconds if it is about 15 outside. I believe your problem is the glow plugs are about gone. I have had to replace the glow plug controler twice ond the glow plugs twice in 198000 miles. Starts right up in 15 degree weather. The starters are very expensive to replace even with a rebuild.
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