Hi all and thanks for any guidance.

I have to start by saying my participation is very limited here due to a very slow dial up which is all I can get and all the banners that cause the site to take for ever on every click!

I have an '02 Super duty with 7.3 diesel and 40K miles now.
Last winter I started having cold start problems.

I bought a DVD, Ford Motor Company, Factory Service Manual Data 2000-2003.

Too bad I am a bit challenged with software and can't find squat on this DVD.

Anyway, I think I might want to replace the glo plugs before the cold sets in.

No problems at all starting in above 30 degree temps and when it is below I plug it in a few hours before start up, have it on a timer.

I would like someone to point me to a thread here about this proceedure that might outline what parts to purchase and the how to to get it done.
I am no real mechanic but quite comfortable with tools and do most of my own maint.
Please let me know if special tools are needed or if there are pitfalls I might encounter doing this job. There might even be other factors causing hard cold starting but with just 40,000 miles I suspect the G plugs to be the problem.

All input is welcome and appreciated.

Thanks

Gary

 

That's low mileage for your truck to have glow plugs go out. I'd start with something easier first, like the glow plug relay (GPR). That tends to fail much quicker that the plugs themselves. I've gone through 2 already and my truck is the same year as yours (well, more than twice the miles though). A new GPR can be found at Napa for $25. You'll have to ask for the cheaper one since they'll want to sell you an identical one with a longer warranty for more than twice the price.

If you are looking at the top of your engine, go over to the passenger's side of the fuel bowl, and you'll see two brown solenoids that look like starter relays from older cars. The first one is for the air intake heater, the second one up is the glow plug relay. There are two larger terminals and two small terminals. Just swap it out. Just be careful and don't drop any of the nuts down in the engine valley, you'll never find it again.

Also if you post in the 7.3L forum in the future your post will get more hits and more responses. Good luck and hope this helps you.

 

Thanks Pocket, Will locate a cheap GPR in the next few days and switch it first.

Was thinking this is too soon for G plugs but just don't know. As you can probably tell, my truck does allot of sitting in the driveway unless I need to pull the trailer.

Will try to copy/paste this in the 7.3 forum.

Gary