Hard Start??
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,026
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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
Glow plugs? Do you let them cycle each and everytime, even in the summer? Next time it won't start try running the cycle 4 or 5 times. I know if they are not cycled during warm months they will carbon up and not work properly when really needed.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 122
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From: La Grange, TX
Adding into the questions here.... Have a 2001 PSD. F350. As we finally got cool weather(35-50 in the mornings) my truck is also hard to start. I normally let the plug light cycle off almost every time I start it all year long(not 100% though) and now I'm letting it cycle off and then counting to 30. It still cranks a long time before starting. My batteries are not new, but seem in good shape.
Am wondering how to trouble shoot this?? Plug it in at nite and see how it starts?? Then what does that tell me.
Need to know what to look for. Will go home and try to cycle the glow plugs 4-6 times and see if things get any better.
If not how do I know its glow plugs and how to replace, cost, time, effort etc....??
I do have a bully dog tuner set on max HP(best fuel mileage from my testing)
Thanks, Jeff
Am wondering how to trouble shoot this?? Plug it in at nite and see how it starts?? Then what does that tell me.
Need to know what to look for. Will go home and try to cycle the glow plugs 4-6 times and see if things get any better.
If not how do I know its glow plugs and how to replace, cost, time, effort etc....??
I do have a bully dog tuner set on max HP(best fuel mileage from my testing)
Thanks, Jeff
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 30
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Originally Posted by rost495
Adding into the questions here.... Have a 2001 PSD. F350. As we finally got cool weather(35-50 in the mornings) my truck is also hard to start. I normally let the plug light cycle off almost every time I start it all year long(not 100% though) and now I'm letting it cycle off and then counting to 30. It still cranks a long time before starting. My batteries are not new, but seem in good shape.
Am wondering how to trouble shoot this?? Plug it in at nite and see how it starts?? Then what does that tell me.
Need to know what to look for. Will go home and try to cycle the glow plugs 4-6 times and see if things get any better.
If not how do I know its glow plugs and how to replace, cost, time, effort etc....??
I do have a bully dog tuner set on max HP(best fuel mileage from my testing)
Thanks, Jeff
Am wondering how to trouble shoot this?? Plug it in at nite and see how it starts?? Then what does that tell me.
Need to know what to look for. Will go home and try to cycle the glow plugs 4-6 times and see if things get any better.
If not how do I know its glow plugs and how to replace, cost, time, effort etc....??
I do have a bully dog tuner set on max HP(best fuel mileage from my testing)
Thanks, Jeff
Check your Glow Plug solinoid. I found mine to be non-functioning last night on my 01 psd. I jumped it with a screwdriver and it fired right up.
Tim
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Fleet Owner
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good functioning glow plug system for starting these engines.
If all eight are heating properly you will be able to start the engine cold in -20F weather without having to plug it in or spray it.
If all eight are heating properly you will be able to start the engine cold in -20F weather without having to plug it in or spray it.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 122
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From: La Grange, TX
Update on mine. FYI. Went home to cycle the glow plugs a few times and for the first time my battery gauge was reading about 9 volts..... Only turned it over for 20 seconds....
Pulled both batteries. They were Interstate batteries with 85 month warranty. Only about 24 months old. Problem is I can't get to Sams again so just have to go buy 2 new batteries. Maybe I can get credit later somehow.
Jeff
Pulled both batteries. They were Interstate batteries with 85 month warranty. Only about 24 months old. Problem is I can't get to Sams again so just have to go buy 2 new batteries. Maybe I can get credit later somehow.
Jeff
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 122
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From: La Grange, TX
Update on mine. Lost again. 190 bucks of batteries later, still hard to start.
do I just try to find the glow plug solenoid and put jumpers on it and see if that helps?? Seems like I replaced this thing same time I got new batteries last time too... IIRC.
Cycled the glow plugs this AM 4 times and still took a while to start. 51F only.
Thanks, Jeff
do I just try to find the glow plug solenoid and put jumpers on it and see if that helps?? Seems like I replaced this thing same time I got new batteries last time too... IIRC.
Cycled the glow plugs this AM 4 times and still took a while to start. 51F only.
Thanks, Jeff
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Rost495 it's your glow plug system. Sounds like your relay has failed again. It's mounted to the right of the fuel filter housing and would be the forward one of the two there. Jump the two large terminals with a screwdriver for 20 seconds and have your wife hit the starter. If you are by yourself, hit it for 30 seconds and hustle for the key. It will fire right away if the glow plug relay has failed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,250
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I started noticing my truck has become a little slugglish on the FIRST start of the day. It still fires right off on the second or third compression, but it sounds like its turning a little weak. After that, every start of the day is fine. It has new batteries and I replaced the cables. I thought it was the starter going out, but after the initial start of the day, it is fine. Am i being over paranoid Kwik? What should I keep an eye on just in case?