Greetings. I thought I would ask this group since you guys pin pointed a concern ago about an oil leak (it wasn't a leak - just carelessness from the shop that changed the oil).

I have been having hard starts, with some (at times a lot) white smoke from my 2002 PSD at start up. I am assuming I have a bad glow plug or two...if I cycle it a few times, it will fire, but if it is around 30 degrees or less...it gets hard. No problems at all if I plug in.

I also assume there is no harm driving the unit with this problem (no other issues once it is running) except the fear of it stranding me (it is an RV) but otherwise, it still can be used correct? Also, assuming it is a plug and not heh relay, I should tell the dealer to replace them all correct?

Dealer I am now using is Cowles in VA and I am really pleased with their service...that said, any clue what having them change all eight plugs should run me ball park figure? I assume the plugs themselves will be about $100...how much time will it take them?

Thanks again...truly enjoy learning about my motor even though currently not in a place where I can work on it myself...
Cheers,
Matt

 

Matt, have you read through this thread yet:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=421710

It discusses a lot of the wintertime hard starting & white smoke issues, as well as how to diagnose whether it's a glow plug or the GPR. The thread also gives you reccomendations on glow plugs and prices. Hopefully that thread will be able to guide you through your problem. But, if not, don't be afraid to ask.

 

Indeed I did not. I had searched by glow plug...and not sure how I missed it since it is the first thread on the site...but I did.

Thanks - I will be bringing it in to the dealer next week...
Cheers,
Matt

 

Before I would take it to the dealer I would check two things.

1)check for corrosion on the glow plug relay connections. Clean if necessary.

2) check the Ohm rating of the glowplugs. This will tell you if you actually have a problem with a glowplug

Otherwise, expect to spend $500-$750 for new plugs - whether you need them or not
The procedures for doing the above are in this forum.

 

Like Ed said, having your glow plugs repalced will cost a lot of money. The glow plug relays fail far more frequently than the plugs themselves.

 

Yup, they are right......don't do like I did and replace the glow plugs only to find out it was the relay...newbie mistake I guess. Of course I wasn't on this site at that time....

 

Well...based on your guys input, I cancelled the appointment. Of course, it was 40 degrees today and it started right up...I did lay the screw driver across the two GPR posts (it did indeed spark) for probably five seconds (to be honest the sparking thing spooked me a bit which is why I stopped only after five seconds)...then went in and turned the key. I let the plug light go out and then still waited another 30 seconds...before turning it over. Fired right up, no white smoke.

So...since there are three factors...warmer temps, the fact I did short the circuit for a couple seconds and then allolwed the plugs to light off normally...I am not sure I did anything except assure myself that I now know what you guys are talking about and made me feel comfortable I will be able to diagnose this on my own (or at least part of the problem)..

I am heading to NY this weekend, and it will be in the 20's so I should have a real good chance to see if it is the GPR.

But, first I will try to turn the key and then wait another 30 seconds after the light goes out before trying...quite frankly, I am new at the diesel thing, and maybe I have been trying to start it too soon, as in when the light goes out, I usually turn it iver within five seconds.

You guys have armed me with enough to at least trouble shoot it on my own. Thank you very much! I will let you know how it goes!